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:

• 

  Happy senior - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Ford Flex - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. Econobost is strong and coupled with the 20 inch wheels, drives like its on tracks. Gives driver a complete feeling of confidence and in-control.

• 

  Reliability issues and more - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Robert - September 26 - 2:00 am

  After purchasing what we thought was the perfect family vehicle for us, we have had numerous issues with no support from the dealership. After bringing the vehicle 6 times for font brake issues, we are finally made aware of a"service procedure(which is really a recall), but we are still waiting for the parts to arrive. We are now having transmission issue and are only being told by the dealer that is a "chip issue", but they are not willing to replace the chip. We also have issues with the rear folding seat not raising when activated and were told by the dealer to basically "live with it". Bottom line is that we are sad that Ford is not standing behind the product sold like other competitors

• 

  Flex with maximum bells and whistles - 2010 Ford Flex
  By Forester - September 24 - 2:00 am

  We like the ride and handling and quietness relative to our Explorer. Dont like the range due to mileage and an 18.5 gas tank rather than 22.5 in the Explorer. Digital readout is a vast improvement over Explorer. Great radio satellite and navigation system.

• 

  Great Car but beware of Cap-less Filler - 2010 Ford Flex
  By SteveK - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ford Flex is my company vehicle so it sees tremendous use. I really like it and so does my family for home use. Big and very flexible. One main issue so far is the Fuel Filler. The cap-less design is easily damaged and then you cant get fuel in your vehicle, it keeps shutting the pump off. I live in NJ where you cant pump your own gas so I cant control how they do it. Taking to dealer tomorrow to get it fixed but did some research and saw lots of comments on the web on this (not covered under warranty, etc. and it seems to be way too common). So be wary!

• 

  Ongoing brake problems - 2009 Ford Flex
  By wtex - September 13 - 2:00 am

  In one year Ford has tried to fix brakes 7 times to no avail. The make grinding and rubbing noises when applied. Locked up one time on my wife. This problem is also present in Lincoln and Ford models because they all share the same brakes according to service manager .

• 

  Bad deal - 2009 Ford Flex
  By jam - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Managers Special with 4500 miles on it. Within 2 weeks the engine light went on. I have been back 4x and they hope they get it right this time. Right Caliper/breaks had to be changed. Gears rub between 3th and 4th, knocking in engine? No real good explanations they just keep blaming on modules and sensors. OH and the drivers seat making noises, they order parts, but are missing some. Have to bring it back again? OH car was in for service at 2300 miles when the Manager had it ( at least 2-3 x)!

• 

  My First Ford Wont Be My Last - 2011 Ford Flex
  By MED - September 8 - 11:10 am

  Im in my early 40s and Ive owned cars, trucks, and SUVs of a variety of different makes. This is my favorite vehicle of all that I have owned. I needed a vehicle that would seat 7 and this does so in comfort. My 6 4" oldest son can sit in the 3rd row. The ride is smooth and the car handles well to be so long. Im old enough to remember when SUVs were new, but my kids begged me not buy another SUV. The look of the Flex is much more modern to them. And as far as looks go, we get lots of them when were riding in this car. People love to come over and look at it in parking lots. The people at Crown Ford in Nashville were great to work with.

• 

  Love my ride but broken harted - 2009 Ford Flex
  By MR,Ramos - August 31 - 10:13 pm

  My ride is my joy. I only got 11k mile and its killing me to have to take it to the dealer tomorrow 9/1/2010. The right side rear brake is grinding down the rotor only the right side I hope they fix it for free because no car should need that kind of repair at 11k miles something must be wrong.

• 

  So far, pretty good - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Canada - August 31 - 7:54 am

  First of all this is THE quietest vehicle I have owned. Second, very very comfortable. We could drive all day without any discomfort. Mileage is pretty good, not great but its a heavy beast so that is to be expected. The Sync and other toys in the Flex make it that much better. Now, the brakes. Like every other person here I too am having both grinding AND squealing. Going to the dealership tomorrow to try for a fix. I hope I dont have to return so often (like others here) that I start ot get upset with the Flex. Overall, so far, I love it.

• 

  Love the Flex! - 2010 Ford Flex
  By rEddie2 - August 27 - 8:03 am

  I absolutely love this car so far. Ford has come a long way in the last few years! It drives so nice, and is very quiet. I also love that it is unique in styling.