The Flex demonstrates America's car industry at its best

The Flex isn't light, but it feels light on its feet, a neat trick. Back in the bad old days, when we all climbed into rear facing third rows for a puketacular family ride, a wagon of this size and weight would be powered by something large, iron, and sporting eight cylinders. Technology has marched on, and the Flex packs Ford's 3.5 liter V6. You'd think that it would pale in comparison to the lazy old V8s of yesteryear, but in reality, its output is about the same. We're not talking fire-breathing high performance engines here - and it's a much more modestly sized power unit. Coupled with an excellent six-speed automatic transmission that shifts like butter, Ford has turned a potential downfall into a net positive. No, you're not going to win any races, but the powertrain is smooth and refined and goes about its business unobtrusively. The Flex returned about 20MPG, which also isn't going to set the world aflame with its efficiency, but it's not horrible, and it'd do better with more highway mixed in there.

The Flex demonstrates America's car industry at its best. Surely, the design polarizes, but it never fails to generate conversation. While American cars have long been known as some of the most stylish, it's been a long time since the average consumer would even glance over at a domestic product. The Flex is a vehicle that's executed in the most stellar manner. It's not perfect, but neither are its competitors. It's well built - as well built as anything else you might cross-shop with it - and refined. Think back, when was the last time you called any domestic family vehicle refined? Ford's biggest challenge with the Flex will be enticing people to pony up between $30- and $45,000 in a time when nobody seems to be biting on much of anything.