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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  Great car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Mark - October 21 - 6:43 pm

  This vehicle is outstanding for the family. Second row room is uncanny. The fuel economy is excellent for such a large vehicle. I recorded 25 MPG on a road trip and averaged about 21 total MPG so far in my travels. The inside of this vehicle is so quiet, it is like driving a Lexus. I wasnt completely sold on it until I drove it. And it can tow my boat (4500 lbs)

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  Gotta drive it! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Flex It in GA - July 20 - 4:56 am

  A friend told me to try it out and it was love at first drive! Got a great deal but then the issues started - body panels out of alignment, shimmy in front end upon braking, large paint chip, brake fluid leak, Sync electronics went dead in two days - all on a car with 9 miles on it! After 3 days in the shop, all bugs have been fixed and this car can run with the best of them at a great price. Mileage higher than posted both town & highway, comfort features galore, unbelievable Sony stereo, but we too opted for a $10 cooler instead of the $730 refrigerator. When you go to the dealer to drive one, have your trade cleaned out and ready, cuz you wont want to leave the lot without it!

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  Out The Park - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Peaceout - May 3 - 9:06 pm

  We took ownership of our limited silver loaded up Flex on July 10, 2008. My wife and I have four children 5yrs, 4yrs, 2yrs, and new born. We had to go to a third row vehicle and I was excited about the vehicle and validated the excitement once it finally hit the lot. The exterior style is superb and distinctive. The cabin is pure luxury, comfort, and functional. The drive is very relaxing and fun. This is a cruising machine built for comfort including the tight drive, cabin, interior materials, lighting, very quiet interior, and Sony surround sound is excellent. This vehicle delivers for my family. Congratuations Ford, you have just flexed your muscle.

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  Blue Oval is Back - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Happy - May 1 - 2:53 am

  Picked our new Flex and were immediately impressed. The exterior is bold and draws looks that other crossovers wish they could get. The interior is the nicest Ford has produced to date. Plenty of room in all seats even the third row and Im 62". Cupholders galore with six passenger seating, great options like auto- folding second row seats ambient lighting and the colors for the exterior. Some may not like the looks of the exterior but the interior is awesome, remember you sit in the car when driving. Give this car some serious consideration in your shopping.

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  Flex almost perfect - 2009 Ford Flex
  By clanger8525 - April 10 - 9:53 am

  Just got our Flex. Took some time as we must have been one of only a few people that wanted the Limited AWD with middle row bench. Came out of an LR3, so we are getting way better mileage. 17-24 is great for a 7 passenger vehicle. Way quieter and a better drive than an 09 Pilot (our only other serious contender) Super comfortable, and the Sync Nav system is awesome. My only complaint - The door clearance is only 9.5 inches, so its highly likely well be scraping the curb on a regular basis. To put this in perspective, my Porsche 911 has 11.5" of clearance - so I consider that a real problem that people should know about when making their buying decisions

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  Im driving the inside I keep telling em - 2009 Ford Flex
  By toyisland8 - March 28 - 10:26 am

  So, I was sold on an Outlook or an Acadia, even though I get Ford discount through my dads retirement. Simply put I hated the way this car looked, a cross between a hearse and a bus. My husband insisted I at least look at it, and I admit the inside and its luxurious features got me to test drive... sold! Loaded to the gills at 450/mo for a 39mo lease - the Acadia was at least 75/mo more with less features. (retiree discount helped obviously) I cant get over how I love this car (on the inside and behind the wheel) the outside, not so much. I opted for the white platinum tricoat and really like that I dont have a different color roof! Love it inside, hate it outside - you must drive it!

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  Bye Bye Mercedes! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By demarlelady - February 24 - 3:06 am

  In March of 2008 I bought a Mercedes CLK 350. I drove it through out the summer in Michigan and once winter hit it became a problem. I bought the Ford Flex Limited in AWD and figured I would only drive it when the weather was bad. Now I am so obsessed with this car! I have been trying to find a way to get Mercedes Benz to take that little convertible back! It even uploaded my entire address book from my cell phone onto my screen and now I have hands free calling all the time. Its the ride, its the comfort, its all the luxuries rolled into one. The best car of the year!

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  Love my flexy beast! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Bree - January 22 - 7:01 am

  We have had our 2009 flex for a few years now, and I’m struggling with the fact that I may want to trade it in because it’s getting high on miles. The only thing we have done is routine maintaince all the years owning. This car has been so good to us!! We have driven it across country 4 times and it has been nothing but comfort! I have been looking at other vehicles such as the expedition because of our growing family but still keep coming back to the flex. I will honestly just get a newer one at this point. I love it so much. By far the best car I’ve ever owned. My previous vehicle was a Dodge Grand Caravan. So I went from junk to this amazing car!!

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  The Near-perfect Family Cruising Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Charles from Canada - January 9 - 10:26 pm

  I tested them all. Replaces LR3 and before that Honda Pilot. Blows both those cars out of the water in almost every way. Space, space, space, comfort, drivability, features, practicality, fit and finish, design are all superb. Never seen a Ford like this before. Did a couple road trips with the wife and 2 kids and it was amazing for everyone. Separate seats and huge storage bin in the back for kids. Bought with separate screens in headrests so each kid could watch a movie of choice or my daughter could plug in laptap in 110V plug or son could plug in Game cube to screen. Comfortable seats, smooth drive, feeling of safety, great nav/sat radio for the adults. Outstanding vehicle!