As part of their rather progressive social media strategy, Ford continue to loans vehicles to guys like me who will instagram, tweet, post on FB and blog in giddy excitement over the fact that they get a shiny new top of the line vehicle for the week. They know me so well! 
This time it was the Flex, which I dubbed the minivan killer. In hindsight I think I would have looked very hard at a vehicle like the Flex way back in 2006 when we needed something bigger to tow a trailer.
If you’re looking for the storage and seating options of a minivan and want something that looks cooler, and rides smooth, this would be your vehicle. This demo unit for course was tricked out with the nicest options, sunroofs all around, leather, MySync which made it so comfortable.
As you can see Ford’s tuned up the styling on the newer Flex, giving it a cooler more modern feel, getting away from that almost retro styling of the first version.
Of the three larger vehicles I have tested, The Explorer, the Edge and now the Flex, I think the Flex really hit the sweet spot in terms of functionality. It had the cavernous storage in the back like Explorer & the third row seating which you don’t get in the Edge, but rides lower and smoother than the Explorer, so it feels less truck-like. When we’re ready to get rid of the minnivan, I will take a good hard look at the Flex.
BTW, I recently bought a Focus to replace my Element. I’d be lying if I say all this test driving didn’t influence me, Ford’s doing a lot to change the minds of people who’ve written on the North America automakers, and the Focus is a great little car for what I need around town, and tremendous value.