Ford Flex Finds Its Niche and Turns a Few Heads Page 2

By Marc Stern

Marc Stern

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Of course, as you move up in the price pointing the SE lists about $28,000, the SEL is in the $30-32,000 range and the LTD is about $34,000 (manufacturer's list on them is higher but these prices are pretty average)

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For instance, the SEL features climate control and upgraded sound system and you can add heated seats and leather, as well as a moonroof, power driver and front passenger seat, power sideviews and more. Indeed, the SEL and Limited packages include adaptive high-intensity lighting. This type of lighting is the bright blue/white lighting that steers where you steer as it has about a 15-degree sweep on each side of center. It's an interesting effect at night.

The features that make the Flex interesting, aside from its longish stance, though, are not only the high-intensity lighting, but also the access to the rear seating areas which is pretty easy for the far rear seat (just slide the right-rear seat to the front and you're in easily) and the seating itself which is quite comfortable and supportive. Through turns and corners, you stay put, which is exactly what you want your seats doing.

The AWD version of the Limited features an intelligent AWD system that ensures that the Flex, like other intelligent AWD system remains primarily in front-drive, only moving power to the rear wheels when sensors at the wheels sense slippage and then the viscous universal takes over and moves power to the wheels that need it while backing power away from those that are slipping. It does help keep your Flex stable.

This piece could go on and on about the great features you find in the Flex, which what it all winds up to in the end is that the Flex looks like it has finally begun to find its niche and its sales should move upward from there.