The first time I saw the Ford Flex as a concept car, I had one thought: The station wagon is back! We’ve finally come full circle, from minivan to SUV to crossover and back to the big ’ol wagon of the ’60s and ’70s.

After a week behind the wheel of the 2009 Flex, it still reminds me a bit of the old Country Squire. But I also discovered that this bold, innovative machine is a whole lot more. And I’m liking it.

Ford calls it “provocative . . . like nothing else on the road,” and I have to agree with that assertion. Oh, this is one that some will love and some will not. Ford seems to be willing to live with that.

It starts with a boxy yet sporty look, with two-tone roof and signature grooves carved into the sides. Four glass panels provide natural light and sky views to all three rows, more than the Olds Vista Cruiser ever could. Only the forward glass panel opens as a sun roof, though.

A novel Flex feature is its capless fuel filler. I know, call me lazy to appreciate a fuel fill without having to remove a gas cap. But it’s one less thing to do at the pump: Open the filler door and insert pump. And Ford says its seal actually reduces the release of vapors.

Its powerful stance is enhanced with big wheel arches and available 20-inch chrome-like aluminum wheels. Top off the look with a silver or white roof and this becomes a station wagon dad only dreamed about.

A friend of mine who works for Ford told me the Flex will lure folks away from the Chevy Suburban, folks who want that kind of roominess and functionality without the bad fuel economy of a monster SUV. Flex will get in the mid-teens around town, low 20s on the open road.

Flex seats seven comfortably, with comfortable seating and limo-like legroom (44.3 inches) in the second-row. Second-row seats fold and tumble with the push of a button (optional) to gain access to the third-row, which is comfortable even for adults.

And the third-row seats are raised so no one back there has to feel gone and forgotten.

With a power liftgate and flat-folding seats, you could haul cargo as wide as 4 feet and long as nearly 10 feet.

Interior quality is impressive, too, with a nice feel to the materials. Seats are comfortable and the tester had an unusual combination of black leather with white stitching. Steering wheel is leather wrapped and a band of wood trim stretches across the entire dash, enhancing its broad, roomy feel.

Music is provided by a 700-watt Sony audio system and a voice-activated navigation system is easy to use and offers the 3-D graphics, which offer a better perspective on where you’re headed. A coin holder inside the center console was in an awkward spot, nearly impossible to reach for tolls while driving.

An optional refrigerator/freezer ($760) is offered between second-row bucket seats to keep a chill on drinks and sandwiches.

Operating the front-wheel-drive Flex is a joy. Road feel is surprisingly good and cornering is not BMW-like but it isn’t anything cumbersome, either, especially given its 4,600-pound weight.

Power comes from a 3.5-liter V-6 that gets 262 horses and 248 foot-pounds of torque. All-wheel-drive is available ($1,850) and will deliver the torque to the wheels that need it most. A six-speed automatic tranny is smooth and willing, shifting without hesitation.

On the highway, the Flex is all about luxury. The ride is smooth, comfortable and quiet, like dad’s turquoise Galaxie wagon in the ’60s.

It is said to be a worthy tow vehicle, too, capable of pulling 4,500 pounds. That should cover most trailerable boats and even midsize trailers. A rear-view camera can assist in lining up the hitch.

Flex comes in three trims and the base SE is well equipped with 18-inch wheels, rear park assist and power seats. The top of the line is the Limited, which gets bigger wheels, power liftgate and perforated leather and power-adjustable pedals.

Having seen the Flex as a concept car, I initially questioned whether it would ever make it to market. Well, here it is, it’s bold and I like it. It may not do the numbers of some of Ford’s big-success stories, but I predict the Flex will find a loving following.

Price prices: $28,995 to $37,255.