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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  Caliper problems - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Gail Johnson - July 4 - 9:05 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used from our local dealership. It had 24,701 miles on it. The second day of ownership, I came out of this driveway, a terrible squealing sound happened. I stopped and backed up as I thought I ran over a branch, and went ahead again. The car squealed off an on the rest of my route. I thought it was my brakes but service said they were perfectly fine. It still squealed but now I have a burning smell. Took it back and service said the left rear caliper was locking up and replaced it. Brought it back home parked it in the garage got out and smelled the burning smell again and the wheel was too hot to touch. Service has it again. Not happy.

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  Nice Alternative, Cool Ride! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Scapesdog - July 1 - 9:57 pm

  I traded my 2008 Expedition Limited for this 2010 Ecoboost Flex and am extremely pleased. I love the style, retro feel. Once i drove it, it was over. Had to have it. Very fun to drive. There is NO Comparison to the regular Flex V6, this thing is a sports car (in heart, for a nearly 5000 lb ride). I would not compare it to my wifes BMW 3 Series but it does have loads of pep and the suspension improvement is very welcome. The AWD does a great job of transferring the power to the road. The car actually surprised me the first few times i punched it. Its pretty fast, certainly fast enough. Averaging 18 MPG, not bad given my heavy foot! Sync and Nav/etc is the best in the business!

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  Best ford owned - 2010 Ford Flex
  By reb - June 29 - 5:09 pm

  I have owned over 40 new and used Ford products in 50 years, and this by far is the best. Ride comfort is great, on long trip was not tired after 10 hr. Fuel economy after 3500 miles is 23 mpg overall and 24.5 mpg highway.

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  Love My Flex! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Love My Flex!!! - June 14 - 12:28 am

  I have owned A LOT of vehicles from focus to excursion to expedition etc. and this is the BEST vech. I have ever driven I love the design inside and out. The comfort of the ride so smooth! I have two children aged 1 and 5 and it is perfect for them! My husband is 63" and he has plenty of room when he is driving or riding in the front or back. My flex has the bench seat in the second row that is what I preferred and I LOVE it! I traded in my Ford Freestyle. The gas mileage is GREAT we got 24 to 24.5 on the hwy and 20 - 21 around town! I Love the power trunk and sync just wish it was turn by turn directions. I did upgrade to the 911 asst. and vech. report. Thanks Ford Love MY Flex!!

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  Home Run! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By AUERGANG - May 27 - 11:42 am

  Ford hit a home run with this EcoBoost Flex. Its quick, comfortable and a blast to drive. I just came back from a week of golfing with my buddies and this car made the trip even better. Fords Sync system beats all other telematics hands down. Its so easy to use by even those who are not tech savvy, like me. I hope Ford continues on its current path.

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  Exellent - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Flexlover - May 16 - 7:11 pm

  This car is by far the best I have ever had. Its roomier than my wifes tahoe and handles better then my previos BMW 3 Series. It has the highest quality interior if ever drove, and its also the best looking on the outside. The dash isnt exactly the same case though. Its a bit dull, but that can be easily remedied. The New Taruses dash would be much better for this car. The transmission is a little fussy to. Despite this, I wouldnt think twice about buying another one.

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  My Best Ford Ever - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Quite Impressed - April 22 - 4:57 pm

  I just picked this vehicle up over the weekend and have only put less than 200 miles on it. The impression so far is more than I have gotten from any Ford Ive had in years, and I have at least 8. Everything about this vehicle was meticulously put together. The interior is so huge I almost feel lost in it. The build quality is on par with the Audis, and is the best Ive seen in a Ford. The ride is so balanced and the suspension takes the rough Detroit roads with ease. I am looking forward to taking it on a long test drive. Ford is on the right track.

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  Love it, Love it, Love it! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By jagriner71 - April 11 - 9:53 pm

  The salesman said, "you either love the exterior or you hate it." Well, I happen to love it. I decided I liked it from a TV commercial and then fell in love at the car lot. The inside of the car is what sets it WAY beyond anything else. We test drove all the other brands, but kept coming back to the Flex for the navigation, panoramic roof, and Sync. I am so spoiled now that I cant stand to ride in another car. Kids love the car also. It is almost like a real life sized toy.

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  Outstanding - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Mark - April 9 - 8:40 am

  I am a police officer and find this vehicle to be as responsive as my patrol car.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Flex
  By wolfdjk - April 8 - 11:42 am

  Great CUV. Test drove other crossovers of similar size and nothing drove as well or was as comfortable. The Ecoboost engine is worth the extra money over the base engine. It is very smooth and powerful and the Fuel Economy is very close to the base V6.