I’ve written about the “minivan stigma” before, which I’ve always felt was a bit undeserved. From a practical point of view the minivan is arguably the most efficient family-mover in existence, thanks to it’s voluminous cargo space, the ease and convenience of sliding doors, and relatively car-like handling and performance. That said, some people simply despise the thought of owning a minivan, so car manufacturers have taken notice. One of the reactions to this fear and loathing of minivans was the introduction of the 2009 Ford Flex, a new entry into the 6+ passenger crossover segment that attempts to combine some style with most of the traditional features that minivans offer. Did Ford manage to pull off the combination? Our answers and a full-length review after the jump.

Flex Those Features
The Flex I tested was the Limited edition, which was loaded with an impressive number of standard features. A 3.5L V6 engine—generating 263 hp @ 6,250rpm and 249 lb.-ft @ 4,500rpm—is the standard powerplant, mated to a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission. This particular model came equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), undoubtedly a popular option in my neck of the woods here in Northern Colorado.

The interior is nicely appointed, with leather trimmed and heated seats, woodgrain trim accents, and 2nd and 3rd row seats that fold flat for additional cargo space. Dual zone climate control helps keep multiple passengers in their comfort zones. I found the seats to be firm and supportive, with the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat making it easy to find the perfect seating position.

I can’t say the same for the steering wheel, which—in a “What were they thinking?” design fumble—doesn’t telescope, which could make finding a good driving position for drivers on the shorter and taller ends of the size spectrum a difficult proposition. (Note: Ford has apparently responded to this frequent complaint by adding a telescoping steering wheel to the 2010 Ford Flex.) Seating space in all three rows was ample, although storage space behind the 3rd row seats was a bit modest.

Our test vehicle came with a few extra amenities, including a Class III trailer tow package ($570), a panoramic vista roof ($1495), a 2nd row floor console ($100), a rear console refrigeration ($760), a navigation system ($2375), and a white two-tone roof ($395). Ford’s excellent Ford Sync system was also included, which I’ll cover in more detail in a paragraph or two.

The Flex is also loaded with safety features, including traction and stability control (AdvanceTrac w/RSC), driver, front passenger and side-curtain airbags, the LATCH child safety system and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2009 Flex also fared well is crash testing conducted by the NHTSA and IIHS, earning 5 out of 5 stars across all tests in the former and  “good” ratings in testing by the latter.

During our week-long test period with the Flex, we carted groceries, kids, pets, and relatives through a mix of different weather types, from clear days to rain and sleet.The highlight of our test our period was a day-long drive up to Estes Park, CO and the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.  Despite some super-sized dimensions—the Flex weighs in at a substantial 4700 lbs weight and sports a 117.9″ wheelbase and overall length of 202.3″—the 3.5L V6 managed to move the Flex up and down curvy mountain roads without any trouble. The Flex is clearly no sports car, but the performance is equivalent to comparably-equipped minivans.

The Awesome Ford Sync
I’ve raved about Ford’s slick Sync system before, both in a review of a previous Ford vehicle here at Drivelineblog and also over at Windows IT Pro. In essence, Sync teams a sophisticated voice-recognition system with your car stereo, phones, iPods, and other mobile devices. Setting up a cell phone to work with Sync only takes a few minutes, and the voice recognition is exceptional: I was able to change radio stations, place phone calls, and select CD tracks all by using some voice commands. Sync isn’t perfect—the voice recognition doesn’t work so well when you have a vehicle full of shouting kids—but in most other instances it works like a charm.

Note: I tested the 2009 Ford Flex Limited model; the 2010 Ford Flex includes a number of upgrades and changes, including: a telescoping steering wheel; a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 (EcoBoost) engine option with 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque; improved suspension for better handling; and a number of other minor upgrades and improvements.

Bottom Line: The Ford Flex limited is an impressive, 7-passenger people mover that features a slick exterior and lots of family-friendly interior features. It does lack the sliding doors and voluminous cargo space that the best minivans offer, but for families looking to avoid a minivan the Flex is a great—albeit pricey—alternative.

Related Reading

• Windows IT Pro: Ford Sync Makes Mobile Phones More Mobile
• About.com: New York Auto Show – 2009 Ford Flex Photo
• About.com: 2009 Ford Flex Pricing Revealed
• Windows IT Pro: Ford Sync Makes Mobile Phones More Mobile

Vehicle Specifications
Vehicle: 2009 Ford Flex Limited
Manufacturer website: 2009 Ford Flex Limited
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Base Price: $36,555
Price as tested/options: $43,820; Class III trailer tow package ($570), 2nd row 40/40 seats-autofold ($870), panoramic vista roof ($1495), 2nd row floor console ($100), rear console refrigeration ($760), navigation system ($2375), white two-tone roof ($395)
Engine: 3.5 liter Duratec V6 (263 hp @ 6,250rpm, 249 lb.-ft @ 4,500rpm)
Drivetrain: Front engine, AWD
Fuel Type / Fuel Economy (EPA): Unleaded 87; 16 / 22

Crossover vehicles are a hot market segment for automakers these days, as the car-buying public seems to be abandoning full-size SUVs and minivans. The drop in SUV sales is undoubtedly due to high gas prices, while the minivan seems to be suffering mostly from a negative (and undeserved) bad case of PR. My wife and I use a minivan to ferry our three young boys from school to baseball and soccer practice, and the minivan does just fine.

That’s why I was skeptical when a 2008 Ford Taurus X rolled into my driveway earlier this year. Ford has positioned the Taurus X as a replacement for the ill-fated Ford Freestar minivan. How could a crossover vehicle fill the gaping, minivan-sized hole left in Ford’s vehicle lineup? I was about to find out.

The Loaded Limited
Our test vehicle was a loaded Limited edition, complete with Ford’s new voice-activated Sync digital entertainment and communications system. It also arrived with a 3.5L 250hp Duratec V6, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive (AWD).  Interior amenities included heated and leather-trimmed seats (including second row bucket seats), a power lift gate, Sirius satellite radio, and Ford’s new Sync voice-activation system.  The Taurus X also came packed with safety features, including side curtain airbags, stability control, a reverse sensing system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Taurus X has also garnered top marks in safety tests by the NHTSA and the IIHS.

Over the course of a week we ran the Taurus X through its paces, ferrying kids, groceries and gardening equipment throughout Northern Colorado. The 3.5L V6 provided respectable (if not overwhelming) power for merging and passing, and the first and second row seats were easy to get into and out of, even for adults over six feet. The foldable third row seats were a bit cramped, and the cargo space available when the third row seats were in use was a bit tight. Fit and finish was generally excellent, despite a loose stitch on the steering wheel and a very minor alignment issue or two with cabin interior materials.

The Amazing Ford Sync
The Ford Sync system included in our test vehicle was a marvel, allowing me to sync up my Palm Treo mobile phone to easily make hands-free phone calls while driving. (Read more about Ford Sync in this Windows IT Pro article here.) The pairing process between the Sync and your mobile phone only takes a few minutes, and the voice recognition really does work: Switching radio stations is as easy as calling out  a few simple voice commands. Considering that Sync offers more features and functionality that cars costing two and three times as much, that’s quite a feat.

My wife loves the practicality of her minivan, but the Taurus X won her over. It may lack the extra storage volume that a minivan can offer — particularly behind the third row seats –- but the AWD and Ford Sync system are standout features that minivans can’t offer: Only the Toyota Sienna minivan offers an AWD option, and the equivalent of Ford Sync can’t be found on any minivan. Despite the relatively ho-hum styling and cramped third-row seating, the Taurus X emerges a compelling alternative to a dowdy minivan or a fuel-sucking, full-size SUV.

Note: I tested the 2008 Taurus X model; the 2009 Taurus X is essentially unchanged, with the exception of a new post-crash alert system that flashes vehicle lights and honks the horn repeatedly after an accident.

Bottom Line: The Ford Taurus X is a capable, well-rounded vehicle that competes well with minivans and full-size SUVs. The new Ford Flex competes for the same customers, so look for the Taurus X to bow out after the 2009 model year.

Related Reading

• Windows IT Pro: Ford Sync Makes Mobile Phones More Mobile
• Visit the Driveline Blog Forum to discuss the 2008 Ford Taurus X

Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle: 2008 Ford Taurus X Limited
Manufacturer website: 2008 Ford Taurus X
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Base Price: $32,185
Price as tested/options: $38,545; limited convenience package ($255), limited ultimate package ($825), AUX climate control ($650), navigation system ($1995), Sirius radio ($195), 18″ chrome wheels ($695), DVD entertainment system ($995)
Engine: 3.5 liter Duratec V6 (263 hp @ 6,250rpm, 249 lb.-ft @ 45,00rpm)
Drivetrain: Front engine, AWD
Fuel Type / Fuel Economy (EPA): Unleaded 87;  15 / 22

I recently spent a week with a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee for About.com SUVs, and came away impressed. This particular Jeep was powered by a new 3.0 liter turbodiesel engine, giving the mid-sized SUV a heaping helping of towing power. Jeep and diesel engines seem like a match made in off-roading heaven, and the Grand Cherokee CRD is a prime example of that.

That said, the close to $50K sticker and modest amounts of space in the 2nd row may not make this the best vehicle for everyone.

Check out the full review on the About.com SUVs site for more information. (Source: About.com SUVs) [- Jeff James]

The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have been battling for the top spot on the sedan sales charts for the last decade or so. (Note that I didn’t say “best-selling vehicle” — the Ford F150 still wears that crown.) Both automakers have perfected the art of relentlessly improving their products, a trait that most domestic automakers are finally beginning to emulate.

Case in point: The Ford Taurus was a revolutionary vehicle when it was introduced way back in 1985, and was the best-selling car in the US for several years in the 1990′s. It was even cool enough for RoboCop to drive as his personal squad car as he went hunting for miscreants in the streets of New Detroit.

Sadly. Ford neglected the vehicle for years, allowing Toyota and Honda to eventually match (and then surpass) the Blue Oval’s finest. Let’s hope that Ford has learned their lesson and will continue to update and improve the currently strongly-selling Ford Fusion over the years.

So how does the 2007 Honda Accord EX-L V6 stack up to the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and other popular mid-size sedans? Check out the review to find out. – [Jeff James]

• 2007 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Road Test (cars.about.com)

^{photo: © Jeff James}

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend a few hours behind the wheel of the new Lexus LS460 luxury sedan (and the long wheelbase variant, the LS460L) at a Lexus press event in San Francisco. You can read my road test over at the Cars.about.com site, which is maintained by my fellow About.com guide Aaron Gold.

While I do gripe and grumble about the comparatively meager rear-seat legroom in the base model LS460 and the Chris Bangle-esque exterior styling, there is no denying that this is one impressive luxury sedan. With Toyota sitting on an enormous war chest of capital it can use to fund R&D and new product development in the near-term, it’s clear that the luxury sedan landscape just got an order of magnitude more competitive. (Source: cars.about.com) – [ Jeff James]
^{photo: © Jeff James}