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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  2009 Flex Brake problems - 2009 Ford Flex
  By bassguy - February 17 - 12:15 pm

  I was happy with the ride and feel until I hit 20K, and noticed a momentary grinding when I applied the brakes. Sometimes a gaslike smell was noticed after breaking. Quite a bit of black dust seemed to accumulate on the two rear wheels. At 25K a periodic squeal was noticed but the Ford dealer inspected and said the brakes were "good". At 29.5K the brakes made a grinding sound and were visably scored (rear left). My Ford Dealer said that "it wasnt a Ford problem because he didnt have a service bulletin that dealt with this problem!". Rather than have him repair with duplicate Ford parts, I took the car to a Goodrich dealer for new rear rotors and new upgraded pads.

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  Great Family Hauler - 2010 Ford Flex
  By jpete204 - February 13 - 2:30 pm

  I have a 2010 Flex with ecoboost and have very few complaints about our vehicle thus far. Its pretty good on fuel (when you dont put your foot in it, which is almost never) its an extremely comfortable and versatile car and did I mention it has ecoboost? Im not a huge fan of the marketing speak Ford used to describe this twin turbo direct injection engine, but this motor deserves every positive word said about it. Ive done some light duty towing and the motor feels as though it is never straining. Passing power is where the powerplant shines. My only minor nits to pick would be a couple of trim pieces which have broken and a faulty O2 sensor, which were both under warranty.

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  Great vehicle overall beware dealer transfers! - 2011 Ford Flex
  By prjklass - January 2 - 1:57 pm

  Overall the flex is great however I was disappointed with missing paint on bumper (where bumper meets sheet metal), some squeaks in ceiling air ducts and undisclosed minor hail damage to my vehicle. I will never do a inter dealer transfer in the future. Further my dealer (Maclin ford) also told me the vehicle had no break in period. After I received the vehicle I was disappointed to read that there is a 1000miles break in where the engine speed needs to be varied. Unfortunately the dealer tranfer involved a drive of almost 1000m. Seems to me like ford sales either does not know the product they are selling or they were dishonest in order to fininsh the sale.

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  Very Good...Almost Great - 2012 Ford Flex
  By aohurst - December 7 - 10:04 pm

  Price $3,000 under invoice. I test drove the 2012 Durango on the same day as the Flex. Noise level - much quieter in the Flex Ride - I had a 2007 Durango, and the 2012 is much improved, but the Flex is still as smooth as a sedan. Handling - Durango R/T handles mountain roads better. Little body roll in the Flex unless pushed hard. Drove it in the snow and grade assist works well. (live in Colorado.) Brakes- horrible. Mushy. GM and BMW much better. Ford needs to improve here. Flex seats are very comfortable and soft-you sit in them. Durango seats are harder and you sit on them. Dodge seats have side bolsters that hold you in place- Flex seats have zero bolstering. Entertainment- Durango

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  Another great Ford Flex - 2012 Ford Flex
  By charliedee - November 19 - 11:03 am

  Purchased 09 Ford Flex Limited in 2009. Loved it, but traded for 2011 Ford Explorer when rumors were that Ford was going to discontinue Flex. Had nothing but probs with my touch on the Explorer, traded for 2011 Ford Titanium. Due to oversized wheels and tires, it drove like a lumber wagon. Check with dealer on smaller wheels/tires, made me a better deal on 2012 Flex Limited. Had 2012 on lot, I drove it, huge difference in ride from Titanium. Have since order 2012 Flex Limited, anxiously awaiting delivery. P.S.-It is not my habit to trade this often, but have been offered great deals from my dealer. I know the deals are real, as I am a retired auto sale rep. (30+ years).

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  Love the ride but the brakes... - 2009 Ford Flex
  By lynnderlou - November 17 - 11:21 am

  I have 52k on the car and the rear brakes are having to be worked on again. They are telling me that it is the "elements", if Michigan driving is a problem for the brakes on this car they may have a few problems to work out! The rear parking sensor has stopped working, and is not covered under warranty, too many blind spots for this short girl to try and navigate blindly!Love the ride and comfort of the car but i think i will have to move on from my first and probably last ford vehicle.

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  We test drove everything, selected Ford Flex Limited - 2011 Ford Flex
  By mcc1234 - August 24 - 3:53 pm

  Our 2003 Yukon hit 140,000 and started to break down so we started looking for a 7 seater replacement. Couldnt face the stigma of a minivan so considered everything else in the $30-50k range. Reviewed and test drove many vehicles, including the new Yukon, Enclave/Acadia, Mercedes R/M, Lexus GX, Pilot, Highlander Hybrid and others. The Flex was not on our original shortlist and we only tried it because we had a spare hour last Saturday and dropped into the dealership. 2 test drives later and we ordered a fully loaded Limited from a nearby city. Love the car, the drive, 3 spacious rows, and the interior is like a business class aircraft cabin (great gadgets, dual DVD, fridge/freezer).

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  09 Ltd had it 1 1/2 yrs starting to act like a lemon - 2009 Ford Flex
  By gelene - July 23 - 11:22 am

  i LOVE this cars comfort, style, buttons & cup holders where you need them.. ford always does a great job w/ that.. BUT UNDER THE HOOD.. not so much.. :( after the last 2 fords (tauras & CV) i SWORE no more.. but loved the flex.. however its true colors are showing.. @25K already needed new tires, @30K newed brake & lifetime rotors replaced!?? 46K a/c is going out..WHAT?!! let me stress..we take it to the dealer & dont drive our cars hard, get regular oil changes, rotations, etc. my toyota scion has 100K & only needed 1 set of tires & brakes @50K.. and NEVER needed anything else NOTHING!!! come on ford america, we can do better!

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  Another Great Flex - 2011 Ford Flex
  By charliedee - April 20 - 8:37 am

  I purchased an 09 Ford FLex Limited in 2009. Made the mistake of trading for 2011 Ford Explorer. Ok car, but wasnt what I had expected. Kept it 2 months, trade back for a 2011 Ford FLex Titanium. Ah, yes, back to my good ole Flex again. My 2009 Flex is the ONLY car that I have ever owned that was problem free. I am confident that my new one will be the same.

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  Head rest a failure - 2011 Ford Flex
  By bootsboy - March 17 - 8:59 pm

  The head rest pushes against the back of your head. Guess the ladies are really going to appreciate their hair-do being redone. They claim its a "safety" feature. Bull. Its a bad design. Mercedes & Lexus dont re-do your hair for you nor poke you in the back of your head, and they are no slouches in the safety department. This is just a lousy design.