Earlier this month the TechtalkRadio staff attended the Photoshop World conference in Las Vegas.
Ford wanted to give us a firsthand user’s look at the Microsoft Sync system that is integrated into select vehicles from the manufacturer and put a 2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD in our hands for the drive from Tucson to Las Vegas and back.
We had earlier covered the Sync system in a prior Tech Tuesday episode however we really just got a chance to look at it and see how it works rather then get our hands on it to put it through the paces. What surprised us most about getting the hands on with the Sync system was the ease of getting up and running with the system that tied our DVD and CD media, flash drives, Satellite, Turn by Turn navigation, Bluetooth capable telephone and rear camera for safely backing up all together. The combination of these devices made it enjoyable and easy to access from the steering wheel for the driver or control panel for the passenger.
We were sold on the Sync system in the first 30 minutes of the drive and find this is the best media experience available for the driver today. The technology doesn’t serve as a distraction but rather compliments the comfortable ride and style of the 2009 Ford Flex.
The vehicle itself was a head turner just about everywhere we went. Driving along the road through Wickenburg and on to the Hoover Dam had eyes fixed on the beefy crossover that featured a low profile and wide body for both comfort and room to move.
Three rows of seats in the Ford Flex are comfortable and provide a great amount of legroom for all the passengers. The second rows folds up to allow easy access to the back compartment for transporting friends and family. We took some listeners to the radio program out for Lunch in Las Vegas and fit seven of us in the 2009 Ford Flex without squeezing anybody into a seat.
For those that want to haul equipment as we did, the rear seats can be easily folded up for storage to the rear compartment. There will be no complaints as the seats are easily manipulated with a gentle pull of a strap to put the seat in position. Our producer Carol couldn’t get over the individual climate control in the rear passenger seats which provided the ability to control the temperature and fan control on her seating area. A refrigerated chiller under the rear passenger arm rest can keep bottled water or sodas nice and cold.
Laptop users in that rear passenger area can also plug-in with an 110v inverter plug in outlet. In the model we tested, 4 other 12v power adapter plugs can also be found throughout the vehicle.
Other options to the vehicle include a Vista Roof which features a sunroof over each passenger, The drivers area has a powered option which can close off that sunroof however driving up and down the Las Vegas strip was even more impressive for the passengers as we drove under the Stratosphere. A powered rear lift can make loading and unloading the Ford Flex easier, more specifically when carrying baggage or groceries. Because of the length of the vehicle, we enjoyed the rear camera when the system is put in reverse to make it easier to maneuver the Ford Flex.
Beyond the gadgets and options, the 2009 Ford Flex is powered by the 3.5L DOHC 24Valve V6 Engine and featured a 6 speed transmission and all wheel drive for a great comfortable ride. We found the 2009 Ford Flex to handle rather well and while it sits in the crossover category it feels more like a full size SUV. The width of the Ford Flex at around 80” had a beefy feel on the road and while the power was there with the 3.5L V6 engine, there was not as much pickup as we had expected. The size of this vehicle would probably lend itself better to a V8 engine however the trade off was better than expected gas mileage at 22mpg. The 2009 Ford Flex AWD is rated 16mpg city and 22mpg highway and while the name of this crossover is the Ford Flex, it is powered with standard gasoline, not Flex fuel.
There are a ton of options and includes in the 2009 Ford Flex and the best way to experience the fun ride, is to give it a test drive yourself. We truly enjoyed the ride and playing around the Microsoft Sync system in the Flex,
Check out our Video Review of the 2009 Ford Flex
For more information on the 2009 Ford Flex
visit http://www.ford.com or visit your local Ford Dealer.
The vehicle itself was a head turner just about everywhere we went. Driving along the road through Wickenburg and on to the Hoover Dam had eyes fixed on the beefy crossover that featured a low profile and wide body for both comfort and room to move. 
Other options to the vehicle include a Vista Roof which features a sunroof over each passenger, The drivers area has a powered option which can close off that sunroof however driving up and down the Las Vegas strip was even more impressive for the passengers as we drove under the Stratosphere. A powered rear lift can make loading and unloading the Ford Flex easier, more specifically when carrying baggage or groceries. Because of the length of the vehicle, we enjoyed the rear camera when the system is put in reverse to make it easier to maneuver the Ford Flex.
