Edgy Ford Flex just so cool

Ford Flex FORD Who would have guessed a station wagon could be so cool? The car company calls the 2009 Ford Flex a crossover utility vehicle, but, come on, look at it. It's a station wagon. A station wagon packed with comfort and gee-whiz gadgets. A station wagon with distinctive styling that could even be called "edgy." A station wagon? Who knew?

What isn't there: Dullness. The boxy exterior, white roof and side-panel grooves (which recall the old woodie station wagons) make this car anything but dull. People may love it, people may hate it, but everyone will notice when you drive up in the Flex.

What we like: The interior is thoughtfully designed with the modern traveler in mind. There are 10 cup and bottle holders. There are four 12-volt power plugs and a back-seat AC/110-volt plug so that everyone can keep their gizmos juiced. And all the seats are quite comfy.

You oughta know: The optional navigation system in the Limited trim level features the Sirius Travel Link that provides real-time traffic updates and weather information. The package also includes a rear-view camera.

Extras: Why bother with a cooler when you have a center-console refrigerator? This system doesn't just divert the air-conditioner flow to keep cans cold, it uses a compressor like your fridge at home. The system can chill seven 12-ounce cans down to 41 degrees. You can crank it down to 23 degrees and haul ice cream cross-country. The Flex also has Ford SYNC, which allows you to control the sound system with voice commands.

What's special: A lot of vehicles can carry seven people; few can carry them as comfortably as the Ford Flex. Stadium-style seating gives even thirdrow passengers a look at the road ahead. The second row has limousinelike legroom with 7 inches of knee room. The glass-paneled roof makes the space feel airy and open.

And another thing: The optional Vista Roof has four glass panels to let the sunshine in on all three rows. Only the forward panel opens to let in fresh air.

Ford Flex

>>PreFamily: Room for kids and friends. >>Body styles: Crossover utility vehicle >>Trim lines: SE, SEL, Limited >>Price: Starting MSRP $28,295-$34,705 >>Drive: Front wheel, all-wheel

>>Seating: Two in front, two or three in second row, two in back row

>>Engine: 262-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 >>Transmission: Six-speed automatic

>>Miles per gallon of fuel: EPA estimate 17 city/24 highway with front-wheel drive; 16 city/22 highway with all-wheel drive