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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  flex headrests - 2009 Ford Flex
  By john - March 6 - 7:15 pm

  I have solved the headrest issue. I purchased a set of Toyota 4Runner headrests, from a wrecking yard, recovered them to match, a much better front seat now. The new headrests are adjustable back and forth, so all who ride are able to make a selection of the rest position. Total cost $100. This was my only solution since Ford took a no action attitude. Not what I call Superior Customer Service!

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  Disappointed - 2009 Ford Flex
  By jks - February 27 - 1:52 pm

  After a year of Flex ownership, its not quite the vehicle I expected in quality. I am having front brake issues (severe grinding) which I understand is common with this vehicle. Plastic interior trim pieces falling off. Exterior plastic pillar piece coming off - its attached with double sided tape. And the gas mileage rarely gets above 21 mpg on the highway. Dont get duped by the advertised 24 mpg.

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  Awesome - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Matt - February 23 - 9:48 am

  I am 64, 260lbs. When I sat in this car it was like sitting out in the open. So much space in the front! The leather seats are incredible comfortable. The styling inside and out is really nice. I really looked around before my family picked the Flex. We fall in love with it more each day. It is like sitting in a lazy boy and driving around. Smooth ride. Great handling. Didnt get the limited so I am thinking about getting some additions at some point. This car also has plenty of space. We have 2 kids and dont have a problem with room.

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  Flex Is Excellent! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Buzz Garven - February 21 - 9:37 pm

  This vehicle from FORD has made us completely forget about our overpriced, awfully reliable BMW X5 Sport, and we Saved $30,000 by purchasing FORD FLEX instead of European service nightmare.

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  UNCERTAIN - 2009 Ford Flex
  By santiago - February 18 - 7:20 pm

  car has been in the shop too often for a new car. My keyless panel has almost came off 3x, finally replaced it but now it extends farther then door. Brakes grind told normal at first then needed something changed on them because there were so many complaints and heater wasnt working properly, had to flush it 3x according to a bulletin that was put out by ford that I believe owners should also receive. Still dont believe car is heating properly. I worry whats next. Tried to buy American but I am being more disappointed every month. This is not a cheap vehicle and there are too many problems...they need to extend warranty. Head rest are horrible.

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  Am awesome suprise - 2010 Ford Flex
  By shawna - February 11 - 7:27 pm

  I had been test driving Tahoes and Youkons and accidentally found the Flex. I had test drove a used car and happened to look over and saw an all white flex. I asked my husband, if for kicks, he wanted to look at it and when we did we were in for a suprise at how much room it had. It had more room than any vehicle we had looked at. As soon as I test drove it and felt how smooth it was I was hooked. I LOVE driving it and I love the gas mileage. It fits our family of 6 very well!

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  Piece of junk - 2009 Ford Flex
  By tim - February 9 - 4:59 pm

  Nothing but problems needed new heater core 2 mths. after purchase transmission needed rebuild after 13 months replaced rear sensors 5 times drivers door mirror needed to be re- attached wheel bearing on right front needed replacement very poor gas mileage.Can hardly wait to get rid of this clunker.

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  Never thought I would buy a Ford - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Likes foreign cars - February 8 - 6:25 pm

  Living in OC, Im brand concious. All I need to say that I replaced a Mercedes GL450 with this car and I can tell you that this is better than the GL450. Ford has done an amazing job with the styling, feature, technology, and ride. The Ecoboost engine is great, with one turbo working the low speed and the other at high speed it gives you power on demand merging onto the freeway as well as lane change at high speed. The Sync technology is the best in the industry. The leather quality is comparable if not better than what I had in Lexus and Mercedes. Lastly, in a very image concerned world of OC, were getting noticed in this vehicle, which says a lot about where Ford is going.

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  front seat head rest - 2009 Ford Flex
  By john kaa - January 31 - 11:56 pm

  I enjoy my Flex, except for the front seat head rests. I have been back to Ford, they choose to do nothing! If you are looking at a Flex make sure these headrests are not a problem with you. I would not have purchased the vehicle knowing this.

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  Great Ride - 2009 Ford Flex
  By flexlover - January 29 - 11:53 pm

  Just returned from Florida in our 2009 Ford Flex SEL. Put 3300 miles in 2 weeks from Indiana. Drove the car the first day to FL for 12 hours straight and did not feel the least bit tired. The DVD and satellite radio kept the kids and myself cruising along. The wide, low sitting "wagon" done great on the mountains. On the interstate it was ultra smooth. From gas stations to parks to the condo, people stopped me to ask to look inside. The leather interior is extremely comfortable. I was glad to put a long trip on the motor to break it in. It is absolutely the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. The fridge and electrical outlet came in handy on the long trip. We LOVE it!