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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Flexy ride - 2010 Ford Flex
By Andrew - July 25 - 2:21 pmLove the look, feel and drive of my new Flex Limited. Ford truly hit one out of the ballpark with this car. Great as an every-day commuter, as well as a long-haul cruiser. My only complaints, and theyre odd ones, is a crazy, squeaking dashboard, headrests that push my head in an uncomfortable position forward (and are non-adjustable) and the not-so- great gas mileage. I average 18 mpg and do mostly freeway driving. My A5 convertible mostly sits in the garage these days. I think shes jealous.
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Jack of all trades - 2010 Ford Flex
By jackrose - July 13 - 7:06 amFor those of you who want a sports car, comfy seating for long trips, usable interior space for building materials, good visibility, good winter driving, low entry for older parents and towing capability this it the best there is now. Ive had the Mercedes equivalent and it was quieter, dealt with high snow better, had better seats, but it had less space inside for hauling stuff, too high for grams, was not sporty,and was a lousy tow car (i tow a 4000 lbs load). On the other hand, the flex was great at towing and if you have ever had a highway load sway experience, the built automatic sway correction is a religious experience. The connections are built in for the aftermarket brake control
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Does many things well - 2009 Ford Flex
By basswood - July 7 - 12:34 pmFlex is very comfortable, easy to drive. Mine has no telescoping wheel, so I cant give myself all the leg room I would like to have. Excellent choice for tall people anyway. It is quiet and smooth on all surfaces. Good pickup when you need it. Mileage is surprisingly good. Mine is getting betterabout 19mpg around suburbs!
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Want to love it but - 2009 Ford Flex
By Disappointed - July 5 - 12:48 pmWent from a Explorer to a Freestyle to a Flex. Thought we had found that perfect car but after about 8 trips to 2 Ford mechanics we are about done. We keep getting the front brake grinding noise that everybody else seems to be getting. And it seems to go away for a few days after they work on it it comes back. Only difference from most of the rest of the reviews is that the dealership seems to try but cant figure it out. Other things have been small but what car isnt going to have some problems. Its a shame because otherwise we would love it!
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Caliper problems - 2009 Ford Flex
By Gail Johnson - July 4 - 9:05 pmI purchased this vehicle used from our local dealership. It had 24,701 miles on it. The second day of ownership, I came out of this driveway, a terrible squealing sound happened. I stopped and backed up as I thought I ran over a branch, and went ahead again. The car squealed off an on the rest of my route. I thought it was my brakes but service said they were perfectly fine. It still squealed but now I have a burning smell. Took it back and service said the left rear caliper was locking up and replaced it. Brought it back home parked it in the garage got out and smelled the burning smell again and the wheel was too hot to touch. Service has it again. Not happy.
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Nice Alternative, Cool Ride! - 2010 Ford Flex
By Scapesdog - July 1 - 9:57 pmI traded my 2008 Expedition Limited for this 2010 Ecoboost Flex and am extremely pleased. I love the style, retro feel. Once i drove it, it was over. Had to have it. Very fun to drive. There is NO Comparison to the regular Flex V6, this thing is a sports car (in heart, for a nearly 5000 lb ride). I would not compare it to my wifes BMW 3 Series but it does have loads of pep and the suspension improvement is very welcome. The AWD does a great job of transferring the power to the road. The car actually surprised me the first few times i punched it. Its pretty fast, certainly fast enough. Averaging 18 MPG, not bad given my heavy foot! Sync and Nav/etc is the best in the business!
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Best ford owned - 2010 Ford Flex
By reb - June 29 - 5:09 pmI have owned over 40 new and used Ford products in 50 years, and this by far is the best. Ride comfort is great, on long trip was not tired after 10 hr. Fuel economy after 3500 miles is 23 mpg overall and 24.5 mpg highway.
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Love My Flex! - 2009 Ford Flex
By Love My Flex!!! - June 14 - 12:28 amI have owned A LOT of vehicles from focus to excursion to expedition etc. and this is the BEST vech. I have ever driven I love the design inside and out. The comfort of the ride so smooth! I have two children aged 1 and 5 and it is perfect for them! My husband is 63" and he has plenty of room when he is driving or riding in the front or back. My flex has the bench seat in the second row that is what I preferred and I LOVE it! I traded in my Ford Freestyle. The gas mileage is GREAT we got 24 to 24.5 on the hwy and 20 - 21 around town! I Love the power trunk and sync just wish it was turn by turn directions. I did upgrade to the 911 asst. and vech. report. Thanks Ford Love MY Flex!!
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Disappointing seat quality - 2010 Ford Flex
By BPJ - June 8 - 1:40 amI had researched this vehicle for 2 years and saw mostly positive, so I decided to go for it. Bought the Limited model. Drove it for 2 days and my back was killing me, I previously had no back issues. After driving 4 previous ford vehicles, I expected comfortable seating. I drive at least 100 miles per day and the Flex seat is not as well padded or as supportive as I had expected. The headrest is not designed for normal size people and causes my head to jut forward. There is no way to adjust the headrests to make for comfortable driving.
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Home Run! - 2010 Ford Flex
By AUERGANG - May 27 - 11:42 amFord hit a home run with this EcoBoost Flex. Its quick, comfortable and a blast to drive. I just came back from a week of golfing with my buddies and this car made the trip even better. Fords Sync system beats all other telematics hands down. Its so easy to use by even those who are not tech savvy, like me. I hope Ford continues on its current path.
