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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  New Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jake - May 24 - 2:47 pm

  We were looking for a car with more space and comfort than my wifes Toyota Corolla. Which we traded on the Flex. We own a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD. We love it but, the Flex has way more space and comfort. We took a 325 mile trip with it straight from the dealership. 24 MPG as long as you keep it at 2000 RPMs or less. The sound system is super. The driver seat in the SEL is more comfortable than my recliner! We went to our sons house and the five of us went out to eat. They were equally impressed with the comfort and space in the Flex. The cabin is well laid out. Dual climate controls are nice. It is as advertised by Ford. If you are looking for space, comfort and fair MPG buy one!

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  Flex my Christmas Present - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Bigg Will - May 23 - 5:20 pm

  I love my new Flex SEL (previously owned by George The Iceman Gervin). The bold new look is great, I love being different and the Ford Flexs design is just that. The comfort of the seats and the ah of the interior are excellent. Even though the vehicle is not that high and appears to be low to the ground, once inside the vehicle you feel like you are in a standard size SUV. The stereo system is wonderful and the hands free sync system is a great addition also. I welcome the tight turning ratio of the car, it mirrors my Volvo XC90. he ride is firm, sturdy and comfortable, a lot of fun to drive. I turn heads everywhere I go! Never thought I would own an American made automobile!

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  The Flex Demonstrates Whats Possible - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Madlock - May 16 - 1:45 pm

  Even if the Flexs "love it or hate it" looks dont appeal, its superior fit and finish, material quality, and carefully thoughtful design certainly should. And if its tremendous utility doesnt make a compelling-enough case, its comfort certainly will. Ford took a chance with the Flex, making tremendous investments in quality throughout, and it shows. Its styling may not suit everyones taste, but everything else about it should. Ford has engineered the kind of "German" solidity rarely found in American vehicles, and doors close with a rassuring "Shunk!" The Flex simply feels both solid and refined, and the Limited trim meets any reasonable standards for luxury that exist. Kudos to Ford.

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  Good Things from Ford - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Reid Umphrey - May 14 - 1:05 pm

  It looks like all the focus from Ford on Quality has really paid off for them. I am degreed Aersospace Engineer as well as a Certificated Aircraft Mech and ASE Mech. I was a GM guy through the first 25 years of my driving life and had an very bad lemon experience with a GM Truck. The GM service manager actually told me that if I wanted a real truck I needed to go to the "Blue Oval". Went to Ford in 2000 and never looked back. We were looking for a replacment for my wifes 92 Astro Van. I stopped by the Dealership and though the Flex was just awesome. I really though she would think I had lost my mind to think she would drive it. The rest is history. Bought one and really like it!!!

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  A smart pick - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Steve - May 6 - 6:39 am

  Just purchased the Ford Flex Ltd FWD and can not be more pleased. Avg MPG is 23 which is 3 miles better than my smaller 2006 Volvo XC70. Fit and finish is wonderful and the interior looks like its from a car costing $10K more. For a large crossover the performance is quite good all things considered. While some do not care for the boxy look I do, as it makes it stand out in a sea of similar looking cars.

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  So happy! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By jesscawat - May 5 - 11:46 am

  I love love love my Flex! We were looking for something that would carry more than 4 people comfortably that was not a van or a huge suburban. This was it! Easy access to the 3rd row was a must! And its affordable! The Flex by far out does all the other crossovers.

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  Love my FLEX - 2009 Ford Flex
  By island girl - May 4 - 8:25 am

  My Suburban died and I needed a car so I saw the Flex and loved it but bought an Explorer. Gave the Explorer to my teens and got myself the Flex! I love the car. I was not ready to give up the space of a Suburban so the Flex fits that need but I feel like I am driving a luxury sedan! The extra features of the LTD make it a great transistion car from the mom carpool to the adults have fun car! It handles island driving around all the curves and pot holes just great! A 6"3" friend of my son told him it was the most comfortable back seat he had ever been in! My teenage son loves the sound system and sits in the driveway playing around with the bass and tremble! The Flex is MY car!

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  Love it - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Rfcurran05 - March 31 - 10:26 am

  Picked up a FWD Flex Limited in February. With all the incentives, I got a Flex with an MSRP of $35.5k for $28.3k. The interior is extremely comfortable, well thought out, and is great for long drives. I just took it on my first longer distance trip and it did quite well. I averaged 24.5 mpg heading from Boston to the Albany area. Overall, I would say that is pretty impressive considering the size of the vehicle. I love the overall styling of the Flex and it does garner a fair share of attention. It is very low to the ground and is great for those of us that have to load car seats in/out of it.

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  Fun Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By KIKI - December 19 - 8:46 am

  We have had the Flex for 1 month. Very comfortable, huge amount of space, great looking sitting next to my 06 Mustang GT. Combined driving mpg 22 excellent for a seven passanger vehicle. Sync is awesome must have option for any car (oh lucky Ford owner exclusive for the time) bought the SE to fit the budget but definitely does not feel like the budget model. Great value!

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  Merry Christmas to Me - 2009 Ford Flex
  By clteach1 - November 24 - 4:33 pm

  I love this car. My husband and I were Christmas shopping and stopped to test drive a Flex just for the heck of it. We had no intention of buying one. We were just very curious as it looked so different. We were immediately sold. It is so comfortable. We had a Christmas trip planned from NH to Kentucky with our 5 kids and were a little leary of making such a trip in an unfamiliar car. It turned out to be our best trip ever. The kids didnt complain once and driving it was such a pleasure. It certainly made a 27 hour trip a lot less stressful. I think this was my best Christmas present ever.