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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  Lovin It - 2009 Ford Flex
  By bleary travelers - February 2 - 11:03 pm

  The week after we bought our solid silver Flex we took a 4,000 mile road trip. Had many chances to check fuel economy with the cruise control on and came up with these numbers: 80 mph - 23 mpg; 70 mph - 24 mpg; 60 mph - 28+ mpg. Very pleased! The ride is really comfortable except (as others have noted) the head rests tilt forward. I experienced the same thing when we test drove an 09 Pilot. I talked my husband into this car - hes 63", Im 50" and we both love driving it. Plenty of cargo space (musician hauling keyboards & amps). Cant answer as to reliability yet, but this replaces our 99 Explorer that had 175k miles on it. I dont expect anything less from the Flex

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  Ford Flex is Outstanding! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Mickey Ranyes - December 9 - 7:56 pm

  What a very pleasant surprise from Ford. We chose after a test ride and paid $29,800 out the door. Second and third row legroom is very strong. Vehicle tracks perfectly straight on highway! Safety for rollover on an SUV has to be tops with this car, as center of gravity is lower. Cant believe how much this auto has won us over. Ford is definitely heading in the right direction. Very proud we dropped Mercedes and saved $60,000.

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  Proud Flex owner - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Ken Anda - October 30 - 11:30 pm

  Although I still drive my 96 Windstar daily for work (229,000 miles) the Flex is for weekend and pleasure use for now. Ford has outdone themselves and can compete with the imports with the Flex. The ride is exceptional and the interior room is huge. I am averaging about 25.5 mpg on the road. I do not live in a congested area so gas mileage should be good for me.

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  Love at first sight? Not really, but... - 2009 Ford Flex
  By GeeMan - August 30 - 3:20 am

  A solid home run from Ford Motor Company. When I first saw pictures of the Flex, I didnt get it. It was polarizing. But that was the genius the designers were going for. You either loved it, or hated it. Initially I was stuck right in the middle i.e. dont love it, but dont hate it either. But the more I saw the vehicle, it started to grow on me. Then I had an opportunity to ride in one, boy did my feelings change immediately! From that point forward it was , I want one. So I bought one. Turns out to be one of the best purchase decision Ive ever made. What a fabulous vehicle. Dont believe me? Drive one.

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  Fords Come-Back Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By brockstar - August 23 - 9:10 am

  All I have to say is wow. I love this car. never thought I would buy a Ford vehicle. I went to the dealership to look at the vehicle and test drive it. It was the first vehicle I looked at. From that moment I had to have it. I have had Mercedes, VW, and Honda in the past. This car drives as nice as the Mercedes did. Ford you did good.

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  Best car Ive ever had for real - 2012 Ford Flex
  By JW - July 14 - 4:24 pm

  I have a fam of 5, we live at 9000 ft on top of a mountain in Colorado with switchbacks an heavy winters, I commute 30 min each way to work and live on a very tight budget. I have had over a dozen vehicles in the last 15 years, as I seem to have the devils luck in cars. This Flex has been my lifesaver. Regular maintenance, the occasional windshield replacement (living in The Rockies does that), and switching 20"rain tires for 18" snow tires has been my only costs in 2 years, purchased used at 98k, now has almost 150k (we road trip a lot too). Plus we have the EcoBoost which has saved our lives countless times living on the hwy and gas mileage is pretty dang decent.

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  LUV THAT FLEXIBILITY - 2009 Ford Flex
  By fred adams - June 22 - 8:26 pm

  I purchased the flex, because I needed room for my mothers wheelchair, the dog and myself. Couldnt be happier and proud of an American vehicle. Go Ford and go American.

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  Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jerry Beltran - May 24 - 11:26 am

  Like others I shopped and shopped for a Vehicle primarily looked at the Acadia and similar cross overs. Finally decided on the Flex for the price and options. One major complaint is the poor quality or the paint job and body work it almost looks like the doors and side panels dont aline properly. If you look closely you can see allot of overspray and the quality of the interior carpet is horrible at best you can tell that Ford did not spend alot of time making sure that they did a quality job with the trim. Overall I love the car but would like to see Ford put a little more effort in the quality of the interior and craftsmanship.

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  Ford is back! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Luke - May 8 - 11:16 am

  2 years ago I dumped my GMC Suburban and purchased a Scion XB. I was always unhappy with the XBs size & amenities, but the mileage made up for it. I was considering a GMC Acadia. Then came Flex. As soon as it appeard on Yahoo I knew it was going to be mine! I now have a loaded SEL. My wife loves it, too! Finally a cool, luxury ride. Yesterday it averaged 27.9 MPG at 60MPH over a "hilly" 10 mile highway segment using the cruise control! Wow! It beats the sticker MPG, even in the city. Im very proud of Ford!

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jeff - April 8 - 1:43 am

  Quite possibly the best American vehicle that Ive ever owned. This vehicle rides smoothly and the AWD version of the vehicle got 24.6 MPG on a long distance trip of 1300 miles. This is 2.6 MPG better than the EPA sticker. The designers of the vehicle seem to have thought of everything including a 110 V AC outlet at the back of the 1st row center console. Must order sync on the vehicle too so that you can make hands free calls (legally required in some states) and also can control your music player or thumb drive with music on it. Seats are amazingly comfortable and ride quality is better than a minivan. Buy one and youll be impressed too.