2009 Ford Flex

Call it a full-size station wagon if you will -- though Ford would prefer not to, opting for a full-size crossover moniker instead -- the Flex effectively fills the hole left by the Freestar minivan in Ford's line-up.

Available in SE, SEL and Limited trims, the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) is the newest in Ford's expanding and successful range of crossovers.

"The new Ford Flex crossover is a game-changer. It's the first vehicle of its kind that combines seating for seven, interior spaciousness and surprising features with a striking design that looks great on the road and at home for today's modern American families," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas, as he revealed the new vehicle at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. "The Flex builds on Ford's leadership in crossover vehicles, which is the fastest-growing part of the auto market today."

Powered by Ford's award-wining (it was on Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2007) 3.5L Duratec V6 engine making about 260hp, the boldly-styled people-mover will feature a standard seating capacity of six, with an optional split bench seat in the second row upping that number to seven. The only transmission option for now is a six-speed auto, suggesting relaxed highway cruising and associated fuel economy.

Because of the car's mission in life, safety is a huge part of the equation too, as the Flex sports Ford's AdvanceTrac with RSC electronic stability program across the range, along with six airbags.

The options list is long, presumably to suit the varying needs of families, and is comprised of niceties such as an interior refrigerator, second-row footrests, Ford Sync in-car communications and entertainment system, capless fueling, a 2,300-song MP3 player, voice-activated DVD navigation system, ceiling-mounted CD/DVD player, programmable ambient interior lighting and a Multi-Panel Vista Roof.

The Flex SE is equipped with the usual creature comforts such as power accessories and A/C, while the SEL adds Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, 10-way power heated driver's seat and six-way power heated passenger seat, EasyFold 2nd row seats, a six-CD Sirius Satellite radio and a brighter exterior thanks to some chrome accents. The range-topping Limited jazzes up the looks even more with larger, 19-inch polished wheels and even more chrome accents, heated and leather-trimmed seats in the first two rows, HID headlights and LED taillights, Ford's Sync Bluetooth- and digital audio device-interface system, and a Power Liftgate.