Seating Position
There was one thing I never did get used to on the Flex and that was onceinside, I had a formal, near truck like, up right seating position. The Flex is nowhere near the distance from the ground that a truck is, but every time I got out, I expected my leg to go down another foot or so. This issue seemed to be mine alone as no one else had this problem, but it was weird.
I suspect that part of the reason for my feelings is that the instrument panel is definitely Ford and the Wood grain trim with leather interior (including heated front seats) is definitely XLT and reminds me of being in an Explorer or Expedition. In fact the whole interior layout reeks of quality and comfort and convenience.
Cargo Space
I find that the true test of cargo space is going for groceries. With two twenty-something's at home, my grocery shop for a week is a sight to make store management jump for joy. The Flex carried everything and had room to spare for a few other odds and ends like two large bags of dog food picked up earlier. You learn to appreciate things like single lever folding seats and power rear lift gates when you've got a 50 lb bag of dog food on your shoulder.
Driving Fun
Driving the Flex was kind of fun. It is a whole lot faster than it looks, so getting the jump on other drivers was pretty easy. The Flex is also so comfortable and quiet that going down the road can produce so very high speeds unless you watch the speedo or better yet, set the cruise. I was continually going about 15 to 20 mph faster than I planned.
In town, visibility is great. Those flat sides let you keep all four corners in sight, so backing up or parking should never be an issue. At themall the only parking issue to come up was that when I came out, I couldn't find the Flex because there was a ¾ ton on each side.
When it comes to off road abilities, the Flex isn't a rock crawler, but cango down a cottage trail or cow path with ease. There is enough groundclearance that nothing bottoms out when going over small rocks or tree branches.
The All Wheel Drive Flex does better on more than a cottage road. I had afew rainy days to drive in and the AWD kept the car stable and comfortable.Even in some rather strong cross winds, the Flex tracked real well withlittle effort required on the steering wheel to stay centered in my lane.
There was one thing I never did get used to on the Flex and that was onceinside, I had a formal, near truck like, up right seating position. The Flex is nowhere near the distance from the ground that a truck is, but every time I got out, I expected my leg to go down another foot or so. This issue seemed to be mine alone as no one else had this problem, but it was weird.
I suspect that part of the reason for my feelings is that the instrument panel is definitely Ford and the Wood grain trim with leather interior (including heated front seats) is definitely XLT and reminds me of being in an Explorer or Expedition. In fact the whole interior layout reeks of quality and comfort and convenience.
Cargo Space
I find that the true test of cargo space is going for groceries. With two twenty-something's at home, my grocery shop for a week is a sight to make store management jump for joy. The Flex carried everything and had room to spare for a few other odds and ends like two large bags of dog food picked up earlier. You learn to appreciate things like single lever folding seats and power rear lift gates when you've got a 50 lb bag of dog food on your shoulder.
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| The Flex carried everything and had room to spare for a few other odds. |
Driving Fun
Driving the Flex was kind of fun. It is a whole lot faster than it looks, so getting the jump on other drivers was pretty easy. The Flex is also so comfortable and quiet that going down the road can produce so very high speeds unless you watch the speedo or better yet, set the cruise. I was continually going about 15 to 20 mph faster than I planned.
In town, visibility is great. Those flat sides let you keep all four corners in sight, so backing up or parking should never be an issue. At themall the only parking issue to come up was that when I came out, I couldn't find the Flex because there was a ¾ ton on each side.
When it comes to off road abilities, the Flex isn't a rock crawler, but cango down a cottage trail or cow path with ease. There is enough groundclearance that nothing bottoms out when going over small rocks or tree branches.
The All Wheel Drive Flex does better on more than a cottage road. I had afew rainy days to drive in and the AWD kept the car stable and comfortable.Even in some rather strong cross winds, the Flex tracked real well withlittle effort required on the steering wheel to stay centered in my lane.
photo:Charles Renny
