This is front stage and center year for Ford, with two hot new models being introduced-- the Flex and the all-new F-150.

Arguably, the most important introduction for Ford is the all-new F-150, which, I'm told, is on sale now.

First, a word to the wise: Don't be fooled by the fact that the on the new Ford F-150 is almost as identical as the old model.

The new one, with prices ranging from $21,095 to $43,885, is bristling with changes, innovations and refinements that you may find yourself wondering what stone Ford left unturned. It's that different, and that impressive.

The new F-150, available in a mind-boggling 61 body styles, offers fuel economy that has improved an average of 8 percent across the entire lineup as a result of a wide range of engineering enhancements. The fuel economy gains reach as high as 12 percent versus the prior model year on F-150 models equipped with the high-volume 3-valve, 5.4-liter V-8 engine. A 4.6-liter V-8 also is available on the F-150.

At the same time, Ford says, the new F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds.

Ford also claims that the new F-150 also offers more standard safety equipment than any other half-ton pickup on the market, with comparable or better pricing at all three cab configurations versus the competition. The F-150 Lariat SuperCrew, for example, starts at $35,820, more than $5,000 less than a comparably equipped 2009 Dodge Ram.

The interior has long been a strong point with Ford trucks, and the new models are no different. They're even more elegant and imaginative than previous designs, and as usual there's plenty of variety and permutations to please almost anyone's desires.

The new trucks also have handy new features, such as a box side step that makes it easier to get to items stowed in the front part of the pickup box, and a drop-down tailgate step.

Altogether, given the bolder, brawnier grille, flowing, powerful-looking flanks and those terrific interiors, Ford comes off as the elegant, classy member of the 2009 class of trucks.

The other big news for Ford is, of course, the Flex, a stylish brawny looking square shouldered crossover that's been quite a hit for them so far.

It looks, feels and acts differently from just about anything in its field. It's edgy, it's eye-catching, it's chock full of features. All of this comes at a steep price -- one of its few weak points.

Let's talk about style first. Admittedly, the Flex won't be everybody's cup of tea because it's so different. But I like different. And I like companies that take chances.

Your first impression will be that it's so boxy. But on this car, boxy is cool. The Flex is low slung, square shouldered -- very much a 21st-century vehicle with clear station wagon heritage points. You can even order a white or silver roof, which recalls some of the two-toned station wagon Fords of the 1950s and '60s.

The interior has a lot going for it, including the fact that it can be tailored to whatever you may need at the moment -- cargo, people or both. The seats all fold and raise to do whatever you wish. And the good thing is that it all folds flat -- no need to remove headrests and the like.

Another nice touch is that people who buy the base model get treated to the same kind of interior that the high rollers can get. Whether you pick the basic or top line Limited model, with the only differences being the grade of cloth or leather. There's no ugly, plain design for entry-level folks.

There are nice brushed aluminum and wood finishes and a gap-free interior construction. The dashboard, with its hood over a simple round gauge arrangement, also recalls Fords of the past.

The Flex starts at just under $29,000 for the base model. Standard equipment includes a 3.5-liter, 262-horsepower V-6 (rated at 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway with front-wheel drive and 16/22 for all-wheel drive) with six-speed automatic, power equipment, auxiliary audio input jack, plenty of cup holders and storage nooks, air conditioning, tilt adjustable steering wheel and AM/FM stereo/CD/MP3 system.

By the way, you might be thoroughly confused by all of the choices Ford now has in terms of crossovers, to say nothing of its SUVs. Let's see if we can sort this out.

The Edge, a contemporary looking midsize crossover, is designed for five, so that's a distinguishing feature right there. It also is a good choice for those who are looking for an emphasis on style and passenger amenities.

The Ford Taurus X has three rows of seats but is smaller than the Flex and with less of the features you'll find on Flex, which is really intended to be a replacement for a minivan. The Taurus X strikes me as a fine choice for folks who ordinarily would have picked a station wagon in days past. And the third row on this car also is roomier and more usable than what you will find on competitors.

The SUVs, the Explorer and the Expedition, all for the most part, are better for those who plan to do at least some off-roading and towing, but you'll likely get lower fuel mileage than you would on the comparable crossover.

And if all of them are too big for you, there's always the Escape, a small SUV with a wonderful hybrid model that gets high gas mileage.