2009 Ford Flex
Jul 21st, 2008 by gmoran
Doug Newcomb’s article on MSN Autos about the new 2009 Ford Flex was the first I’ve read that seemed to find its way to the subject of fuel economy ala June 2008’s new consumer attitudes toward cars and gas. Before $140 a barrel, we leaned toward fuel efficiency. Since then, we demand it. Mr. Newcomb wrote a great review of what he calls a “people mover” with a boxy style like the Scion xB but way cooler and a Mini Coopers two tone roof scheme. But he wound up at the same place I did with my last blog. The 2009 Ford Flex, $28-$34,000, is sleek and powerful with 3 row seating and a 3.5-liter 24-valve Duratec V6 that puts out 262 hp. Powertrain Part 2 is a 6-speed automatic transmission with a wide span of gear ratios to provide acceleration at the lower end and economy in 6th overdrive. However, it is rated at 16/24 mpg (city/hwy)for FWD models and 17/22 for the AWD versions. Doug’s conclusion; “Flex buyers are going to have to vastly value style over fuel economy to go for a vehicle with an MPG rating that dips into the teens. But if you need a car that can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers, there are few that can do it with the style and substance of the new Ford Flex.”