Overview & Reviews
Three-row crossovers may have replaced the minivan as the preferred form of family transportation, but that doesn't mean they're hip. Enter the Ford Flex, which is a lot like a large wagon, but in a stylish way. By adding a few Mini Cooper-inspired design touches (such as the blacked-out roof pillars and contrasting roof colors), the Ford Flex strikes us as perhaps the coolest choice among seven-passenger crossovers. It also happens to work just fine as a family vehicle with its roomy cabin, comfortable ride, excellent build quality and pleasant driving dynamics. As a new or used vehicle, it's one of our top choices.
Current Ford Flex
The Ford Flex is a seven-passenger crossover wagon with a boxy body designed to maximize interior volume and style. Available second-row captain's chairs that slide and recline increase comfort, but decrease seating capacity to six.
Standard across the board is a 3.5-liter V6 that sends 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Limited offers the option of a turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 good for 365 hp and 350 lb-ft that is all-wheel drive only. Both engines send their power through a six-speed automatic.
The Flex comes in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. The base SE comes pretty well equipped, with feature highlights including 17-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, the Sync voice command system and a six-speaker CD stereo. The midlevel SEL adds 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, the MyFord Touch electronics interface, an enhanced Sync system, heated front seats and a 12-speaker stereo with satellite radio. The Ford Flex Limited gains 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a power liftgate, keyless ignition/entry, a blind-spot warning system, a rearview camera, a navigation system and an upgraded sound system with HD radio. Notable options, depending on the trim level, include a multipanel sunroof, second-row captain's chairs, a refrigerated second-row console, adaptive cruise control and an automated parallel parking system.
The Flex's interior has an upscale appearance and very good materials, although both the standard and MyFord Touch electronics interfaces can be unintuitive. The Flex features three spacious rows of seats, and even the rearmost seats can comfortably accommodate those taller than 6 feet. Entry and exit to those seats are eased by the Flex's low ride height and the second row that can tumble forward at the push of a button. Both back rows fold flat for cargo storage.
In reviews, we've found the Flex a great road trip companion with its responsive performance, handy features and smooth, quiet ride. The standard V6 powertrain is fairly refined, and handling of the SE and SEL versions composed, if not entertaining. The Limited's turbocharged V6 and tighter suspension tuning give it more of a sport wagon demeanor that should please enthusiasts who need a spacious family vehicle.
Used Ford Flex Models
The Ford Flex was introduced for 2009 and ran through 2012 mostly unchanged. That first year, the standard (and only) engine offered was the 3.5-liter V6, then producing 262 hp. Three trims were offered: base SE, midlevel SEL and plush Limited. Although generally very well-rounded and comfortable, the debut-year Flex lacked a telescoping steering wheel, which made it difficult for taller drivers to get comfortable. For 2010, Ford introduced the telescoping steering wheel as well as the turbocharged, 355-hp 3.5-liter V6 option. The following year, the glitzy, chrome-wheeled Titanium trim level joined the lineup. Oddly, the very next year would be the last for the Titanium.
The Flex received a midcycle refresh for 2013, which swapped out the triple-blade shaver-inspired grille for a sleeker, simpler look. Other changes that year included increased engine output (with the base V6 making 285 hp and the turbocharged version cranking out 365 hp) and the availability of cutting-edge features such as MyFord Touch, the automated parking system, inflatable second-row seatbelts and adaptive cruise control. Today's Flex is pretty much identical save for a small bump in output for the base V6 (to 287 hp) and a minor shuffling of equipment.
User Reviews:
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Happy Camper - 2011 Ford Flex
By Jen - August 27 - 6:37 amTraded in our 2005 Land Rover LR3 for the 2011 Ford Flex and couldnt be happier. Many of the same features available like phone sync, glass roof, Sirius satellite, heated seats, dual AC controls. However, additional cool features are Microsoft SYNC vehicle health reports emailed to you, bluetooth streaming (i.e. playing Pandora over iphone), USB input, keyless entry, MyKey, seat/mirror settings for 2 drivers, and seats are so much more comfortable! Extended warranty is also so much better than Land Rover - you get luxury treatment from Ford without the high price! Gas N Go gives us five years of service with no money out of pocket for anything including brake pads & oil changes. No brainer.
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Review - 2009 Ford Flex
By Bella - August 24 - 2:27 pmMy flex is very comfortable, plenty of room for my family of five. The third row seat can fit adults. The internal voice activated communication system is great. What I dont like is that there are a lot of blind spots I have difficulty seeing past the support post on the passenger side. We have had the car for about a year now and I am starting to notice that there are whistling sounds when I drive and the breaks are squealing, which the dealership cannot replicate so they havent fixed it. If I had it to do over Im not sure if I would buy a flex again.
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Man Van gets it right - 2010 Ford Flex
By Man Van Fan - August 20 - 11:55 amI love this car more than I thought I would and I thought I would love it a lot. It is incredibly quiet ride, quieter than my previous car. I get a lot of questions from other guys at Home Depot about this vehicle. I needed a mini van but didnt want to make that move. The flex gives me hauling, comfort and style in a more manly configuration. Thanks Ford!
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The Ultimate Family Car - 2010 Ford Flex
By Buspass - August 16 - 7:49 amBy far the most comfortable car weve ever owned. The look, style, comfort, mileage and accessories are fabulous and far outweigh the poor handling and lack of power.
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Love the Flex! - 2010 Ford Flex
By C.M. - August 15 - 9:28 pmI have read up on and taken many crossovers and SUVs for test drives. We chose the Flex Ltd. I LOVE it. The only downfall would be that in the 6 passenger, it would be nice to have a center arm rest. Other than that, the performance is great, its super comfortable and I LOVE how the Flex looks. I have much respect for Ford as well i.e. not taking/requiring a bail out. Great vehicle Ford. Keep up the great work.
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Great Vehicles - 2011 Ford Flex
By Blueman861 - August 14 - 2:35 pmWent to Sheehy Ford Of Gaithersburg and purchase my 2011 Ford Flex. This vehicle is wonderful. I drove a SUV for many of years and I have to say the V6 EcoBoost Engine is worth the value and great to have with a seven passenger vehicle. If you get the chance go and drive one.
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Cant drive with the windows open - 2009 Ford Flex
By Moe - August 13 - 2:53 pmLove my FLEX, this car is great! I had a few issues that they had to change brakes, pads, rotors but that is all worked out. The center console is a little dark as well as the key-hole in the steering column. My BIGGEST complaint is that I cant drive with my windows open because you get a very annoying sound that is loud and hurts your ears. I tried my windows in different positions and no help! I had this on my vette but they came up with a solution.
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Brakes: problems with front - 2009 Ford Flex
By szudejko - August 13 - 12:01 pmPurchased this Flex from Ganley Ford in Ohio in May 2009. Like it very much, good ride,MPG on highway is in the middle 20s. One problem was the front brake, it sounded like it was intermittently scraping. That (GANLEY FORD) replaced front brakes at 6000 miles free. Still had the sound so back to the service department and another road test with the Tech. We determined it wasnt the actual brake but the mounting system holding the pads...new parts we ordered and upon their arrival they were installed. No more problems. This is a great family highway cruiser and we have traveled to over 35 States with the grand-kids and friends very comfortably. I love the LTDs 6 way drivers seat.
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Disappointing - 2009 Ford Flex
By Discouraged - August 12 - 4:18 pmIm very upset with this car and the way Ive been treated since buying it! Ive had the car in the shop 4 times since purchased (but could have taken it in many more times). I purchase new cars for the safety and reliability that comes with it. Unfortunately, the car has neither! Ive had it in for brakes, transmission, radio, sync system & various other issues. I dont have the time to continuously take a brand new car in weekly. Now they are saying that my problems are not reproducible and oh well. I had a Honda(no problems) previously and bought American to support our Country just for the dealer to say oh well deal with it! I dont understand what happened to quality & customer service?
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Very surprised! - 2009 Ford Flex
By Luke - August 10 - 9:56 pmI have purchased Toyotas, Hondas and Nissans during the past several years, but never one from the "big three". In fact, I never even looked at their models until we needed a new family hauler. My wife wanted the Flex and I tried to show her every model Toyota or Honda had to offer before we headed to a Ford dealership. I hated the idea of buying a Ford until I test drove the Flex. It has been superb so far and knocks the socks off of my Nissan. I wish I was the one driving it everyday. My only complaint is the gas mileage, I wish it were a bit better. I will definitely keep an eye on Ford when the times comes to purchase another car.
