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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  One Year - 25000 Miles. Need I say more? - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Country Cruiser - July 31 - 2:13 pm

  Purchased car as we moved away from our family. Since have put almost 25000 miles on the car. Issues to date: Cracked passenger A pillar cover, chips from the flat frontal area. Pros: -Great to drive across country. -No DVD player, but use computer w/ 110V outlet and male-to-male 3.5mm audio cord to watch movies with sound system. -Sirius is nice, but a pain to pay for. -Sync works well. -Navigation is better than anything out there. Cons: -Like driving a boat. -No telescoping steering wheel. -No cooled seats. -Gas mileage is so-so. -Luggage space with 6 persons is tight. Overall, satisfied with build quality and features. Just wish it could drive without me steering sometimes!

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  Love the Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jane Nemitz - July 30 - 11:45 am

  I owned a Ford Windstar and as I now have 2 grandchildren, wanted a car with a bench seat for the second area so as to be able to accommodate the child seats as well as accommodate the parents. Has lots of room, is zippy, and love the style. I can find my car in any parking lot (right now). Head room as well as leg room is fantastic both in the front and second row. Car is quiet on the highway.

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  Best By Far - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jason - July 29 - 11:55 am

  We bought the Flex after our Dodge Nitro was returned as a lemon. The Flex, which cost us about 3k more than the Nitro, is so much nicer I cannot put it into words. The ride is ultra quiet and interior feels very upscale. We test drove the Acadia, Traverse, Pilot and Highlander and the Flex stood out. Gas mileage on an all highway trip was 26mpg+. Averaging 19+ around town. Telescoping steering wheel would have been nice, but I can adjust the seat to accomodate (62"). 2nd row is huge. Love this car, I would definitely recommend.

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  Always Ford - 2009 Ford Flex
  By KGB - July 16 - 1:33 pm

  We were dreading picking a new car. We considered buying another brand but fell in love with yet another Ford. My kids love the comfort and the integrated DVD. I love the sync for hands free calling. We got it fully- loaded and we are so happy we did. There is even a 110v plug-in in the rear...you can blow your hair while you drive. There are two charging adapter for your devices. We love the Sirius that was included and hooking up our ipod. The engine is fantastic. We took it on a road trip the first week we had it and not a single problem. LOVE this Flex!! The 5 moon roofs are awsome!

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  Ford Flex Windshield crack easy - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Scbetances - July 10 - 3:35 pm

  I have had my ford flex 6 months and the windshield has cracked 4 times. It cost $363.00 for a replacement each time. Ford told me sorry the nothing they can do it is the design of the ford flex and it will crack easy because it has a large windshield and will catch more of the rocks from the road.

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  Not Another Mini-van - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Danno - July 10 - 11:09 am

  As a family of 5 and needing to replace our Honda mini-van, we drove everything we could think of. The Flex won based on the fact it didnt drive like anything else we tested. The vehicle rides great, gets decent fuel econ (18c / 23h), and has tons of room. It doesnt handle like a large vehicle which is why it is becoming the favorite car to drive even when we dont have the kids with us. The headrests and non-telescopic steering havent bothered me like other owners (5 10" tall) and I find this to be one of the most comfortable cars we have ever owned. The Sync system is outstanding but Im still learning some of the features. www.syncmyride.com has updates and useful info for owners.

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  More extras than we have ever had - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Dave - June 30 - 8:34 pm

  Just bought it. Never had so many extras as we have always been conservative, just the necesseties. Lightinng package is great and the sun visor has a universal garage door opener which we had never seen before. Sync is great, car runs smooth and quiet and we got a long stare from a passing car as we left the dealership.

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  Didnt want a van again - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Ron - June 26 - 9:16 am

  My first new car in many years. Ford has raised the bar. This big safe car does many things well. It is smooth and quiet, with good acceleration. I wish it had a telescoping wheel, because at 6 4", I can move the seat back so far that the steering wheel is almost out of reach. I like the ease of folding the back seats down. It has a ton of room with them folded (not a minivan though) I added a back-up camera/gps system to my SE and it really helps backing up. Tall seats hold you in, make turning around to see difficult for me comfortable though. Solid highway drive. Dont drive with windows openoverpressure will drive you nuts. Mileage c. 20 in town, 25 hwy. Not great, but pretty good.

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  GREAT FAMILY WAGON!!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Benjamin - June 25 - 12:41 pm

  I bought this for my wife to replace her minivan. I needed an AWD people mover... we have 4 kids under 11. Thought I was going to have to go with Toyota Sienna or Honda Pilot. Im glad I found the Flex. Styling is so much cooler and Sync and Audio is high tech. Two tone & Vista roof was a must. You cant really appreciate vehicle until you climb in. Interior is excellent quality & design. Middle row leg room is excellent. As Ford says DRIVE ONE. I drove the FLEX 1st and was so impressed. I never got around to the Toyota or Honda.

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  Pros and Cons Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By a david - June 22 - 11:01 am

  Have had it about 1 month just finished a long trip down to Iowa and back. Here are my thoughts. Pros: Enormous amount of interior room esp for legs and head at all sitting positions. Boys love the ability to sit in diff places comfortably. AWD worked flawlessly in driving thunderstorm on highway. MPG better than expected ~23MPG @ 75mp. Rides and steers nicely. Have towed a popup camper and gear with no problems using factory tow package. Concerns: Needs telescoping steering wheel, adjustable headrests - no excuse Ford! Finding a comfortable drivers position can take time. Cannot buy a standard roof rack w/o factory rails. Door skins curve under car, probs w/paint chipping on gravel?