• Initially, Ford was uncomfortable with the way the 2009 Ford Flex’s design polarized people. But Ford says the way the Flex compelled an opinion, good or bad, inspired it to move forward with what it calls a “breakthrough” design.

• The 2009 Ford Flex comes standard with a monotone paint job, but the SEL and Limited can have a two-tone roof treatment in Suede White (offered with six exterior colors) or Brilliant Silver (available with black or white paint only).

• The 2009 Ford Flex can be equipped with an optional Vista Roof, four panels of tinted glass that provide natural light for all three rows of passengers with a power sunroof that opens above the front seats.

• When the 2009 Ford Flex is equipped with the optional Sony premium audio system, it comes with a free 6-month subscription to Sirius satellite radio.

• The 2009 Ford Flex can be equipped with SYNC, a voice-activated, hands-free communications and entertainment system that includes 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report technology.

• SYNC allows occupants to operate most Bluetooth-enabled phones, many popular MP3 players, and compact flash drives by voice.

• When equipped with Sirius TravelLink, the 2009 Ford Flex provides occupants with real-time traffic, weather, and fuel price data for over 12,000 gas stations. It can also provide sports scores and movie listings.

• The 2009 Ford Flex’s EasyFuel capless fuel filler eliminates the need for a fuel cap while reducing the release of smog-forming vapors.

• The 2009 Ford Flex’s available second-row refrigerator can chill seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles, or two 20-ounce bottles to 41 degrees in just 2.5 hours. Or, it can serve as a freezer able to keep ice cream at 23 degrees.

• The optional refrigerator even works when the vehicle is turned off, and will automatically shut down if the Flex’s battery is in danger of draining.

• When equipped with programmable ambient interior lighting, the 2009 Ford Flex offers seven different LED cabin hues from which to choose.

• The 2009 Ford Flex’s available all-wheel drive system can deliver up to 100 percent of engine torque to the front or rear axle, and can transfer torque from side to side as conditions warrant.

• The 2009 Ford Flex offers second-row occupants 3.5 inches more leg room that people in the two front seats get. Ford calls this “business class comfort” with “an overall feel of a limousine.”

• The 2009 Ford Flex offers a front passenger’s seat that folds in half to carry longer items with the tailgate closed. We used it as a foot rest while riding in the right rear captain’s chair while a five-month-old dozed in her reverse-facing child seat in the left rear captain’s chair during a 500-mile day.

• The 2009 Ford Flex features 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat.

• The 2009 Ford Flex features 43.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat.

• The 2009 Ford Flex features 83.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.

• The 2009 Ford Flex is rated to tow up to 4,500 pounds.

• The 2009 Ford Flex weighs 4,468 pounds with front-wheel drive, and 4,640 pounds with all-wheel drive.

• The 2009 Ford Flex is assembled in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.