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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  Fabulous Flex - 2012 Ford Flex
  By Win Hollister - December 24 - 3:37 am

  We purchased a Flex in 2012 to meet the needs of traveling, towing boats and moving. The car performed admirably. Unfortunately, we recently had a severe accident at highway speeds which totaled our car. The air bags deployed properly and the interior was untouched. Engineering is excellent and we look to replace the car with another Flex!

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  Great car with major design flaw! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Ray Thompson - July 14 - 4:53 pm

  Most people wont care about this, but there is a design flaw in the Flex. I ordered one and felt the vehicle was ideal for me in most ways. Im very tall and the headroom and legroom are exceptional. Which is great, except for the fact that a tall person (Im 67") cannot comfortably drive this vehicle! Because it lacks a telescoping steering column, even my long arms are at full extension with no bend at the elbows. This became uncomfortable even during a short drive; during a long trip it would be unbearable.

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  The Worst Vehicle I owned In 24 Yrs. - 2009 Ford Flex
  By vs - June 25 - 2:06 pm

  Bought 09 Flex on 1/21/09. From day one the truck was a nightmare. The truck spent more time in service than any car I driven in 24 years. The truck has a problem with its trans seals which leak. Brought it in to have it fixed only to have a worse leak. My husband had to bring it back because he said it could catch on fire. It has a problem with the brakes which make a noise and feel like something is wrong when braking. At first I was told that this is normal for a Ford but after insisting that it be rechecked. I was told to use my emergency brakes if I couldnt stop

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  Flexing in my Flex - 2018 Ford Flex
  By Shondy - June 14 - 3:27 pm

  It’s a spacious car for the money. I never would have thought I’d own a ford, but here I am loving it. Mostly great review of this vehicle, couple drawbacks but they’re minor in comparison.

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  We love our Flex!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By A. Ekstrom - May 7 - 7:36 pm

  We were about to have our third boy and I did not want a minivan, thankfully we found the Flex! We absolutely love it!! It has so much room, the two big boys love their spots in the third row, they have their own cup holders and compartments! The second row has about 47 inches of leg room, sometimes Ill sit back there just because. I love the front heated seats, even living in Arizona I use them all the time. We love the look of it, ours is all black with black leather inside. Next time we buy one I want two colors, Im think red and black. We also love the navigation system and back up camera, the boys call it the Flexs iPad. Its easy to use and navigate and all buttons and such are perfect. The few cons: We received a new big sit and stand stroller after the baby was born and it doesnt fit just in the back. We have to move one of the boys to the second row by the baby, flip down one side of the third row and put it there. Our Flex had almost 100,000 miles on it when we bought it and it was beautiful inside and out, the only its started doing is hesitating when shifting at slower speeds. After looking this up it seems to be a common problem. Overall we will definitely be buying another Flex, we love how comfy it it, how it looks, the technology and that its unique!!

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  Best family car - 2016 Ford Flex
  By M F - April 13 - 1:12 pm

  This is my second Flex, I traded in my 2009 for a 2016. It is the best family mover. My husbands Ford Explorer doesnt have nearly the space or flexibility as my Flex. I can haul 6 kids and all their stuff. The cargo area is deep so you have a lot more space than some other cars. It has great leg and head room, even in the third row. The third row sits up, like stadium seating, so it is less claustrophobic. My SEL has a 120V plug and well as many charger locations which is definitely needed. The sync system works very well. I looked at Toyota, Nissan, Honda, GMC, Buick, Hyundai but the Flex was definitely the best.

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  Love My Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By FordLover - April 5 - 5:16 pm

  I was online as soon as I saw the first TV commercial for the Flex. Finally, they brought back the Luxury Wagon! This is not a mini-van. The owner reviews at Edmunds.com regarding the comfort, quiet, details etc. inspired a test drive and purchase. This is a wonderfully comfortable car! It is a luxury sedan with room in the back! It handles smoothly. I am impressed with everything Ford included in this package. For the past year, I had been feeling forced to look at different makes, models and styles that I didnt LOVE because it was time for a new car. So glad I held out. Love My Flex!

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  Wow! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Steve - February 20 - 2:30 pm

  This is the best driving, most comfortable, fun to drive vehicle I have ever been in. The voice activated nav system is a breeze to master, and the comfort of the seats is 2nd to none. Room to spare and very quite inside. No engine or road noise. This is a winner for Ford!

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  Ford got it right - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jim - January 9 - 6:16 am

  I first saw the flex online and was intrigued by the look. My wife and I do not have a family, however we do have a big dog and are going to get at least one more. We also go on drives to the wine country with our friends and need room. I have driven a lot of Fords including my last car (Explorer) which I hated--really bad MPG, sluggish, and cheap interior. The Flex is the opposite. They are finally putting some emphasis on quality and luxury feel in this car-especially the interior. The Sync system is great, the interior (ours is black leather) is sharp and very comfortable. Many people have made comments about the car and how impressed they are

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  Practical Ford! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By new to ford! - November 15 - 6:10 pm

  I got my dark ink blue 09 Ford Flex SEL AWD with every option except navagation ( not available on the SEL) for $29500. I love the interior room and luxury features of this vehicle. My kids love the rear refrigerator console in the back to keep their snacks and drinks from going bad. I really like the blue and camel interior that go well together. Has a good stereo system especially with cds but bass punch is lacking. The 265 hp 3.5l V6 and six speed automatic deliver decent power and pulls from a stop. accelerator response is good and can keep your foot slightly on the pedal. The six speed shifts smoothly but when the car is floored, there is a loud roar. Overall very good vehicle