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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First Impression and Experience - 2009 Ford Flex
By Footnote - November 27 - 9:56 pmWeve had our Flex for about 2 months now and find it to be one of the most satisfying cars weve ever owned. My wifes first impession was that it looked like a hearse and she wanted nothing to do with it. Once she sat in it and drove it she liked it as much as I did. It is the most comfortable and quite car weve ever owned. Recently we were caught up in a storm outside Lubbock, TX. In particular the winds were terrible. This car was rock steady on the road with no swaying at all. Inside it was quite and relaxed. We even watched as the front move through on the doppler radar image on our navigation unit. We love this car.
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I ADORE THIS CAR - 2009 Ford Flex
By psnoel - October 17 - 5:16 pmI love my flex. The interior is plush, and I feel like I am driving a designer car. The flex is fun to drive and all of my friends cannot wait to go for a ride.
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You make excuses to go for a drive - 2009 Ford Flex
By Bob Rivera - September 2 - 3:40 amEverybody loves the Flex, the kids always want to go for a ride. Most of the time, a new car is just transportation but this vehicle looks great and rides smooth. I park it in the driveway and neighbors stop and look at it with wonder. A new Honda van would never stop traffic, but this does. If more people drove it they would fall in love with this car.
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Love this Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
By OlyVenture - June 14 - 6:56 pmThis is quickly becomming one of the best cars I have ever had. Very comfortable and quiet, decent gas millage, great electronic features, tons of room and awesome in all weather. I got around everywhere in snow and ice when western Washington was hit with storms.
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JRs Flex Review - 2009 Ford Flex
By John R. Robinson - May 25 - 4:40 pmWe purchased a Ford Flex as our "people mover" for a family of six. Our previous work horses were a Suburban (160K miles) and a Honda Odyssey (130K miles). I loved the Suburban, the Odyssey was adequate, but am wowed so far by the Flex. We opted for 50/50 2nd row seating. This combined with the 50/50 3rd row seating has lead to little to no arguments about who sits in back! (all seats are equally comfortable) The interior features are great. We opted for the sky lights and this really opens up the passenger seating. My wife quickly fell in love with the bluetooth/SYNC capabilities and enjoys hands free cell phone talking while driving. 4500 miles so far and no regrets. A winner!
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Funky and Fun - 2009 Ford Flex
By k. black - April 12 - 8:53 amI traded an 2007 Ford Edge in on an 2009 Ford Flex. Ill be honest, Im still unsure about the exterior appearance and have taken a lot of ribbing about it being a "midget hearse" but you dont ride on the outside and the interior is awesome.
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Fun, Fun, Fun - 2009 Ford Flex
By Ohio - March 4 - 2:43 amThis is a head-turning car. It has everything--looks, performance and comfort. Heres the highlights: Vista Roof, Sync, Sony stereo, climate control, smoooooth ride, quiet ride and great looks. It has tons of room inside. I would recommend the white roof, ambient lighting package and the convenience package. If youre looking for a car that stands out from the crowd, the Flex would do it!
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Great Ride! - 2009 Ford Flex
By Eric - January 1 - 12:26 pmMy new Ford Flex is turning heads while driving down the street. It is vey roomy inside and is a great package for our family of five. MPG is better than the Expedition we used to drive. The Sync technology is great, gauges are clear and easy to use. Overall a winner in my opinion.
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Have a family without needing a minivan - 2009 Ford Flex
By From Brooklyn - December 25 - 6:00 amMy wife and I are expecting our third child, and with a dog in tow we needed to get a bigger vehicle than our VW Passat Wagon. We looked at the Routan but something about the Flex caught my eye. Its different, kind of a retro look with modern amenities--so basically it felt like us. So far, so good, it drives very nicely. One of the things I like best is how quiet it is, road noise isnt very present. Our kids really love it, and the automatic seat folding in the second row make it super easy for third row egress. Definitely roomy, smooth ride, SYNC is awesome, satellite radio 2 yr sub, panoramic sun roof...all in all a great experience so far.
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Best Car I have ever owned! - 2009 Ford Flex
By Picky - December 4 - 1:53 amThis car is incredible! Drive experience so comfortable you dont really care about getting to your destination! The real surprise- my fuel economy has been a solid 21.5 mpg driving 90% city 10% highway. This car hauls large items well. I put an 8ft potted tree in the back in front of several skeptical on-lookers. I have had not one problem with this car and it was delivered with 0 defects. Warning: if you drive one, youll want one!
