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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  Check under the hood!!!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By blueacid40 - June 13 - 2:14 pm

  Have put 4300 miles on Flex by now. Good vehicle so far, not happy with quality of product. Check under your hood there is electrical tape wrapped around a piece that covers the wiring harness, it is located by the battery. Trying to get people to recognize this issue to me this is unacceptable! Also there is a Special Service bulletin out for the Flex, if your door pillars have dents in them call your dealership!!

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  Best Ford I have ownsd - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Walter Davis - May 17 - 10:07 pm

  I have owned a new ford every 4 or 5 years since 1953 (have pictures of 12) this 09 FLEX is like riding on rails.It has great exceleration and habdles like a dream! BUT< with the windows in the back doors down at 50+ mph it starts a noise that makes my kids cry ,gives me a headache and made my wifes ears ring and we all get sick to the stomach! There is a terrible vibration up to 60 mph! The service department manager said "JUST ROLL DOWN THE FRONT WINDOWS A BIT" and it will stop! That aint right! I love the FLEX cant something be done?

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  Flex Findings at 1500miles - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Pete V. - February 28 - 4:03 am

  My first impression was its a mini hearse or Mini on steroids. It evokes a strong reaction which is mellowed after driving it. We like driving the Flex but it becomes painful on longer trips due to the lack of steering wheel length adjustment. Our fuel mileage ranges between 13-15 mpg which is of concern and not fully acknowledged by the dealer. The nav, audio, heater system and display is inoperative at cold temps (mid 20sF) until the vehicle interior warms up. A repair of the rear exterior appliqué panel was required. Folding seat locks need a second adjustment to work properly. Overall we like it and hope to get the bugs fixed soon.

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  Flex is great - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Joe - February 2 - 2:23 pm

  Traded in 05 Navigator and now save $225/month in gas. While we will miss the Nav this car is pure fun. Weve had it for a few weeks now and no less than 20 people have asked us about. Too cool!

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  Slick Ride - 2017 Ford Flex
  By Cee Ford - March 13 - 6:48 pm

  Previous car was a 300 Sedan...which was very low to the ground..like being up for visibility and safety. NEVER owned a Ford before, Flex is the only vehicle that even appealed to me...I must say so far Im pretty happy. Fuel economy not the greatest and the engine seems a bit small for the large body..but havent tried to climb any mountains yet. More technology than I will ever use. Missing that refrigerated console that was discontinued but extremely roomy and the Multi Vista Sun Roof is really desirable.

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  First American Car - 2009 Ford Flex
  By brian numkena - July 12 - 2:06 pm

  This is my first American Car (I bought Nissan and Toyota in past), so I hope the quality is better than my parents Grand AM (ruined my view of American Cars). The Flex rides smooth, looks nice and manuavers the road well. So far I average about 23 MPG, a disappointment comming from driving a Scion XB at 28 MPG. I bought for more room and safety issues when driving from Arizona to Californa. I have to say it is impressive, but then again I like to buy the base models because I dont want to pay for repairs of the electronics if they break. I hope my Ford Flex lives up to the quality standards Ford has been claiming. If it doesnt then this will be the first and last American car I buy.

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  Real Solid Vehicle - 2009 Ford Flex
  By JLC - May 25 - 9:33 am

  With two young kids and a few more nieces/nephews we can carry/haul all we really want to with this car. So far the car has been a delight to own. We feel very safe riding/driving in it. Id recommend (with one stipulation - see improvements) it to anyone. All-in-all though it really is a good solid vehicle.

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  This is a well built vehicle. - 2009 Ford Flex
  By cpd - April 15 - 12:16 am

  I have owned my FWD Limited for three weeks now but have already put 1500 miles on it. I traded my 2002 530 BMW for this vehicle because I wanted a vehicle that that had more rear leg room for the kids and the sports stuff they need to haul around. The first time I got behind the wheel it was like, I cant believe this is a Ford, the fit and finish is first class and it is quieter than my old BMW. The interior space is limo like, no more kids complaining about leg room. The vista roof is awsome but I will miss using my roof top cargo carrier( no roof rails with the large glass panels, if you are traveling with more than four, there is not much room behind the third seat. Highy recommend

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  Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jerry Beltran - May 24 - 11:26 am

  Like others I shopped and shopped for a Vehicle primarily looked at the Acadia and similar cross overs. Finally decided on the Flex for the price and options. One major complaint is the poor quality or the paint job and body work it almost looks like the doors and side panels dont aline properly. If you look closely you can see allot of overspray and the quality of the interior carpet is horrible at best you can tell that Ford did not spend alot of time making sure that they did a quality job with the trim. Overall I love the car but would like to see Ford put a little more effort in the quality of the interior and craftsmanship.

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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.