2013 Ford Flex Limited 2.5 V6 from North America

Summary:

Wonderful grocery getter/family hauler

Faults:

I had the good sense to buy an 100k mile extended warranty on this car, and it was money well spent. In the first couple of years of ownership I had to use said warranty a couple of times. The throttle body was the first thing that had to be replaced. Then something went wrong with the steering system that the dealer couldn't figure out, so they replaced the entire steering column. And one of the back door sensors went bad. With just those things, the $3k or so I spent on the warranty more than paid for itself.

Having said that, other than normal maintenance like oil changes and tires, my Flex has been very reliable and a pleasure to own. I have taken very good care of my car though.

One small gripe is the Microsoft Sync system can be a bit fussy, but I knew that going into it. Gas mileage is about 14-17 in city driving and 18-21 on highway; a bit thirsty, but it's a big car.

General Comments:

Being a nerd that loves station wagons, the Flex was an obvious choice for me. It helps that my wife drove it as a rental at a conference and loved it immediately. Once we had a second kid, it was clear we needed more space as we like to travel often. The Flex has delivered and continues to do so. After 100k miles I may consider trading it in for something with 4x4 or AWD capability, but then again I may not.

We chose the Flex for its distinct styling, comfort, and space. My only regret is not buying the AWD Ecoboost model. The Flex has been exactly what I wanted: a comfortable, reliable, stylish vehicle to safely transport my family. This car has been my favorite car I've owned so far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st November, 2018

27th Aug 2023, 03:46

At 109k miles and still trucking along with my Flex. Did have to replace the transmission as the torque converter went bad and took the transmission with it. Luckily, it happened somewhere in the 80k/90k mile range so it was still under the 100k mile warranty. Now little things are starting to go, like a plastic valve in the wiper fluid hose system (replaced it with an 1/8” vacuum connector for $2), the backup camera (a $40 part I plan on swapping out myself), and just little annoying things like that. All stuff I can fix myself. So far. Hope to get another 25k to 50k miles out of it with car prices being as absurdly high as they are currently.

2009 Ford Flex SEL from North America

Summary:

The Ford Flex is a great vehicle!

Faults:

There have been no issues with this vehicle, and no repairs other than normal maintenance item such as brakes, tires and oil changes.

General Comments:

I have driven this vehicle across country a few times with no issues. The seats are comfortable for long trips and it handles well with enough power to cruise at highway speeds. The second row seating has plenty of leg room for tall adults to be comfortable.

I would not hesitate to buy another Flex when the time comes, but honestly don't expect that to be very soon. I don't know why Ford does not promote the Flex, because it is a hidden gem, and I actually get a lot of complements on mine everywhere I go.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2015

2015 Ford Flex Limited 3.6 twin turbo Ecoboost from North America

Summary:

Love it

Faults:

Nothing

General Comments:

This is my 2nd Ford Flex. I had a 2009 SEL with 107,000 miles, and other than normal maintenance, I never had anything go wrong.

The Flex has one the most comfortable rides I've ever experienced. I took it on a 2,200 mile road trip and it did not disappoint. The 2nd row seats have tons of room and my two kids loved it. So when it was time to update, I figured why change something that I already knew was a sure thing. I went and got a 2015 Flex Limited loaded with the twin turbo Ecoboost engine. The 2015 rides even better than the 2009, which I wasn't expecting. The 365hp engine is definitively nicer than the standard 3.6, the acceleration is effortless, though it's going to cost you a few miles per gallon. Yes, the Flex is certainly an odd looking vehicle (loaf of bread on wheels, refrigerator box, heard them all), but its uniqueness is maybe why I like it so much; me and my wife make fun of it, but we still love it.

The biggest problem with this car is trying to get one that has what you want in it. Very few dealers keep many of them in stock, which is sad. I had to drive 2 hours away to get mine. I think more people would buy a Flex if they just test drove one.

Note: I did test drive a 2016 Explorer, which was very nice, but it was not nearly as comfortable as the Flex, and the 2 row space is smaller. They Flex has much nicer seats throughout. Also, the Explorer has terrible visibility over the front hood.

I hope this helps out anyone that has ever considered buying a Flex. If you've thought about a Flex and never test drove one, then you're missing out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2015

2nd Jun 2020, 23:12

It is indeed a very nice car inside, with great leather seats on the first two rows, spacious, gorgeous tan interior - one of the nicest out there. Beautiful interior design, feels spacious and inviting, I think it looks better than a minivan inside.