2013 Ford Flex EcoBoost Review, Walkaround, Exhaust, Test Drive

[@fcamiola]

We own a 2011 Limited with ecoboost. I despise most SUV's and crossovers, but this vehicle is just stellar. Uber-fast, comfortable, functional, different, reliable, etc etc.

[@noahmeloche]

My dad had a Flex and we really regret selling it. Now that im old enough to drive and have some money saved up, my next car will 100% be an Ecoboost Flex

[@Jay-rq5ui]

Went from a 2009 Flex to a 2019. Great Car! Still drive my 2009 too

[@joab302016]

Owned it for 15th month now. Still very proud of it. No breakdown so far. No issues to complain about. Just a great looking and great performing car. Got rear ended last week but damage was very minimal. If it got totalled I will buy Flex again.

[@dhavalb641]

5330m I'm planning to trade my 2013 Taurus with this. I'm extremely happy with Taurus as it's 180k Kms with regular maintenance and no major issues at all but I always like boxy designs so I'm keen to know about the realiability of Flex. I think Taurus and Flex shares same engine and I saw your comment so would appreciate if you could share your long term review on the ownership of a Flex, Thanks!

[@awmusichistory]

Sucks ford stopped making the Ford Flex! It was good suv even though it was a strange design

[@eslamsultan1562]

I owned it for 10 years too its the best car in ford company

[@andrewschannel4259]

My mom had one until a driver pulled out in front of her in May 2023.

[@J-W.-]

Now that is an wagon I would not mind driving and I'm a 18 male

[@erickar2634]

Jonathan Washington I’m 24 I hated the look a little but damn it’s cool after all.

[@papajhonsreal]

Um, what does age and gender have to do with this?

[@J-W.-]

@@papajhonsreal the age and gender is pertaining to age and gender normally would not go for this type of car.

[@papajhonsreal]

@@J-W.- sure, I guess

[@J-W.-]

@@papajhonsreal My 2 cents 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@lowandslow24]

Watching this in 2017... man what a few years have done for your reviews and video editing. Keep up the hard work!

[@romanticdonkey468]

It’s 2022. You should see him now.

[@theredline]

The Flex is capable of towing 4500 lbs, and with a price of nearly 51 on the sticker, expect a sale price around 43

[@nileb0y2241j]

Capacious interior and the ability to toe up to 4500 pounds. A unique design coupled with a powerful engine. I'm sold.

[@madisonsmagikal1465]

I just purchased a used 2013 flex limited today, i had an eddie bauer fully loaded explorer, then went to an f150 but wanted a lower vehicle with power, fully loaded and lots of room, this vehicle doesn't disappoint! reminds me of the old ''woody wagons' station wagons with a hint of a landrover. Tons of room and the power folding seats...wow. And, it drives awesome! thanks for your review

[@1992JP]

Good luck. It has one of the worst crash test ratings for driver side front corner. Smh

[@marcss416]

Jeremy P.1992 Really? www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1505-2015-nissan-murano-ford-flex-ace-iihs-small-overlap-crash-test/ Smh...

[@TheGryf0xxx]

+Jeremy P.1992 You're wrong.

[@1992JP]

+TheGryf0xxx go watch the crash test and do some research.

[@marcss416]

+Jeremy P.1992 www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/v/class-summary/midsize-suvs I've seen the IIHS crash test and while it's not #1 in the new "small overlap" crash test. It does earn an acceptable rating in that category. So it's far from being the worst. Overall it still earns the IIHS "top safety pick" in the midsize-suv category. And this is an almost 7 year old design, which is the oldest in the "top safety pick" group. Most of the SUV's in that group were redesigned this year or last year.

[@Dolby109]

I honestly don't get why anyone would buy an explorer after driving this. This drives better, is faster, and is more spacious inside. The only advantage the explorer has is that it might be better at offroading, and how many people do you think will take their newer explorer offroading? ZERO that's how many.

[@keving7940]

I bought an explorer instead of flex cause of towing capacity, but not many people tow and if you dont get a flex

[@harbingertheheretic3541]

Many people still think bigger/taller is safer. They're still stuck in the mindset of the body-on-frame SUV days, when a steel Suburban was considered safer than a unibody station wagon, regardless of whether or not it actually was safer. They don't even realize that the Explorer is basically a jacked up unibody car. The other reason people, particularly women, buy the Explorer instead of the Flex is the higher driving position. They like being able to see farther ahead, even when they can't actually see farther because they're in traffic with other jacked up car "SUVs." I'd rather have the Flex just so I don't have to climb a staircase to get in my car, but I'm apparently in a tiny minority in that respect.

[@trailladymtb7700]

I thought this design was kinda ahead of its time. The badging name across the good is now being done by Kia etc. too bad it’s gone. This kinda makes me think about the new Kia Carnival which I really like.

[@watchmanonthewall14]

@@keving7940 Until recently, the Explorer was capable of towing only 5,000 lb, which is merely 500 lb more than the Flex. I tow a small trailer with a Flex. The Flex is very stable as a tow vehiclek, because it is wide, relatively low to the ground, and has a long wheel base.

[@keving7940]

@@watchmanonthewall14 well I'm glad it worked out for you, thanks for the info! The flex is great but we needed the v8 in the explorer (technically mountaineer) for our camper but the newer explorers don't have that capacity anymore! Should've prefaced that thank you 😊

[@harpreetbrar364]

Just bought a 2014 Ford Flex Limited with Ecoboost engine, awesome vehicle!! great power, very smooth ride like a luxury sedan, extremely comfortable- front and back seats. I have owned several vehicles over the years from GM, Chrysler(still have a Buick and a Chrysler vehicle), driven an Acura and Toyota but this vehicle takes the cake. My wife was a little skeptical when I bought it but now she finds it real fun to drive. My 21 year old son who laughed when he saw this and after driving it says it has "lot of testosterone"!!. I am a little mystified that the Flex is not popular(probably retro shape/styling) but it is way better than the Explorer which I drove on a test drive while checking out the various vehicles. I highly recommend it if one can get over the shape rather than waste your 50 K on a luxury vehicle.

[@davva360]

+Harpreet Brar I would agree and having compared a Flex directly with an Explorer I don't really understand why so many people pick the Explorer. Much more space in the Flex.

[@lisasaunders4835]

I am used to a chevy express 12 seater van, I like driving a higher vehicle. How high is this ford flex compared to a car? Is it higher?

[@guillermoortiz1492]

How has it been as far reliability?

[@Eves_Fab]

This car is so better than the Explorer

[@theredline]

We do not use a script in the videos, everything that is said comes straight from our editor in chief's head. We tried to make him use a script and it didn't come out very well lol It's possible that he just had an off day, we will continue to improve, thanks for the advice!

[@1smokan]

2013 fully loaded Flex with Eco boost, just took it for a day long drive up in the sierras. This is an awesome car, I can haul ass with 5 people in it hanging corners like a sport car, and this thing is a lot of fun! Tons of power and hangs corners like it on rails without breaking traction with full control. Ford did a great job with this Flex so appropriately named to. The name says it all very flexible and what family car with this much room has this much power and capability.Thanks Ford!

[@blkgdzglobal]

I love how awkwardly he was walking towards the camera when the video started...your a 🌟 bro

[@mtq5060]

Your reviews are really well done. Always so much info packed in, been learning a lot.

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

R.I.P. Flex 2009-2019

[@aayonce4]

We're getting one!!! 2019 in like 2 weeks can't wait hopefully we can get the ecoboost !

[@omarkhanlilcurry]

No Problem! Enjoy your day! Keep striving everyday, your future is filled with opportunity!

[@anothersiguy]

Love the fact that you get a little test drive in to every video and also the unique perspective you give by working for a dealership (talking about options, packages, pricing etc.) but without turning it into a sales pitch or advert. That plus how often you're putting up new content really makes this channel competitive and I would argue better than saabkyle, though I still enjoy his videos as well. Keep it up!

[@vernonpaigejr.1517]

OMG ...... dude looks so damn different compared to now. Like the swag is turned up now.

[@SoundgardenMan]

People can be so boring! The fact that this is "NOT" a cookie-cutter car is a huge factor into why my wife and I love it.

[@badnewz9]

Great video. I just got a 2015 Flex EcoBoost. I had a 2015 Explorer Sport also. I actually like the Flex better. I like the way it handles. Love the power. I'm going to black it out and change the exhaust and add a air intake and tune it and it will be good to go.

[@OnusofStrife]

I see one of these at work all the time. I love the look!

[@theredline]

You are absolutely right, the Flex does sell better as a pre-owned, although we don't seem to quite understand it as the rebate is as high as $4500 on the 2012 models here in the US

[@Bubby19464]

it's the coolest looking family car i think

[@theredline]

Very true, we were mostly speaking in todays terms, Ford bills the Flex as it's minivan replacement. But yes, the Freestyle was the original one back in 2005

[@brianberry161]

Love my 2014 Flex EcoBoost!! It's great at surprising other drivers that don't realize how fast it really is.

[@faniam7240]

How can you tell its ecoboost, just by the paddles? I'm looking at one and didn't notice if it was Eco or not. It did have the mini fridge in center though.

[@harbingertheheretic3541]

The styling of the Flex isn't the biggest cause of its low sales numbers. The Flex didn't sell because almost nobody outside of East/West coastal states even knows it exists. Ford seemingly didn't even bother to advertise it anywhere outside of California (where it did sell fairly well) & Florida. They spent their entire ad budget from 2009-2019 on the F-150, Mustang, & Explorer (with a bit of Focus sprinkled in there). I've met Ford dealership workers (sales & service both) in several cities who didn't know, or didn't remember, that the Flex exists. In November of 2018, I went to the local Ford dealership and couldn't find anyone working there who knew that Ford was still making the Flex. Most didn't even remember what it was.

[@scotttrafford2617]

I just bought a 2013 Limited. The visibility is so much better than the new style Explorer. Also, quick as hell!

[@stephenwilliamson3142]

I rented a Flex recently for one week, was very impressed!

[@AndrewNL08]

I got the chance to look at one and i liked it! The flex is a neat vehicle. Makes you think of how the things you could do if you had one

[@CountryBoyDak]

I love the flex. It reminds me of an old Woody Wagon that the surfers used to haul there boards. Definitely looking to get one to pull my dirt bikes with

[@pensive69]

rode in one recently and enjoyed the trip. have been a Ford owner for decades. my experiences are that the brand and especially the recent Escapes were built with quality don't think i'm a target market for a 50K$ vehicle.=even a base model AWD runs $33,850. i'm more frugal than this models target market seems to be. maybe i switch to a Colorado this Fall?, they're reported 27-30K$ for AWD

[@michaelbolden7552]

Excellent, and fairly objective review. Keep up the good work!

[@decapasane]

You've came a long way bro! Love your reviews!

[@thingsdemystified]

I actually really like the way it looks (I'm also a fan of the PT Cruiser, xB, and Magnum). I think the problem with it is the price, as evidenced by the high used sales vs. new. I'm in my 30s, and I'm the market for a minivan, and this seems like a possible contender. I am a little put off by how small the back seat is though. I'm also wary of buying a domestic car. In the end, I'll probably choose a Honda because that's the truly practical choice (for me at least).

[@svisek]

Nice car, but couldn't get the adaptive cruise and park assist until 2013. I'm looking at a used 2010 Lincoln MKT with all the goodies. One suggestion, stop all the annoying popups during the playback; it's a pain to have to keep hitting the X's to close them. If you must have them, have them all at the beginning.

[@joab302016]

Hahah... We have the same exact model and color. I feel so blessed with this car.

[@theredline]

What your opinion of the 2013 updates?

[@alanhowe225]

Bought a 2014 just last week. No eco boost, just the base engine but it has plenty of power for me. Price tag was 12700 and it has just under 97000 on the clock. Tons of cargo space and head room. Ford should have produced a commercial version with two doors and a panel van configuration. It would have made a great delivery vehicle.

[@ScrawnyRonnie89]

I love the Flex. I think it's sexy. You need to see one up close. It's alot bigger than a jeep Cherokee. It's a beautiful car and If I'm hoping to get one of those eco boost turbos!

[@theredline]

The price is high, however, the 2012 Flex has $4500 in rebates right now and the 2013 model is $2500

[@affordablecarreviews9409]

so the MSRP on mine, 2014 w/ ecoboost was $50,241. I paid $42,985. Im pleased.

[@affordablecarreviews9409]

and yes, I love hondas. but i like all cars, and i really loved this flex

[@JonasGodwin]

+Affordable Car Reviews cool stuff, me and my dad got the 2014 with ecoboost and he payed 33,389 or something like that. Great car!

[@faniam7240]

@@JonasGodwin How can you tell its ecoboost, just by the paddles? I'm looking at one and didn't notice if it was Eco or not. It did have the mini fridge in center though.

[@faniam7240]

How can you tell its ecoboost, just by the paddles? I'm looking at one and didn't notice if it was Eco or not. It did have the mini fridge in center though. (sorry for the x post just don't know if anyone will answer 4 years alter)

[@Gongxi_fatcoi]

wow..amazing car

[@MachineGunHusky]

The person who designed the explorer is the designer for the 2014 range rover

[@RhinoXpress]

ford went back to the old school ford logo position in the back with the logo being smaller and on the lower right side instead of a giant ford logo in the center which looks cheesy.

[@spinmancorner7543]

I don’t get his comments about “UNCONDITIONAL” style… tomorrow I’m purchasing an additional 2013 limited (it’s 2024) with all the bells and whistles along with SHO TAURUS POWER, under 18k. I happy…

[@thingsdemystified]

I do agree with that sentiment somewhat. I was in the market for a used sedan and chose Acura over BMW, Mercedes and some others. Later I had to have some expensive parts replaced (both normal wear and abnormal wear), and I thought to myself, "maybe I should've just bought one of those other cars instead. I probably would've spent less on repairing a BMW," and since then, I've decided to put less importance on reliability.

[@teamnault]

I sell Fords in Canada. The Flex is very hard to sell brand new, which you cover the reasons why in your review. However, on the pre-owned (used rentals) side, we do very good numbers with them. Anyway, great review once again. I sort of try to emulate your presentation style when I do my own...

[@mrmysteriotx]

Solid review, but you forgot to mention the independently adjustable & heated 2nd row seats, tri-zone climate control, auto-park assist, as well as optional dvd system, and 2nd row captains chairs with the optional cooler/freezer. I own a FLEX and intend to buy another ASAP!

[@form109]

this really is an idea family vehicle...it's got the space & utility of a Minivan but much cooler...i was also suprised at the quietness of the Flex,was expecting high wind noise from the boxy shape but it has fine isolation.

[@Jihadhamlett]

shouts out to DJ FUNK MASTER FLEX FOR THIS ONE

[@judahwashington17]

They spend their money on this car because it's beautiful and like nothing else on the road ... I bet if it had a BMW tag everybody should say they like it ...

[@Preluding99]

I agree totally with the review. I have a 2013 Flex SEL as a rental and I really like this CUV. The styling is badass & it's BIG...perhaps, too BIG. Despite the large dimensions of the Flex, it drives very car-like. Turning is not a chore and feels confident. I'm 6'3" and the front seats are a bit too close to the steering wheel even with the seat moved back, I need more front legroom. I wished Ford made it a little shorter in the back then it could replace my Maxima. Check out the Flex!

[@charlesmarshall2697]

I love the look of the flex. I expected better performance than 6.6 second 0 to 60 though. I drive T & C vans and the 4.0 T & C matches those 0 to 60 times(youtube) without the need for a complicated twin turbo AWD setup. This is the only vehicle Ford builds that I like. I would love to see it with power sliding rear doors, Sto-N-Go seating, 8 or 9 speed tranny and a couple more inches of head room.

[@thingsdemystified]

Yes, I bought a 3rd gen TL but I don't have any issues with reliability. I have issues with how the engine was designed. It is possible to over rev the engine and damage the valves if you accidentally shift from 2nd to 1st instead of to 3rd. I did that, and I had to pay a fortune to have it repaired. I doubt this happens to anyone else. I had stiffer valve springs installed in that head to prevent this from happening again (at least to that bank).

[@bmwmsport11]

This new flex is awesome. And I didn't know this was a replacement for the freestar, cause I was real pissed they stopped making the freestar/taurus X. Good video

[@Volvoamazon62]

I think its very cool! Grown up Mini with the front of a Range Rover

[@LMacNeill]

Good review. I've got a 2009 Flex Limited AWD, and I've got to say I absolutely love it. The only thing on my '09 that I would change is the engine -- the EcoBoost engine just wasn't available in '09. Give me that 2013 EcoBoost engine and its new transmission, put it in my '09 Flex body, and I would be one happy camper. :-) Having said that, my '09 Flex drives very well, even with "only" 262 hp from the then-standard 3.5L V6.

[@TheK24Kyle]

i actually like these better then the explorer because... well for one i can say they handle better at least IMO, they are more practical, MAY not have clearance or towing like an explorer but theyre a much better less flashy family vehicle. probably one of my favorite ford products.

[@datboiwes333]

You're right I meant a base model ML with probably less features than this Flex and strictly seats 5 people.

[@modmatt1]

I totally agree that the styling has the most to do with the low sales numbers, but IMO, the front seats are wide and flat and not comfortable from my point of view. 2nd row is another story and is extremely comfortable and roomy. I've nevery driven one, but my wife liked the driving dynamics on a std V-6 SEL very much. I did drive an Explorer limited for a week, which to me had great front seats but did have seam in a strange location. It has the SUV looks with the 20" tires, and enough room.

[@Tocino_Life]

-> This is the REAL SHO Wagon! Not the Explorer Sport on which everyone claims...

[@TheKesha4ever]

when my dad was buying a car i tried to get him the flex but he got the explorer now when i get a new car its the flex for sure

[@LucasXAeroTrayhan]

2theredline PROUDLY PRESENTS. 2013 FORD FLEX

[@BluePancake1000]

I'f take one. They're a bit pricey new, but you can get pretty good deals on used ones. Despite what it's styling may imply, it's very practical.

[@hammockcamping2500]

We just bought a 2018 Ford Flex select with a 60/40 split second row bench. Our intention was to put our toddler in the middle and our two older kids on either side. This is not working for us because the child sitting behind the driver has no way of clicking their seatbelt in underneath the child seat. Is there a way to configure the Ford Flex 2nd row such that we can put a child seat in the middle and still allow the passenger behind the driver to use a seatbelt? The equipment that came with the Ford Flex that we just purchased does not allow us to do this. Is there a way to swap out equipment or modify the second row so we can do this? Bear in mind, our child seat is one of the narrowest in the industry. We really want our older kids to be next to the doors and our toddler in the middle.

[@WannabeSS]

Still too low for what we needed but I think for that price this vehicle is a very compelling option. I'd drive one of these over an Explorer in a heart beat. They feel less bulky.

[@matthewgallant3622]

I think it’s a great looking vehicle. It’s clean, stylish, sleek, a few lines just to look nice across the sides. And you can’t go wrong with an Ecoboost. Every SUV looks the same these days and it’s obvious they’re all made with computers. This looks way more natural and attention to prettiness.

[@dest014]

Badass review,I was curious about this vehicle.. but just saw the vid and it answered my questions

[@TheSublimeIbanez]

Your comment shocked me. I mean.. You admitted that you were in the wrong and took ownership of it... This is unheard of on the interwebz. Bravo man, Bravo indeed.

[@drewax11]

i have a 2011 and love it. The only issue is sometimes when i go to accelerate it just revs and then a second or two later jolts into moving forward. Does anyone know what this is. The mechanic couldn't fix it but they didn't know what it was. I heard it was some transmission sensor.

[@atlbike1251]

Actually it Replaced the Freestyle/ Taurus X. Not the Freestar.

[@KeiDoesManyThings]

It somewhat depends on what BMW and what engine it has. Also, it also depends on how you maintain it. But regardless, there is always one bad one in a bunch.

[@thingsdemystified]

The other thing is that the clutch is super expensive. You also can't machine the flywheel. The job was over $2000! If I had known I was going to drop this much money into the TL, I probably would have bought a BMW instead but I imagine I would be wishing for a TL after the BMW starts breaking down. Overall I'm happy with my TL though. It's certainly not a cheap car to own. Maybe I'll get a Lexus next time.

[@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything]

I LOVE unconventional. I REALLLY want to get an Ecoboost one.

[@connorPiper0]

That is one awesome car!

[@Veyronp87]

good intro guys, like the animation but some music would also be good. i think i prefer the explorer but the flex is pretty good too

[@eddieandDebbies]

Great vid I bought this one.. 50 grand..sticcker. I bought around I paid cash 43000... the 3rd row is cool.. the headrest go down automatically without pulling lever... grwat video tho

[@hockeystarstudios]

@boboblocks Actually you're wrong. The flex replaced the freestar because it was a dated minivan. The Taurus x only ran for 2-3 years and didn't sell that good

[@theredline]

A review cannot be a review without opinions. Go and watch a tour if you don't want to hear what the reviewer thinks of a vehicle

[@cuzimaluzer777]

1. fold third row 2. fill aquired space with sub woofers 3. enjoy

[@aayonce4]

Nope need those extra seats cant wait to test drive this baby

[@WannabeSS]

Sofyan, what is the towing capacity on an ecoboost flex? And with a vehicle equipped like this, what could you expect to pay? Mid 40s selling price?

[@FloridaPlayzYT]

My grandma want one but,she had got a 2014 ford excape and it a lemon she will trade it in maybe for a 2013 ford flex limited with sonroof

[@jeremycbarnhart2305]

Any chance you can do some offroad camping? Not anything crazy, but an offroad jaunt to camp?

[@cryoman94]

Hey thanx for the Flex, I asked you about it 6 days ago :p Great Review btw

[@WannabeSS]

BTW screw unconventional. This car looks so much badass than the Explorer haha

[@bbrenddon]

I think the flex looks way better. Very sharp

[@sunvavachi]

How is this with local driving and mileage? It is quite different looking...any views about the latest 2016 version? I kinda like the look...looks solid. However the price is like mmmm....

[@JonasGodwin]

+Sunethra K The mileage is what you would expect from a v6 when i drive i get about 16 mpg, but i do drive pretty aggressive. the have not made these since 2014 and i have not heard anything about them coming back for 2016. I love the car, the interior is high quality and the twin turbo v6 is to die for...

[@sunvavachi]

+Jagger Games Thanks ya O took a 2015 for a test spin. Interior is very nice agreed :).. thanks for your review.

[@robertschneider3391]

Right now I'm leasing a 14 Focus and thinking about staying with Ford so next year I'm thinking about a Flex as a big upgrade. It has the handling as my Focus but faster, bigger, and more reliable cause it doesn't have a dual clutch automatic transmission.

[@TheReticKeeper]

+Robert Schneider I have a 2013 edge. the 2015 with the 2.7 ecoboost is where its at. If you dont have a family but want a nicer car thats a bigger but not a full sized suv. Look at the edge sport.

[@SantiagoFigueroaRojo1999]

The ford freestyle looks like it could have been the Flex's predeseser

[@minatureone]

6:42 how to kill the person sitting in the second row ;)

[@jacure123]

I might get this next year

[@1970borntorun]

I think I actually like the 1st Generation interior much better. It has much more personality and avoids the generic Corporate Ford interior pieces and themes. Peace!

[@edmarguillermo1079]

What is the couse no power IC

[@sphenct15]

Sofyan you have to do a review on the c class if you can get your hands on one i have seen christian's, but your intro is the c class so it would only be right if you honored the car and used the intro with it!

[@KhrissyDaDon]

Sofyan no more McDonalds for you on your lunch break lol (: j/k, But I like the flex; I actually sat in one today and it exceeded my expectations. It's on par if not better than a Infiniti Jx and Acura MDX, Idk how Ford did it but it really feels high end, like you mentioned in your review.

[@zdresser]

looks so much better than the explorer!

[@WSG-fv9dq]

The style n the name bro that's what it is

[@CalvinHikes]

Nice! Not 50k nice, but nice.