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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  2010 Ford Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By razerbackrob - March 6 - 9:01 pm

  We have had our Flex for just over 3 years now. We use this vehicle for shuttling kids, work, and everyday errands. We have been very happy and still have original brakes pushing 78000 miles. I am 6"4" and am very comfortable driving this car. Feel like a little guy in a big car. Gas mileage averages almost 20 exactly between city and highway which would be expected for a vehicle of this size. We have towed the boat (not far) but it easily pulls a 20 in and out of the water with no problem. Two complaints. The tire where is excessive. The Good Year original tires were slicks at 42000 and Yokahama are not much better . Worst front wheel drive vehicle in the snow I have driven ever.

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  2012 Flex Limited - 2012 Ford Flex
  By 2012_flex - February 18 - 7:01 pm

  My work takes me all over the southern half of Florida, averaging about 500 miles per week... I needed good gas mileage! I have three children (one who is over six feet tall) and we like to take road trips... I needed comfort and "real" seating space. I wanted quality and unique style... I did not want every other look-alike "euro-bubble" design. After very exhaustively researching all of the brands that met my requirements, I arrived at the Ford Flex - Limited. The drive is smooth with plenty of power, the ride is quiet and somewhat firm, the seats are very well designed and comfortable, and the fit and finish of the interior (and exterior) is excellent. Driving American and proud of it!

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  Big yet fun to drive. - 2013 Ford Flex
  By caraddict1 - February 3 - 11:22 am

  I was looking or a larger car yet didnt want a sit up high SUV. I liked these when they first came out yet was hessitant so waited a few years and I am glad I did. It glides real smooth when driving it has great handling and turning radius. Not hard to park. The eco boost is awesome. It gets up and goes when you hit the peddle. Great for long hauls and short hauls. Highway and back roads with all the curves. I have over 3,000 miles on it and cant complain. Teenagers and friends fit in fine. can carry 4 dogs 4 adults and some with no problem. If you want a minivan look at this first. Has all wheel drive too.

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  Wish I had the great experiences as others have posted - 2010 Ford Flex
  By ashley34 - January 25 - 4:39 pm

  We purchased our flex from a dealership new (off their lot where it sat for months) in 2010. First issue was brake noise. After three trips back, the service department replaced the brakes. Then the door handle paint peeled. Which the dealership told me was because of my wedding ring wear?! Then the center console latch broke - which was covered and replaced under warranty. Then the transmission started slipping. That was fixed under warranty. Already had to replace the tires @ 30k miles. The latest is the paint peal has gotten worse. One dealership told me to take it back to the dealership I bought it from. Ford is ford is ford. Now - a noise in the passenger side dash. ....

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  Ford Does Not Support - 2009 Ford Flex
  By jstaples15 - December 28 - 7:15 pm

  I have a 2009 Ford Flex that was involved in an accident with a deer. According to the repair shop, there is a necessary part that is needed on the vehicle, P/N 8A8Z16138A, that is not in production and not available anywhere in the US. I contacted Ford Motor Co. several times and they have informed me that they have no planned date for production, due to tooling issues. Their stand on the issue is that it is not their problem. I have exhausted all contacts and Ford has no answer when my car may be drivable again.

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  Not your Fathers station wagon - 2012 Ford Flex
  By dogbettor - November 28 - 12:09 pm

  I bought my new 2012 Flex SEL three months ago. My last two cars were Lincoln Towncars. I was shopping for a Minivan Crossover SUV station wagon or a reasonable facsimile. While at an Infinity dealer I spotted and drove a used Flex that they had on their lot. The ride was the best I had driven including the Infinity and Lexus models. So I went to the Ford dealer. The inventory of Flex models numbered 3, while the Edge offerings were more than 30, the Explorer more than 20. The sales rep said the Flex isnt advertised much and is not a great seller. After driving the Explorer and the Edge I was determined to buy a Flex. I wanted a ride close to that of my Towncar.

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  My Flex - 2011 Ford Flex
  By colman1 - July 27 - 10:02 am

  Test drove the Durango, Pilot, Explorer, Edge, 4Runner,Highlander, MDX,Tahoe. Then there was the Flex. We loved the Flex but something was holding us back. It did everything better than everything we drove, is it the look? I kept telling my wife Form=Function, that is the beauty of the Flex. It is more than just skin deep. We still held back, looked at the competition but the Flex kept calling us back. Which of these has the luxury, space, utility, style, technology and performance we wanted. None. Back to the Flex. Found a used 2011 SEL, bought it and love it. Dont miss out the Flex is great.

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  Skeptic Turned Convert - 2012 Ford Flex
  By nateinphoenix - July 10 - 4:46 pm

  As a man in his mid-thirties, I watched the "dad-mobile" shift from the station wagon in the 70s to the mini-van in the late 80s, then again to the SUV in 90s and finally to the present day cross over (which will eventually inherit the "dad-mobile" moniker as soon the current trend is recognized for the mainstay is has become). I swore that I would never surrender my manhood to drive anything that could be confused with any of those humiliating words. Yet, from the moment I reluctantly test drove, to the moment I enthusiastically purchased the Flex, I have loved it and have no regrets! The interior space is phenomenal, the finishing clean and refined, and the ride excellent! Thanks Ford!

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  Love the Flex - 2012 Ford Flex
  By mowog - June 8 - 10:51 pm

  We chose the Flex for its interior space, exterior styling, and 4,500 pound towing capacity. We think the red with white roof combination looks stunning. We were concerned that the non-turbo engine would struggle pulling our 3,200 lb. camper in the mountains, but the standard engine has worked just fine -- including a tow through the Eisenhower tunnel at 11,138 feet. Mileage commonly runs around 26 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg pulling the camper at 60 mph. We love this vehicle.

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  Retirement Guy - 2012 Ford Flex
  By don1985 - May 22 - 6:19 am

  Retirement car! Seat comfort with lumbar and adjustability for driver #1 & #2 superior. Sony Sterior and tech A+++. Storage large and small A+++. Versatile seats adjustment easy to use. Great space for pets and luggage. Traveled 12 hour days in complete comfort. Proud of Ford for being a stable company and offering this great car. "0" percent loan.