I was having one of those days of deadlines and appointments when I hurried out to the 2009 Flex Limited that had just been delivered. With little time to spare for familiarization, I glanced at the clock, pulled on the seat belt, fired the engine, adjusted the mirrors, hit the fan speed button, turned on the radio and pulled it into gear.

Drivers do that drill several times a day, but for my first 60 seconds in the Flex, everything I needed was where I expected it to be. That intuitive placement of everyday controls is just one element that makes Flex a practical and stylish alternative to a minivan or wagon.

The styling reminds me of the mother ship for Mini Coopers. But not everyone agrees that it is stylish. The comments I received about the design were love it or hate it.

And the next comment was, "It's larger than I expected," which I translated as, "Darn, I like it but wish it was smaller."

As a six-to seven-passenger people mover, Flex replaces the discontinued Freestar minivan and essentially displaces the need for the Explorer sport utility vehicle, which was used largely as a wagon anyway.

The Flex, sold in three trim levels with front-or optional all-wheel drive and one V-6 engine and automatic transmission, is priced from $28,995 to about $45,000 for the top-of-the-line Limited with everything. All-wheel drive ($1,850) is available on the midlevel SEL and Limited.

All models have fold-flat second and third rows.

There are many ways to personalize the Flex, such as a two-tone body and roof, Panoramic Vista sunroof and SYNC, which has become synonymous with Ford for voice-activated control of phone, audio and other electronics.

The seven-passenger Limited AWD test vehicle was quite the cruiser in Sterling Grey paint and white roof with standard 19-inch alloy wheels. The Panoramic Vista Roof ($1,495) is a sunroof plus second-row skylights (with sunshades) and a horizontal panel over the third row that gives the effect of riding in a rumble seat.

But even the base model has a number of useful extras, including automatic climate control; six-way, power-adjustable driver seat; rear air conditioning; 18-inch aluminum wheels; fog lights; power mirrors; and Securicode keyless entry.

The midlevel SEL ($34,620) has considerably more luxury features, such as leather, 12-speaker audio system and access to more options such as the Vista Panoramic Roof ($1,495) and rear console refrigerator ($760).

A minivan may be the most efficient hauler of people and cargo, but where do you fit the ego? That's how Flex will appeal to many people who need minivan capacity but want something with style.

In my week of driving, there were only two things not to my liking. The electronic deedle-ooo, deedle-ooo reminder to fasten the seat belt or close the door can become monotonous. And the 40.7-foot turning circle is broader than most minivans' and restricts maneuverability in tight parking quarters.

The rest of the vehicle is fresh and well conceived.

It also gets high marks for safety, including top five-star crash ratings for all four front-and side-impact tests by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition to front and side air bags, there is Ford's Safety Canopy System of rollover sensor and side-curtain bags for all rows. Traction and roll-stability controls are standard.

Hard to believe from the low-looking roofline, but there are 41.8 inches of headroom in the front seats and 40.5 inches in back. That's ideal for the big-and-tall teens.

The second row has spacious legroom and reclining seat backs. Even the second-row center position has foot room and a head restraint. The doors multitask with a cup or bottle holder and a cubby for stowables.

The six-seat configuration, with captain's chairs in the second row, would be first-class seating, with a pass-through to the third row or that nifty refrigerated cooler option.

The third row is kid-class, but raised for a good view. And the 50/50 split seats fold out of the way without a struggle.

There's plenty of power from the 262-horsepower V-6 and six-speed automatic. Fuel economy of 17/24 mpg or 16/22 for all-wheel drive is comparable to that of most minivans. But the ride quality is firmer in the well-soundproofed cabin.

Minivan or crossover? Depends on how you like your seating.

The styling may be polarizing, but Flex is anything but generic.

SPEC BOX

2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD

Body style: steel-unibody, seven-passenger, all-wheel-drive crossover

Engine: aluminum, 3.5-liter V-6

Horsepower: 262 at 6,250 rpm

Torque: 249 at 4,500 rpm

Transmission: six-speed automatic

EPA fuel economy estimates: 16 mpg city, 22 highway (17/25 FWD); 87 octane recommended

Length/wheelbase: 201.8/117.9 inches

Curb weight: 4,640 pounds (4,468 FWD)

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: remote locking, leather-trimmed seats, 10-way power-adjustable (and heated) front seats, leather-and-wood steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, adjustable pedals, 10-speaker CD-satellite radio audio system, SYNC voice-activated system, dual-zone automatic climate control, carpeted floor mats, fold-flat second and third rows

Safety features include: dual-stage front air bags, side bags and side curtains, AdvanceTrac traction control with roll-stability control

PRICING

Base: $37,255, including $700 freight charge; price as tested, $41,520

Options on the test vehicle: Panoramic Vista Roof, $1,495; navigation system with rearview camera, $2,375; white roof, $395

Where assembled: Oakville, Mich.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com.

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