2011 Ford Flex Review
2011 Ford Flex Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- High-quality cabin
- genuine three-row space
- refined ride
- excellent safety scores
- high-tech features
- turbocharged engine option
- unique styling.
Cons
- Less maximum cargo space than competing minivans and some crossovers
- second-row bench doesn't slide.
What’s new
A new range-topping trim level, the Titanium package, debuts as a cosmetic upgrade. Besides that, the 2011 Ford Flex only sees a few minor changes in colors and feature content.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Ford Flex is a thoughtfully designed and cool-looking alternative to minivans and seven-passenger crossover SUVs. We think most families would be well served by its diverse abilities.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Ford Flex SEL 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.85 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$239/mo
Flex SEL
vs
$248/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
It's a rare car indeed that appeals to convenience-minded families and urban hipsters alike. But the 2011 Ford Flex does just that. Even though its boxy profile looks as though it was designed on an Etch-a-Sketch, this crossover wagon/SUV continues to impress us and shoppers with its artful blend of space, comfort, safety, utility and style.
As it enters the third year of production, the Flex sees only minor changes for 2011. Last year it received a turbocharged engine option, a telescoping steering wheel and a handful of other feature enhancements. The 2011 Ford Flex gets a new Titanium trim level, but it really amounts to little more than cosmetic changes added on top of the Limited model. Outside of the new trim level, an optional power-folding third-row seat feature debuts on Limited trim models, and HD radio is now included with the navigation system.
These 2011 enhancements are minor, but it's important to keep in mind that even if the Flex remained unchanged from last year, it would still rank as one of our favorite vehicles. Its comfortable seating in all three rows and smooth ride make it great for everyday commuting and long-distance road trips, while the Flex's optional turbocharged V6 makes it one of the quickest crossovers you'll find.
With as much praise as we heap on the Flex, it might still be worth your time to consider other vehicles. The 2011 Mazda CX-9 delivers a sportier drive, while the 2011 Honda Odyssey and 2011 Toyota Sienna minivans offer a more voluminous and versatile interior space. The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse and its Buick and GMC clones are also worth a look. But all things considered, the 2011 Ford Flex rises to the top of our list thanks to its well-rounded abilities, unique character and broad appeal.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Ford Flex comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard with this engine and all-wheel drive is optional. In our performance testing, our best run from zero to 60 mph in an all-wheel-drive Flex required a class-average 8.8 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 16/22/18 with all-wheel drive.
Optional on the SEL, Limited and Titanium is the turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. It produces 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic with manual shift control are standard. Expect 60 mph to come up in a quick 6.6 seconds. Despite the added power and performance, the EcoBoost V6 manages to achieve the same fuel economy as the standard V6.
Safety
The 2011 Ford Flex comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and rear parking sensors. A rearview camera is optional. In brake testing, a Flex Limited with the standard 3.5-liter engine stopped from 60 mph in 131 feet -- average for the class -- and the EcoBoost wasn't significantly different. In government crash testing, the Flex achieved a perfect five stars in all front and side categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded it the best possible rating of "Good" in its frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Driving
The 2011 Ford Flex isn't all that inspiring from behind the wheel, but it certainly is not disagreeable, either. The ride is always comfortable -- even with the bigger wheels -- soaking up bumps in the road with luxury car ease. The base V6 is adequate for a vehicle this size, motivating the Flex with enough gusto to keep up with competing crossovers. The six-speed automatic can be frustrating, though, often refusing to downshift unless you put your foot to the floor.
The twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 is a different story, giving the Flex a sport wagon flavor and offering direct control of the transmission via the standard shift paddles. The tighter suspension, quicker steering and lower ride height also allow the Flex to corner with more immediacy and confidence. Sporty, it's not, but the EcoBoost variants should supply enough excitement for the majority of drivers.
Interior
The Ford Flex's interior quality is top-notch, with abundant soft-touch materials and an attractive, upscale design. The spacious layout affords seven-passenger seating -- even the third row is sufficient for adults. The optional reclining second-row captain's chairs shrink seating capacity to six, but comfort increases and their ability to slide forward expands third-row legroom. With either configuration, the standard power-folding mechanism in the second row makes getting into the third row a snap. With the rear seats lowered, the Flex can hold 83 cubic feet of stuff. This is less than minivans and several other large crossovers, but the Flex's conveniently boxy shape makes the most of it.
The available Microsoft-engineered Sync system lends the Flex a high-tech character, offering trick features like advanced voice-recognition software for iPods as well as cell phones. Other intriguing options such as the Vista Moonroof, Sirius Travel Link and rear-console refrigerator extend the Flex's appeal.
2011 Ford Flex models
The 2011 Ford Flex is a seven-passenger crossover wagon; optional second-row captain's chairs reduce seating capacity to six. It is available in SE, SEL, Limited and Titanium trim levels.
The base SE comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglamps, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and an exterior access code pad, cruise control, automatic climate control, eight-way-driver and two-way-passenger power front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split-folding second row (with power-operated 40 portion), a 50/50 split-folding third row, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The SEL adds 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, driver power lumbar adjustment, a six-way power passenger seat, wood interior trim, the Sync electronics interface system (optional on SE, includes Bluetooth and iPod control), an in-dash six-CD changer and satellite radio. The last three items are optional on the SE. Options on the SEL include leather upholstery (third-row vinyl) and a 12-speaker Sony stereo. The SEL Convenience package adds a power tailgate, heated mirrors, driver memory functions, adjustable pedals and a 110-volt inverter jack.
The Limited adds those SEL options plus 19-inch wheels, HID headlights, satin aluminum tailgate trim, perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and a navigation system that includes real-time traffic and weather, a touchscreen interface, a single-CD/DVD player, HD Radio, digital music storage and a rearview camera.
The new Titanium package adds on top of the Limited's features 20-inch chrome wheels, unique interior and exterior styling accents, microfiber suede seat inserts and perforated leather trim for the steering wheel.
Options on every Flex include second-row reclining and sliding captain's chairs and contrasting roof colors. The SEL, Limited and Titanium can be equipped with the turbocharged V6, the Vista Moonroof (consisting of a power front sunroof and three fixed units over the two back rows), front parking sensors and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The Limited can be had with 20-inch wheels, power-folding third row seats and a refrigerated second-row center console.

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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Ford Flex.
5 star(59%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(4%)
24 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
We test drove everything, selected Ford Flex Limited
mcc1234,08/24/2011
Limited 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Our 2003 Yukon hit 140,000 and started to break down so we started looking for a 7 seater replacement.
Couldn't face the stigma of a minivan so considered everything else in the $30-50k range.
Reviewed and test drove many vehicles, including the new Yukon, Enclave/Acadia, Mercedes R/M, Lexus GX, Pilot, Highlander Hybrid and others.
The Flex was not on our original shortlist and we only … tried it because we had a spare hour last Saturday and dropped into the dealership. 2 test drives later and we ordered a fully loaded Limited from a nearby city.
Love the car, the drive, 3 spacious rows, and the interior is like a business class aircraft cabin (great gadgets, dual DVD, fridge/freezer).
4.88 out of 5 stars
Better than what I had read
mcblaw,11/06/2011
Titanium 4dr Wagon AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
I am in my mid 60's, & have driven muscle cars, subarus (lots of them), suburbans and pickups. I live in the foothills west of Denver @ 8000 feet.
So far this fall we have had about 20" of snow between two different snowfalls.
Although our new flex (purchased in early september) is not a high profile car, and it does not have dedicated 4 wheel drive, it has handled what nature has … thrown at it. (we have an avalanche for the deep snow).
I LOVE this car, which is beyond my feelings about the many other cars I have owned.
It has great torque, and acceleration.
It has good gas mileage for its size (19 / 24 so far).
And, it is much cooler than I expected (gets lots of thumbs up)
4.88 out of 5 stars
2011 Ford Flex California Review
califdreamn,04/13/2012
SEL 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
With our 2001 Honda Odyssey mini van approaching 130K and on its third transmission, we set out to see what sort of new vehicle might fit our fancy.
I have had my eye on the Flex for some time but we also looked hard at the Mazda CX9.
For us, the Flex has the larger more comfortable cabin, a ridiculous amount of leg room in the second row, and the look of a poor man's Range Rover.
The … CX9 has super supportive seating as well as a sporty ride and engine.
But the Flex has a uniqueness about it that nothing else compares to.
And, if you can still secure a 2011 with the hefty rebates, you will have a vehicle that pound for pound surpasses anything else.
5 out of 5 stars
Ford Flex
Alice,04/29/2016
SE 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
This is a great car, dubbed "the Limo" because of its roominess and comfort. Feels safe in the road and especially in the winter on the snow and ice. Hauls well.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2011 Ford Flex
Used 2011 Ford Flex Overview
The Used 2011 Ford Flex is offered in the following submodels: Flex Wagon. Available styles include SEL 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A), SE 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A), Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), SEL 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Titanium 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Titanium 4dr Wagon AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A), SEL 4dr Wagon AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A), and Titanium 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A). Pre-owned Ford Flex models are available with a 3.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 262 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2011 Ford Flex comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed automatic. The Used 2011 Ford Flex comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2011 Ford Flex?
Price comparisons for Used 2011 Ford Flex trim styles:
- The Used 2011 Ford Flex SEL is priced between $9,999 and$20,998 with odometer readings between 43312 and124588 miles.
- The Used 2011 Ford Flex SE is priced between $17,990 and$17,990 with odometer readings between 40915 and40915 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2011 Ford Flexes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2011 Ford Flex for sale near. There are currently 3 used and CPO 2011 Flexes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $9,999 and mileage as low as 40915 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2011 Ford Flex.
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Should I lease or buy a 2011 Ford Flex?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Ford lease specials
Check out Ford Flex lease specials
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