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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  Jack of all trades - 2010 Ford Flex
  By jackrose - July 13 - 7:06 am

  For those of you who want a sports car, comfy seating for long trips, usable interior space for building materials, good visibility, good winter driving, low entry for older parents and towing capability this it the best there is now. Ive had the Mercedes equivalent and it was quieter, dealt with high snow better, had better seats, but it had less space inside for hauling stuff, too high for grams, was not sporty,and was a lousy tow car (i tow a 4000 lbs load). On the other hand, the flex was great at towing and if you have ever had a highway load sway experience, the built automatic sway correction is a religious experience. The connections are built in for the aftermarket brake control

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  Does many things well - 2009 Ford Flex
  By basswood - July 7 - 12:34 pm

  Flex is very comfortable, easy to drive. Mine has no telescoping wheel, so I cant give myself all the leg room I would like to have. Excellent choice for tall people anyway. It is quiet and smooth on all surfaces. Good pickup when you need it. Mileage is surprisingly good. Mine is getting betterabout 19mpg around suburbs!

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  Want to love it but - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Disappointed - July 5 - 12:48 pm

  Went from a Explorer to a Freestyle to a Flex. Thought we had found that perfect car but after about 8 trips to 2 Ford mechanics we are about done. We keep getting the front brake grinding noise that everybody else seems to be getting. And it seems to go away for a few days after they work on it it comes back. Only difference from most of the rest of the reviews is that the dealership seems to try but cant figure it out. Other things have been small but what car isnt going to have some problems. Its a shame because otherwise we would love it!

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  Disappointing seat quality - 2010 Ford Flex
  By BPJ - June 8 - 1:40 am

  I had researched this vehicle for 2 years and saw mostly positive, so I decided to go for it. Bought the Limited model. Drove it for 2 days and my back was killing me, I previously had no back issues. After driving 4 previous ford vehicles, I expected comfortable seating. I drive at least 100 miles per day and the Flex seat is not as well padded or as supportive as I had expected. The headrest is not designed for normal size people and causes my head to jut forward. There is no way to adjust the headrests to make for comfortable driving.

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  My Ford Flex - 2010 Ford Flex
  By copper - April 12 - 5:58 pm

  I purchased the Ford Flex to replace my 1999 Ford F250 SD 7.4 L diesel. My F250 was getting old and starting to give my some problems so decided it was time to get a new vehicle. I looked around at several makes like the Honda Pilot, & Jeep Commander I also attended the Chicago auto show to compare vehicles all in one place. After long hours of looking and many questions asked of show staff I narrowed it down to 4 vehicles. The Jeep was the first to be eliminated to to it being over priced. The second to go was the Chevy Equinox the financing of 6.9% was way too high. After speaking to the well informed sales person at Ford I purchased the 2010 Flex I like the vehicle and it just right.

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  Smart Buy - No regrets - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jason - April 1 - 11:58 pm

  We had a loaded Durango, which we loved, but it was totaled in an accident. Planned to buy a used Durango, but Fords offer was too good. My wife loved the Flex all along, I wasnt thrilled. I felt like I was ditching my "macho" Durango for a boxy station wagon. One year later, I couldnt be happier. Im 64" and we have two young, but tall kids. The Flex has way more passenger room than the Durango and has already payed off in the short and long run. Its also safer and gets way better Hwy and City MPG. At $2.85/gallon, it costs about $44-$45 and drives about 400 miles per tank. Thats better than my wifes Mazda6. We might trade it for a second Flex

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  Low Gas Mileage in City - only 11 MPG! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By DelawareMan - March 22 - 9:05 pm

  I now have 1100 miles on my new 2010 Ford Flex AWD Limited with EcoBoost. I have taken it for service already for low fuel mileage and dealer claims a break-in period for the low gas mileage but I dont buy it! It should not be getting 11 MPG (well under the 16-22 MPG rating). I find this unacceptable which is a shame as the rest of the car is fabulous but I feel that I was taken given the MPG is well under advertised rating!

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  Great Family Hauler - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Xico - March 10 - 12:51 pm

  I have owned this car for 8 months and my family and I have really enjoyed it. It is great for going on road trips or just daily errands/driver. Seats are very comfortable. Performance is adequate. Only issue so far is that cooling fan broke, but it was replaced promptly at the dealership under warranty. Trunk space is OK for a 7-seater, but you will probably need an external cargo holder if you load up the car with 7 people for the long haul.

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  UNCERTAIN - 2009 Ford Flex
  By santiago - February 18 - 7:20 pm

  car has been in the shop too often for a new car. My keyless panel has almost came off 3x, finally replaced it but now it extends farther then door. Brakes grind told normal at first then needed something changed on them because there were so many complaints and heater wasnt working properly, had to flush it 3x according to a bulletin that was put out by ford that I believe owners should also receive. Still dont believe car is heating properly. I worry whats next. Tried to buy American but I am being more disappointed every month. This is not a cheap vehicle and there are too many problems...they need to extend warranty. Head rest are horrible.

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  front seat head rest - 2009 Ford Flex
  By john kaa - January 31 - 11:56 pm

  I enjoy my Flex, except for the front seat head rests. I have been back to Ford, they choose to do nothing! If you are looking at a Flex make sure these headrests are not a problem with you. I would not have purchased the vehicle knowing this.