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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  Fantastic Alaskan SUV - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jeremy - November 30 - 9:30 pm

  I have had this vehicle a couple of months now and have really enjoyed owning it. I previously had a Ford Freestlye and it seems the 3rd row leg room was a bit more than my new Flex. This is not an issue for the 6 passenger Ford Flex due to the 2nd row seats slide forward. The 7 seat configuration does not allow the 2nd row to move forward. Transmission shifted roughly in low gears. Buying a K&N Airfilter fixed that problem and now have smooth shifting with no problem. I think Ford should include a K&N Airfilter from the start to avoid the rough shifting transmission I experienced with my new Flex. I live in Alaska and the AWD system has been flawless in the snow and ice!

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  Lemon in the Making - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jim Stewart - November 25 - 2:51 pm

  I have the brake grinding noise and Ford has no solution. If you live where there is humdity, water or salt in the air, you will have the problem. Ford and the Dealership(Kelly Ford) in Melbourne, Florida have no solution. I am working on the lemon law process, do not buy this car. Besides the noise, the stopping distance is affected. Also, if you go to look at one, lean on the door and watch the metal bend, very cheaply made!

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  follow up - 2009 Ford Flex
  By chuck - November 25 - 8:22 am

  Follow up to my former review. Problems fixed now brakes are grinding. Dealer says that this is has been a problem, Guess I should have leased instead of buying.

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  Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Lori Mendoza - November 25 - 7:29 am

  I agree with the other reviews pertaining to the head rest. Is does make your head lean forward a bit. But, if you recline the seat back a bit it seems to help. I have had a problem with the brakes squeeking while I am backing up from the garage to the barn. So only while backing up a long distance also. It also seems to double shift when I stop at a stop light and at times it feels as if it wants to excellurate while my foot is on the brake. It is in the shop as I write this but they will call Ford and Ford will say there is nothing wrong as they always do. FYI I also had to take it on for a Computer upgrade from Ford. Didnt know I had to do that but on occasion you have to so i was told.

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  Flex/Box - 2010 Ford Flex
  By willbeblood - November 22 - 11:03 pm

  Just purchased, so that being said... Love it at this point. I did not want it, the wife did. I would have loved to have picked up a Sequoia but with all the toys it defeated the purpose of saving some $$ This ride is tight. Somebody gets it at Ford. Not the aesthetic dept. but engineering team did some homework. Things are where they should be and they work. The paddle shifters are a great feature to snap you out those times you see yourself driving by a window. Handles great, breaking you feel that youve got some weight behind you. Coming from an H2 its a little better but close. NAV system and voice rec. is very good, parking assist is really cool. If your a Mac, its a Mac.

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  Great alternative to a minivan - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Husband with kids - November 20 - 10:52 am

  We had to replace our Quest minivan due to a nice lady plowing into the back of it and were set to get another van when we noticed the Flex on-line. After driving a limited, I was impressed at all the features but not the price or the ride (those 20 inch hoops look great but you feel every bump in the road). We priced out an SEL with the 207 option package that gives you leather, power lift gate, Snyc, power memory seats and pedals, and a bunch of other goodies. We also got the tow package and power fold seats which are great but when you have a child seat strapped in, that feature is pretty useless. $200 over invoice before rebates. A great vehicle overall.

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  Extremely Impressed! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By procal - November 14 - 2:31 pm

  By far the best! I bought mine last October and have driven it all over Europe since. I have put on over 10,000 Autobahn miles and have no complaints. At this point, I am seriously considering trading it in and upgrading for a 2010.

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  THE BEST ! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Anne Ball - November 13 - 12:46 am

  I love this automobile !!! It makes me happy ! I love to look at it, I love to drive it ! My husband has never liked any of my cars, but now he fights me to drive it. It really is the most comfortable ---smooth. It feels like a real car, like they used to feel. I am short and I really appreciate the automatic lift. I do not have to jump anymore. The other real plus for me is that it looks so distinctive that I can find it right away in any parking lot. I also loved the choice of colors--different from all the others in the lot.

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  Ford Flex Review - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Diane - November 6 - 8:45 am

  We love the look. We love the room in 1st and 2nd seat, but the back is small for legroom. Very good storage. Gas mileage isnt as good as we would of liked. The worst thing about this car is the brake noise. After having it 3 months the brakes started growling when used. It got worse and worse. Weve had it in the shop 3 times. They said they fixed it but got it home and after 2 days, growling cont. Dealer said nothing else they can do because Ford doesnt know what to do. 2 other Flexs from this dealer came in with the same problem. One other problem is the neck rests. They do go ahead too far. We wouldnt get this car again unless brakes were good. Now were stuck.

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  The worst build car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By JJS - October 30 - 1:36 pm

  Five major parts are crumbling, peeling off or broken five months after I bought a new Ford Flex. I take good care of my cars,This should not happen to a new car. I contacted the dealer as well as Ford and I got very little in care or concern. I dont feel that I should fix a new car with so much dysfunctional elements happening, they should replace the Flex.