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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  Am awesome suprise - 2010 Ford Flex
  By shawna - February 11 - 7:27 pm

  I had been test driving Tahoes and Youkons and accidentally found the Flex. I had test drove a used car and happened to look over and saw an all white flex. I asked my husband, if for kicks, he wanted to look at it and when we did we were in for a suprise at how much room it had. It had more room than any vehicle we had looked at. As soon as I test drove it and felt how smooth it was I was hooked. I LOVE driving it and I love the gas mileage. It fits our family of 6 very well!

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  Never thought I would buy a Ford - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Likes foreign cars - February 8 - 6:25 pm

  Living in OC, Im brand concious. All I need to say that I replaced a Mercedes GL450 with this car and I can tell you that this is better than the GL450. Ford has done an amazing job with the styling, feature, technology, and ride. The Ecoboost engine is great, with one turbo working the low speed and the other at high speed it gives you power on demand merging onto the freeway as well as lane change at high speed. The Sync technology is the best in the industry. The leather quality is comparable if not better than what I had in Lexus and Mercedes. Lastly, in a very image concerned world of OC, were getting noticed in this vehicle, which says a lot about where Ford is going.

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  Great Ride - 2009 Ford Flex
  By flexlover - January 29 - 11:53 pm

  Just returned from Florida in our 2009 Ford Flex SEL. Put 3300 miles in 2 weeks from Indiana. Drove the car the first day to FL for 12 hours straight and did not feel the least bit tired. The DVD and satellite radio kept the kids and myself cruising along. The wide, low sitting "wagon" done great on the mountains. On the interstate it was ultra smooth. From gas stations to parks to the condo, people stopped me to ask to look inside. The leather interior is extremely comfortable. I was glad to put a long trip on the motor to break it in. It is absolutely the most comfortable vehicle we have ever owned. The fridge and electrical outlet came in handy on the long trip. We LOVE it!

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  WOW! What a surprise...... - 2010 Ford Flex
  By mac - January 27 - 9:18 pm

  We did not intend on purchasing the Ford Flex when we began shopping for SUVs. We had already test drove many others such as th Traverse,Commander, Murano, etc...Finally, we thought we decided on the Ford Edge. Just for kicks we took a look at the Flex and fell in love with it!! The spacious interior is really what sold us on the Flex--it is very roomy and comfortable. Designed very well for a family with kids. For the price you cannot go wrong. The boxiness of the outside did not appeal to me at first but now I think it is very stylish....the kids can comfortably sit in both the second and third rows without feeling cramped. It was a wonderful choice

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  Love It - 2010 Ford Flex
  By JB - January 23 - 12:50 pm

  Just bought this vehicle and I love it. Smooth ride, handles very well, so well that I had to watch my driving becasue I was used to my old car. Paid WAY below MSRP and am loving that too.

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  Love the Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By rdtMICH - January 21 - 5:22 pm

  I have had over 50 cars including 23 Lincolns and this is the best yet. I agree with the headrest complaints, but after a month neither my wife nor I complained about them. Outstanding mileage for this type of vehicle, over 25 on trips. Only small complaint is the limited sweep area of the tailgate wiper which is not centered.

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  Just Purchased - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Robert K. - January 12 - 11:12 am

  I just purchased a 2010 Flex SEL. I was pleasantly surprised of the room inside, especially the headroom. I test drove many vehicles in the same price range and determined, for me, that the Flex offered the best value for the money.

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  When Taking Chances Pays Off - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Madlock - January 8 - 11:30 am

  The Flex is nothing if not unconventional, both in its styling and the departure it marks from Fords rather milquetoast past. From top to bottom, inside and out, the Flex team truly worked from a conceptual "clean sheet". and the result is one of the most comfortable, attractive, well- appointed, and well-made vehicles on the road today.

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  2009 Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By dlbailey05 - January 5 - 12:08 pm

  I never would have beleived this would have turned out to be as great a car as it is.Hands down the best riding vehicle Ive ever ridin in.We just returned from a week in the Smokey Mountains and Im even more impressed with the power train and fuel economy got 25.2 on the trip home,the car was loaded down. I cant find a thing bad about the car.=,would love to have waited and got the eco-boost engine but the 3.5 is more than adquit.

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  Comfort and style - 2009 Ford Flex
  By DanP - January 3 - 7:53 pm

  As an auto repair tech for over 30 years Ive driven a lot of fine vehicles but none have been as nice as the Flex. By the way I currently work in a Nissan dealer. The only issue was brake noise. Ford has a repair avalible. Other reviews that said the dealer wouldnt fix their problems should find another dealer. All good auto dealers take care of their customers. So far the Flex has been a wonderful vehicle. The fuel mileage is good. the ride is smooth and quiet, but best of all love it or hate it the styling turns heads. Nothing generic.