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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  I got a lemon - 2010 Ford Flex
  By camumma - May 26 - 5:22 pm

  Ive had my Flex 5 mo. and it has 4,600 mi on it. Ive had nothing but problems from day one. Its been in the shop 3xs. The speakers do Morse code, the dash board squeaks but most importantly, the transmission slips around 3xs a week. Ive taken it to 2 dealerships and so far they cant duplicate the issues. The turning radius is horrible! I have to do a lot of 3 points when back out of parking spots. The gas mileage stays at 17 mi/hr no matter if Im driving fwys or streets. It did not get better after the "break in" period. There is no access to the 3rd row with 2 car seats. I have to have passengers crawl in from the back. I plan on contacting a lawyer.

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  Exellent - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Flexlover - May 16 - 7:11 pm

  This car is by far the best I have ever had. Its roomier than my wifes tahoe and handles better then my previos BMW 3 Series. It has the highest quality interior if ever drove, and its also the best looking on the outside. The dash isnt exactly the same case though. Its a bit dull, but that can be easily remedied. The New Taruses dash would be much better for this car. The transmission is a little fussy to. Despite this, I wouldnt think twice about buying another one.

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  Poor door fit and trim fit - 2010 Ford Flex
  By MD - April 27 - 10:23 am

  I purchased a Flex about a month ago. I noticed that the rear driver side door and front passenger door are poorly aligned with the accompanying body lines. According to Ford and the dealer, the other 2010’s are like this, so that makes the poor quality acceptable. Also, there is a rear passenger door glass seal that is sagging at the top and of course they say this is normal even though you can see it was designed to not sag. So far they have refused to do anything about the issues. If they say this poor quality is acceptable what else have the lowered the quality bar on? I am very aggravated and disappointed with Ford motor company.

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  My Best Ford Ever - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Quite Impressed - April 22 - 4:57 pm

  I just picked this vehicle up over the weekend and have only put less than 200 miles on it. The impression so far is more than I have gotten from any Ford Ive had in years, and I have at least 8. Everything about this vehicle was meticulously put together. The interior is so huge I almost feel lost in it. The build quality is on par with the Audis, and is the best Ive seen in a Ford. The ride is so balanced and the suspension takes the rough Detroit roads with ease. I am looking forward to taking it on a long test drive. Ford is on the right track.

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  Really Bummed - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Brent Dyer - April 12 - 11:39 pm

  So lets start with the brakes. Horrible brake sound when backing up. Grinding noise in the front. I took it in and they said I have to pay after 15k miles. Then the second time I took it in they said that the brakes were dirty. Horrible wind noise. Have major trans problems. Revs up to 6k rpm and I have to pull over and stop. (no, I did not touch the shifter). Took it in and they said nothing is wrong. I am taking it in again tomorrow for the 4th time in 5 months. I am tired of this and I dont have time to deal with this anymore. I am just going to be told that there is nothing wrong. Is anybody listening? I am very frustrated and no longer feel safe

• 

  "Hunk of Junk" - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Natalie Dyer - April 12 - 10:58 pm

  I hate this car! I have had severe problems with the transmission as well as my brakes. Like always the dealer says nothing is wrong. I feel very unsafe in this vehicle and even though it is perfect for a family of 5- it is unsafe. I have had the transmission slip into low when I was on the fwy- my kids and I had to pull over and restart the vehicle to get it back into drive. The brakes continually grind. The dealer states they have dirt in them- once returned from the dealer it starts again. The brakes smoke and smell like they are burning. I would love to turn it back in to get my money back! VERY Disappointed.

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  My Ford Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By copper - April 12 - 5:58 pm

  I purchased the Ford Flex to replace my 1999 Ford F250 SD 7.4 L diesel. My F250 was getting old and starting to give my some problems so decided it was time to get a new vehicle. I looked around at several makes like the Honda Pilot, & Jeep Commander I also attended the Chicago auto show to compare vehicles all in one place. After long hours of looking and many questions asked of show staff I narrowed it down to 4 vehicles. The Jeep was the first to be eliminated to to it being over priced. The second to go was the Chevy Equinox the financing of 6.9% was way too high. After speaking to the well informed sales person at Ford I purchased the 2010 Flex I like the vehicle and it just right.

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  Love it, Love it, Love it! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By jagriner71 - April 11 - 9:53 pm

  The salesman said, "you either love the exterior or you hate it." Well, I happen to love it. I decided I liked it from a TV commercial and then fell in love at the car lot. The inside of the car is what sets it WAY beyond anything else. We test drove all the other brands, but kept coming back to the Flex for the navigation, panoramic roof, and Sync. I am so spoiled now that I cant stand to ride in another car. Kids love the car also. It is almost like a real life sized toy.

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  Outstanding - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Mark - April 9 - 8:40 am

  I am a police officer and find this vehicle to be as responsive as my patrol car.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Flex
  By wolfdjk - April 8 - 11:42 am

  Great CUV. Test drove other crossovers of similar size and nothing drove as well or was as comfortable. The Ecoboost engine is worth the extra money over the base engine. It is very smooth and powerful and the Fuel Economy is very close to the base V6.