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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  Very pleased - 2009 Ford Flex
  By HRM - December 29 - 3:23 pm

  So my husband went in for an oil change on his beloved Mustang a few weeks ago and I ended up with a Flex! We were looking for a new car for me as I am requiring heated seats before moving from GA to Ohio. The consumer reviews were a main selling point. Once he drove it we were sold. It does drive remarkably well. The Sirius is addicting. I am avg height & have not noticed the issue with the headrests. My first drive was going through mountains from KY to GA. I hate driving downhill but felt way more comfortable than in my previous SUV. This week I had to drive home through flooding rain and the car handled as if the roads were dry. People at work stop me to compliment the car.

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  You should really look at this car! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Robert - October 24 - 12:46 pm

  Just purchased this car about 10 days ago so I cant respond to all aspects. I can tell you this. I searched high and low and drove so many new and used cars and kept coming back to the Flex. I actually liked it the moment I saw it, but inside is where the real story begins. Leg room front and back is out of this world and no other car comes close unless you want a mini van. Sync is just awesome and honestly it drives great. People may stare but thats because they want to know more about it themselves. I cant comment on fuel and reliability because its just to soon. However, if the total package is any indication this a real winner. Seriously, check this car out!

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  Great Car for Families - 2009 Ford Flex
  By M Solfronk - September 28 - 8:56 pm

  We love our SE equipped with Sync and self folding 2nd row chairs. The ride is fluid and the gas mileage is reasonable for the size of the vehicle. The interior is very nice and the Sync system worked as advertised. Front and Second Row legroom is expansive and Ive even sat in the third row myself. Its a little more tight but you can usefully carry around adults back there for longer stretches. The steering wheel needs to telescope for my 63" frame. Other than that I highly recommend reviewing.

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  Dollar for Dollar, The Best Family Ride. - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Choe610 - September 21 - 11:46 pm

  After our second child and a need for our second car seat, it was obvious we needed a larger family ride that would afford us all of the luxury, newest technical gadgetry and efficiency. After comparing several mid to full size SUFs and minivans (which my wife refused to consider) the obvious choice was the 09 Ford Flex. It has by far the best voice recognition system available, and an awesome 12 speaker sony sound system. With amenities such as supple leather seats, Sirius satellite radio, enough cargo space (when the third row is down) to carry a double stroller and 12 bags of groceries, fuel eficiency (compared to other 7 seater suvs) and eye popping looks, this is an awesome ride.

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  Flexerific - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Lisa - July 14 - 12:26 am

  Way to go FORD! Great crossover - looks and performance all in one package. We can load up the family and the dogs, no problem! Consistantly getting 22-24 mpg. Everyone wants to know about the Flex! Super handling and speed.

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  It has outperformed my first expectation - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Bryan - July 2 - 4:53 am

  It looks different and it is. First off the ride, quiet, smooth and a lot of power when needed. It corners fast and smooth full control. 4 kids absolutely love it gadgets and great sound system. Spacious and comfortable short or long trips. We have no complaints only praise a job well done. Thanks Ford

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  PURRR-FLEX - 2009 Ford Flex
  By LaRosa Turner - June 10 - 5:03 pm

  I shopped "til" I dropped looking for "THE" car on the internet. We already have a Explorer, i decieded to check out the Ford official site. I saw this 1950ish looking wagon and click on the interior and fell in love. Went to Chicago car show, saw one! Went to our Ford dearlship, sat behind the wheel, purrrr-fect. Drove it with the pedal to the metal,(and a prayer), purrr-fect. Went home told my husband, he said wait until fall. I didnt speak to him for 1 week. He took me back saw the Flex, didnt like it. Sat in it, purrr-fect! We now own a Flex!

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  Jerrys Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By jerry - April 1 - 1:00 pm

  I love my new Flex. The room is great and so nice to drive. People can not stop looking at it. I was filling and people ask me all about it. Ford hit a home run!

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  Ford has made a great car/crossover - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Rick - February 23 - 11:00 am

  This car is a real winner. Ford did almost everything right. Great engine, great interior and very well equipped in the Ltd model. Exterior is different, but special. For as large of a car as the Flex, the gas mileage is pretty good.

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  Most fun car out there - 2009 Ford Flex
  By sty - December 30 - 11:00 pm

  It reminded me of those "Woody" surfer wagons. Its a perfect combination of all the electronics you can want, plus cargo space. We have an infant and two Jack Russells, and sometimes pack bikes. Traded an Infiniti FX that was loaded and this was 10K less but had virtually everything the FX had, except for the V8. What it did add was space, a retro cool look, the great SYNC system. This was my first American car in 30 years and I would have to say Ford is now up there with the Japanese and Germans. The only option I laid off was the 760 dollar refrigerator, opting instead for a 5 dollar cooler. Great roof windows, too.