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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Love it - 2009 Ford Flex
By Rfcurran05 - March 31 - 10:26 amPicked 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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Flex Findings at 1500miles - 2009 Ford Flex
By Pete V. - February 28 - 4:03 amMy first impression was its a mini hearse or Mini on steroids. It evokes a strong reaction which is mellowed after driving it. We like driving the Flex but it becomes painful on longer trips due to the lack of steering wheel length adjustment. Our fuel mileage ranges between 13-15 mpg which is of concern and not fully acknowledged by the dealer. The nav, audio, heater system and display is inoperative at cold temps (mid 20sF) until the vehicle interior warms up. A repair of the rear exterior appliqué panel was required. Folding seat locks need a second adjustment to work properly. Overall we like it and hope to get the bugs fixed soon.
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Fun Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
By KIKI - December 19 - 8:46 amWe 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 pmI 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.
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Flexlovable - 2009 Ford Flex
By Harold Landis - October 14 - 3:30 amThis car is great.Unique style,plenty of comfort, great on gas for a vehicle this size. We just returned on a trip to Florida. Gas mileage ranged from 25 to 26 mpg at turnpike speeds. Better than advertised. We also own a Jaguar XJ8 and this vehicle is more comfortable on a trip than the Jag. We are planning a cross country trip in the fall and will be driving the Flex. I was a previous Jeep Grabd Cherokee owner and the Flex wins hands down in every catergory.
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Even Better Than I Expected - 2009 Ford Flex
By Hazz - October 5 - 11:40 amWe bought this vehicle for practical reasons but have been impressed with how comfortable and fun to drive it is. It receives constant glances and questions - and all of them have been very favorable.
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The Flex Rocks! - 2009 Ford Flex
By Ludell - August 28 - 4:43 pmIt came down to the Highlander and the Flex. We went with the Flex Limited with the 2nd row bench loaded with everything except for the vista moon roof and couldnt be any happier. For the same price of a Highlander Sport, you can get a top of the line Flex with all the bells and whistles. The car breaks necks everywhere you go and people are constantly asking me questions about it. I never thought Id ever buy a domestic car, but Ford made me a believer with the excellent quality and styling they used on the Flex. I have a 2004 Pilot and the Flex feels better, looks better, and gets the same MPG. The white roof on the dark metallic blue paint really pops.
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FLEX is Awesome! Germans Want Twice Cash - 2009 Ford Flex
By Marco Palm - July 25 - 12:13 amOh My God, this truck rides like a $100,000 BMW. We just returned from Jacksonville back to Virgina, and could not believe the ride, stability, awesome visibility. Absolutely freaking love this Ford Flex.
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We Love Our Flex - 2018 Ford Flex
By BoyMom - June 6 - 1:14 pmHonestly we traded in our 2014 Flex for this 2018, while I do believe the dealer screwed us a bit on pricing, I feel that ford stepped up their game, sync is amazing now and the iPhone connection is just a dream. Feels great not as smooth as our old flex, not sure why, and Im not sure why they are stating that there is worse mileage now but controls I would say are great, Ive always loved the turning radius and it still has it, as well as all of the room it has. Im not sure I agree with a lot of the experts review, but it did put a damper to my excitement of getting it, wish I had never looked. And the 12volt really should be standard
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Loving my new Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
By Sarah M - June 5 - 1:23 pmI have had my Flex for 2 weeks now. It rides very smoothly and plush. The interior is nicely appointed. It drives nicely in the city and on the highway. The SYNC system was easy to set up -- dont know how I ever lived with out it. I will never ever buy a vehicle without SYNC -- I am hooked! Industry leading technology. We are able to load up the kids, their friends and all their gear with no problems. Gas mileage so far has been averaging 23 mpg (mixture of highway and city driving)
