Long-Term Road Tests

Below are the fuel economy numbers for October 2009. We've listed the best, worst and overall average tanks.

As usual, a couple of cars are out on the road or unavailable at the time of this writing. I'll continue to add them as they come in and let you know in the comments.

After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG.

Continue reading Big List of Fuel Economy: October 2009 .

Categories: 2007 Honda Civic GX,2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR,2008 Pontiac G8 GT,2009 Audi A4 Avant,2009 Audi S5,2009 BMW 750i,2009 BMW M3,2009 Dodge Challenger R/T,2009 Dodge Ram 1500,2009 Ford Flex Limited,2009 Honda Fit Sport,2009 Hyundai Genesis V6,2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD,2009 Mazda 6 i Grand Touring,2009 Nissan 370Z Touring,2009 Nissan GT-R,2009 Suzuki SX4,2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS,2010 Honda Insight EX,2010 Mazdaspeed 3,2010 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD

Back on October 29, 2008, I wrote a post about our Ford Flex's quiet cabin at highway speeds. One year later, you wouldn't know that we've added about 27,000 miles unless you looked at the odometer. The Flex is still quiet and, impressively, there are no rattles or squeaks to be heard.

The only thing that seems a little different -- and my memory could be faulty here -- is that the Flex's ride quality doesn't seem to be quite as good on broken pavement as it used to. Director of Vehicle Testing Dan Edmunds suggested that the worn rear tires might be the cause, as there's not as much tread as there used to be to provide cushion and flex.

Speaking of tires, some readers commented on my last post noting how much we've been using the Flex. I believe the Flex's 37,000 miles (we started reporting on it in Sept. '08 with 1,700 miles on the clock) is a record for an Edmunds/Inside Line long-term test vehicle. There have been others with more total mileage, but none with as much of a rapid gain. Of course, it helps that we've driven back and forth to Oregon twice (Dan), to Colorado (Paul), and to the East Coast (Mike).

Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor

Categories: 2009 Ford Flex Limited

Back in July, we wrote on how we needed to get two new front tires for our 2009 Ford Flex due to uneven wear that resulted from a lack of proper tire rotation. That was at 28,316 miles. Now, almost 9,000 miles later, the rear tires are looking like they'll need to be replaced soon as the tread has been worn down very close to the molded wear bars. Even so, getting 38,000 miles or so out of a tire seems pretty reasonable to me.

Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor @ 36,919 miles

Categories: 2009 Ford Flex Limited

We haven't used a Flex photo in a while. This is from Dan's trip to Oregon. Are they dollhouses? dog houses? bird houses? I don't know.

We offer: A Flex of Seagulls

I know you can do better than that.

We'll post our favorite this afternoon.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

Categories: 2009 Ford Flex Limited

What do you do when a load of stuff needs hauling north and the Ram's already out? Dial 1-800PAK-THE-FLEX.

We have already praised our 2009 Ford Flex's usefulness in various kinds of over-the-road duty, and we've spun its odometer (yes, it's digital, but come on) past 36,000 miles in less than 15 months. What the Flex does great is accommodate a wide range of loads - people, luggage, cargo, Golden Retrievers, anything short of bulky furniture - and pound up the freeway in a relaxed, smooth and efficient manner. For this weekend, we averaged 21.3 mpg over 1312 miles, almost all of it at a steady 75 mph indicated and the load in back a light press fit between carpet and headliner. We had all the aft seats folded flat, but depending on the needs of the moment, of course, the Flex can be configured to suit. And the trip was a delight: comfy, entertaining (thank you, Sirius) and not at all the ordeal the miles/day might suggest.

Our gripes are pretty small, and some have been documented here before. Like Dan Edmunds, my arms are too short for my legs when seated at the Flex's helm, though I could find a compromise position that mostly let me forget about it. I don't love the steering feel, which strikes me as a bit more truck-like than necessary, and the slick, capless fuel filler sometimes dribbled a little overflow even when I didn't top off.

But the one thing that irked me every time I used it, which was a lot, was the cruise control. The system performs fine, but it is managed by four identical, adjacent buttons on the steering wheel, which cannot be distinguished by feel. After nightfall, especially, far too much attention must be diverted to finding the one you want. This tidy button array was obviously designed by someone who hasn't used a cruise control in the dark.  

That's about it. If I had another load to take all that way tomorrow, I'd be happy to launch in the Flex.  

Kevin Smith, Editorial Director @ 36,093 miles  

Categories: 2009 Ford Flex Limited

"I've got the Challenger tonight. It was that or the 2010 Camaro and I'll take this one every time."

I'm in our parking garage with Oldham and I press on, "It's the kind of car I just want to get in, roll the windows down, plug in my iPod and drive north on PCH until the highway stops or time does."

The pistol grip shifter isn't the most accurate, nor does it have the smoothest motion, but there's no shifter that's more fun to manhandle. Each shift is like opening the floodgates on a dam or flipping the switch on Old Sparky; it's mechanical and raw and when you grab it the muscles in your forearm get all veiney. You shift the Camaro as fast as possible to avoid touching that knob for any longer than is absolutely necessary. The Challenger's shifter belongs in a factory, the Camaro's belong in a kitchen stirring soup. 

And then there's the Challenger's seat (which I'll get into in another blog later this week), steering wheel (slightly too wide, but still...), legible gauges, and super-smooth ride (18's > 20's). 

There is no competition when it comes to engine, though. The 5.7 here pulls hard and sounds good, but the Camaro trounces the Challenger from the V6 to the SS to the hopefully-someday Z28. The 2010 Camaro might need more aggressive gearing, but there's no denying the merit of that mill. 

There are two cars in our fleet I feel this way about. Two cars that whenever I see them I want to hop in, pack some clean clothes and just drive until I'm out of road: One of them is the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, the other is the 2009 Ford Flex. 

What that says about me, I'm not sure. 

Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant @ 11,090 miles

Categories: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T,2009 Ford Flex Limited,2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

The trim piece behind the driver side door handle is gone. It's been gone for a while now and I've searched through all the cubbies and under the seats to see if it's just hiding, but to no avail. If you see it out there on the mean streets of Santa Monica, can you tell it to come home?

At least the passenger side is still intact. Here's what it's supposed to look like.

I guess the Flex is starting to show the wear and tear of nearly 35,000 long-term fleet miles.

Bryn MacKinnon, Senior Editor, Edmunds.com @ 34,751 miles

Categories: 2009 Ford Flex Limited

Floor mats? We're talking about floor mats?

Well, why not? After all, Toyota just issued a humungous recall of 3.8 million vehicles because of a link between floor mats and sticking throttles. And I received a lot of questions in the immediate aftermath of that announcement, such as: Is this a Toyota-specific issue?

Well, this recall is specific to Toyota and Lexus, but my mind flashes back to numerous times when my own floor mats got fowled with the pedals in several of my personal vehicles over the years, Toyota and non-Toyota alike. And I know of the fear and panic that can come with a stuck throttle experience, because it happened to me at top speed on a racetrack, though that incident wasn't quite floor mat related.

So I grabbed a dozen random keys to some of our long-term test cars to see what I could see. No Toyota keys were handy, though. I'll catch the Prius later.

Before we make the jump, take a gander at the photo above. This is a typical Toyota/Lexus floor mat installation: An top-hinged "pendulum-style" gas pedal is paired with a generous cut-out in the mat to produce a large clearance. The floor mat is kept from creeping forward by two plastic hooks just in front of the seat. As long as it remains hooked and the floor mat is the right size and shape, things should be fine.

Moving on, in alphabetical order...

Continue reading Floor Mat Walkaround.

Categories: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT,2009 BMW 750i,2009 BMW M3,2009 Dodge Challenger R/T,2009 Ford Flex Limited,2009 Honda Fit Sport,2009 Hyundai Genesis V6,2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD,2009 Nissan 370Z Touring,2009 Suzuki SX4,2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS,2010 Honda Insight EX

Below are the fuel economy numbers for September 2009. We've listed the best, worst and overall average tanks.

As always, a couple of cars are out on the road or unavailable at the time of this writing. I'll continue to add them as they come in and let you know in the comments.

After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG.

Continue reading Big List of Fuel Economy: September 2009.

Categories: 2007 Honda Civic GX,2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR,2008 Pontiac G8 GT,2009 Audi A4 Avant,2009 Audi S5,2009 BMW 750i,2009 BMW M3,2009 Dodge Challenger R/T,2009 Dodge Ram 1500,2009 Ford Flex Limited,2009 Honda Fit Sport,2009 Hyundai Genesis V6,2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD,2009 Mazda 6 i Grand Touring,2009 Nissan 370Z Touring,2009 Nissan GT-R,2009 Suzuki SX4,2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS,2010 Honda Insight EX

You already know how much we choose to drive our 2009 Ford Flex. It has almost 35,000 miles on it now.

But how much better would we like it if we had the Ecoboost?

Let's compare our outings at the test track:

The difference in acceleration is significant, but look how the braking numbers aren't that different.

You can read more details on Erin's post on our Straightline blog.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

Categories: 2009 Ford Flex Limited

A new neighbor moved into my apartment building, and this weekend, he stopped me to ask the inevitable question: Why are you always driving a different car each night? His eyes widened and he backed away from me when I told him that I was a Robin Hood of sorts, stealing cars from the rich and selling them so I could use the money to help the poor -- my poor grandmother, who needs the cash for a long-overdue hip-replacement operation. After I explained that I was just kidding, he made his way back into my personal bubble and peppered me with questions about my vehicle for the weekend, the Ford Flex. We talked about the Ford for a bit, with the take-away being that he thinks the Flex is "cool."

It just served to reaffirm what I'd already known: With the Flex, Ford has achieved what many thought was impossible. The Flex is part wagon, part minivan. Wagon? Not cool. Minivan? So not cool. But the Flex manages to transcend all this to occupy a niche all its own, one that makes it an acceptable transportation option even for twenty-something guys like my neighbor. 

Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor @ 34,550 miles

Categories: 2009 Ford Flex Limited

Our long-term 2009 Ford Flex has Sync. Sync gives you Bluetooth and ipod integration.
Big deal, so does everybody else.

What is interesting about Sync is that it also handles SMS text messages.
Like many of you, I think I text now more than I call.
I just love the impersonal nature of texting (j/k, LOL!). 

With Sync, you can display your text messages, but due to safety reasons, not while the vehicle is in motion.

What to do?

Continue reading 2009 Ford Flex LTD: In Sync with text messaging.

Categories: 2009 Ford Flex Limited

Our Ford Flex has so many different seating possibilities that you can discover new ones even after a year of ownership.

While sitting in the Flex's back seat at the track, I found the little release that makes the front passenger seat flip forward. "Ottoman!" I declared and allowed Magrath to sample my fragrant feet as I reclined my seatback, tapped away on my laptop and enjoyed a venti Earl Grey. If that video screen were connected to satellite TV and I were some sort of roving, mobile businessman, I could've watched Bloomberg or that crazed CNBC dufus. Plus, the center console fridge will keep a chilled bottle of Dom for those all-important roving business meetings and after-work rendezvous with my secretary Candy.

I may have to work on the wardrobe, but take that Romans and your Business Class Fit! I've found First Class.

James Riswick, Automotive Editor

Categories: 2009 Ford Flex Limited

You've heard me rail constantly about the fixed and faraway position of our 2009 Ford Flex's steering wheel. My long legs want me to slide the seat back and stretch out a bit, but then the steering wheel is simply too far away.

So I usually split the difference by sliding the the seat forward a little bit and hunching forward a little bit. I've managed to get through two 2,000-mile road trips like this without the need for chiropractic assistance, but I'm never able to ignore this uncomfortable compromise.

But the 2010 Ford Flex gets relief in the form of a telescopic steering wheel. But how much does it telescope, and does it go the right way?

Continue reading 2009 Ford Flex Limited: My Biggest Gripe is Solved for 2010 .

Categories: 2009 Ford Flex Limited

Time for another episode of What You Said.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T: Challenge

We Read Car Porn for the Articles
By wrinklebump on September 14, 2009 3:06 PM
They're both pretty awesome.
The Camaro has a few flattering angles but the Dodge is all-around vehicular pornography.

Memories of Your First Car
By plumcrazy2 on September 14, 2009 7:50 PM
Back when I was looking for my first car everyone had one of three cars: a Camaro, Mustang or Cutlass (circa 1990). My friends dad took me to a Mopar car show I knew what I had to have. I found myself a 74 Barracuda and my dad and I spent 6 months on body and paint. I was the only one on the street on the weekends. This summer we went to my wife's class reunion, the most asked question - "What happened to the car?" (I still have it.)
I can understand why people like the Mustang and the Camaro, both good looking cars - but for me its the Challenger all the way. And if I'm the only one on the road with one, well that's fine with me too. I don't mind standing out in a crowd.
DCuerpoJr I agree I would love a drop top, but I have given up hope on that.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T: Big Bruiser, Easy Cruiser

Grand Challenger
By jeepsrt on September 14, 2009 8:59 AM
I parked my Grand Cherokee next to one of these and was amazed at the size of the Challenger, my Jeep did'nt look so Grand next to it.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS: Animated Design

Car Foodies
By vt8919 on September 14, 2009 9:07 AM
That Camaro sure looks thirsty for a Sonic soda.

By altimadude00 on September 14, 2009 9:54 AM
Camaro Super Slurper?

By DCuerpoJr on September 14, 2009 10:28 AM
LoL @ altimadude00. How about Camaro Super Sonic.

More after the jump...

Continue reading What You Said (9/13-9/19).

Categories: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR,2009 Audi S5,2009 BMW 750i,2009 BMW M3,2009 Dodge Challenger R/T,2009 Dodge Ram 1500,2009 Ford Flex Limited,2009 Hyundai Genesis V6,2009 Mini E,2009 Nissan 370Z Touring,2009 Nissan GT-R,2009 Suzuki SX4,2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI,2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS