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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Price / safety - 2009 Ford Flex
By John - June 17 - 3:18 pmWe needed a car for 3 kids and two adults. I did a lot of reading into crash tests -- not just the stars ratings, but the detailed crash test reports. 1. This is about the safest vehicle on the market. Dont overlook that its heavy -- crash tests are about running into a car your size. Running into a heavier car is like a higher speed collision (to the lighter car). 2. Some complaints around the web are about MPG. Theres no alternative noticeably better in this weight class/size. Most are worse. 3. Another con often mentioned is price. Flexes are quite reasonable right now. Ours was 22% below MSRP (after 3K rebate), and just under 6% below invoice, with virtually no haggling.
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Fun and Not Boring! - 2009 Ford Flex
By Scott D. - June 11 - 10:10 pmWe wanted to replace our minivan and still needed to seat at least 6. I looked at this car and many others and kept coming back to the Flex. It grows on you quickly. Two months later and 5,000 miles already - I love it. I have had at least 6 strangers stop and look and ask me about it. Never had that happen with any other new car! I like that it is different than the usual common, boring SUVs, crossovers, and sedans. Tons of interior room for family. I am 6-5" and this is the only car I have owned where the drivers seat is not all the way back. The boxy style helps with the engine compartment and the maintenance points (oil, battery, filters) are easily accessible.
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1st time buying a new car - 2009 Ford Flex
By Mike - June 10 - 9:58 pmThis was our first family new car, ever. We looked at a bunch of models with similar features but Ford turned out to best suit our needs and budget. The salesman was great which was a huge added bonus. We opted for the SEL with AWD, DVD, Sync, and Lighting and Convienience package. Havent done much with the sync but the bluetooth feature was easy to set up and calls on the cell were easy and clear. I would agree the headrest angle is a bit much and having a telescopic wheel would be nice, however with so many adjustments to seating this is easily overcome. It drives like its on rails, and very smooth and quiet with enough feel of the road to help the driver. Very first class feel.
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Flex gets it right - 2009 Ford Flex
By JC - June 7 - 6:16 amWe were looking for a larger alternative to my wifes Lexus RX330. Wife wanted more upscale vehicle, but no SUV. Flex is technically not a "luxury" vehicle, it gets very close in terms of leather, materials and technology (I am referring to the "Limited" model). Interior was in quality to her Lexus RX. The use of space inside the vehicle is superb, with many functions and useful touches. The seats are extremely easy to fold down for storage. The ride is very nice (better than the Lexus RX). Suspension is soft, but firm enough for good handling. Takes corners better than any SUV, little body roll. A solid vehicle - highly recommend.
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Very Happy - 2009 Ford Flex
By Jonathan - June 2 - 11:48 pmI grinded over this decision for two months. I looked at Mercedes, BMW, Honda, Mazda,GM, VW,... I have never owned a Ford. I have owned all of the above. I think we made the right choice. We git unique styling, a functional interior, tons of space, decent mpg, and a great value for the vehicle at the price. My wife disliked the head rests, but they are are removable and or reversable. The adjustable pedals take care of the steering wheel telescoping issues. I am proud to buy American again!
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LOVE IT - 2009 Ford Flex
By Dave - May 29 - 10:05 amI had a Mercedes R350 with all the options, and I drove the Flex and looked at the price and said what the heck am I doing driving a Mercedes, I returned the Mercedes 5 months early to get the Flex, I could not find the SEL with leather and Nav, so I settled for the SE and will install the Nav. Best bang for the buck bar none! THANKS FORD!!
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One Fine Ride - 2009 Ford Flex
By Jeff B Dorough - May 28 - 12:36 pmA very nice new and fresh design. Very comfortable. Excellent features like the sync, vista roof and refrigerator. Perfect for taking the grandkids on weekend excursions. Ford - keep up the good work. Build the right car and people will buy it - what a concept! I have already influenced three others to but this vehicle. Do I get a commission? or a key chain? Regards, Jeff B Dorough
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Very Happy Owner - 2009 Ford Flex
By TJHahn - May 28 - 2:20 amWe were not completely sold on the Flex because of the boxy design. The test drive sold us within the first minute! This car is incredibly comfortable, offers outstanding build and material quality and even with AWD, still delivers a combined mpg of 19. Ford has proven that they can still build a great American car with attributes beyond the foreign offerings. At only 5 days old, someone hit our Flex while my wife was driving, she didnt even feel the impact. She only knew that someone hit her because she saw the other car (a Camry) literally bounce off the Flex. Wed drive through a hurricane in this thing!
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My personal Limo - 2009 Ford Flex
By JA - May 26 - 7:12 pmThis vehicle drives like a charm. My Wife and Kids love it. So far we have averaged 22.2 MPG combined.
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Great Vehicle!! - 2009 Ford Flex
By Florida - May 26 - 1:25 pmWow! What a great car. At first, it took a while to get used to the looks, but now we love it. Were looking at Tahoes/Traverses/Acadias/and Suburbans. You get a lot more for your money with the flex. A fully loaded flex is about the cost of a stripped version of the above listed. Its amazing, the dealers that are strong, Ford, are willing to work harder for your business than those not doing so well?? Maybe thats why they are staying in business.
