I was always surprised at how many ppl thought the flex was ugly or that the look had to grow on them. I liked the flex at 1st sight. The HP was a bonus. A few years ago I got a 13 AWD limited eco boost. I believe that year and trim are the sweet spot of flexes. It's stylish, kinda fast, and feature rich. It is kinda gas thirsty though. I call mine 'The Gentleman'. Sadly my turbo went out but since it's paid for and I don't want another note I'll fix it and keep rollin' Cheers!
I have a 2013 Ecoboost Flex and it is just incredible! Nothing like driving a 7 seat twin turbo'd station wagon. My only complaint is the 125mph limiter. Doesn't take long to get there...
Really, ok I’m not one to talk, 2 million mile’s high speed outlaw trucker. But 122 mph is not very smart way to drive. 15 mph over gets you a jail cell. 40 over gets a deer in your lap, a month in jail. A elk gets you killed. Be save!
I have a 2011 SEL AWD with 160,000 miles on the clock. My three favorite things about my Flex are 1.) Comfort and roominess....the interior is huge. The cargo area is huge. The storage cubbies are huge. 2.) Quality and Engineering. My car has over 250,000km and there is not a squeak or rattle, there is no broken, missing, or loose panels or trim. The exterior paint is deep enough to swim in...the Red Candy color is such a rich, glossy, shiny red.....the body panels fit well and the doors close solidly. 3.) In my opinion, the best feature on my flex id the car's performance on wet and slippery roads. Nothing else can compare to the AWDs Ability to go in snow. Ive never been stuckp, even in a Buffalo winter.
This was a very informative and impressive review. I'm watching this in my hotel room the morning before I go pick up my 2014 Limited Ecoboost today. Super excited and this video was very helpful. Thank you!
This a video using a early Flex. Everything upgrade starting in 2013 going forward. The 2013 going to the SHO engine and chassis along with the faster performance with twin turbochargers going from zero to sixty on 5.5 seconds…
The flex was always cool IMO. I've always wanted one. My brother had a 2010 flex for a while, and still has it and now his son drives it with 300k on the clock now. It's a little worn now due to his kids having it for the last few years. But it's been really reliable. I just picked up the sister wagon to the flex. I just got the MKT with the ecoboost engine. And it's very peppy to drive.
I have this exact same model...except my rear center console is not a fridge, it's just extra storage....this particular trim is the best of both generations..we love it...but the one thing no one talks about is how useable the space behind the third row is, we rarely have to stow the seats for normal grocery runs.
I currently run a 2016 Limited Ecoboost Flex, which is my 2nd Ecoboost Limited Flex. Both have been the best cars we've ever owned (I have owned more than 25 vehicles). My 2011 Flex was turned by Tory at Unleashed Tuning and I ran it tuned for 100K miles without a hitch. Transmission shifts were solid, breaking tires loose on the 1-2 shift on dry pavement when floored. The vehicle, with tune, embarrassed many 5.7 challengers and a tuned 2012 Camaro SS with the 426 HP 6.2 V8. My best 0-60 using Racebox Timing gear was 4.86 seconds. The tune also removed speed limiter and I had it radared at over 140 MPH, and was still accelerating (albeit at a much diminished pace). I'd guess 150 if given enough room. Tires were upgraded to a V rated set.). While the stability control can cut power in a hard corner, as mentioned, I want to mention that these "wagons" handle exceedingly well - dare I say sports car-like when equipped with good tires. I can take a std cloverleaf exit form the interstate and maintain 40 MPH with barely any roll and no squealing tires. AND...it's supremely comfortable to drive/ride in. Heated/cooled seats in front, heated 2nd row. Command view seating (not quite at tall as a Expedition seating position, but much higher than any sedan. It's smooth and a phenomenal highway cruiser, especially with radar cruise control. Power at speed is merely a move of your toe on the pedal and it just GOES. Fully loaded with 6 passengers (2nd row capt's chairs) and a dog, with luggage, we drove to Chicago from Minneapolis in the Spring (mild temps) averaging over 73 MPH and returned 24.3 MPG. I love this vehicle. As our family is growing, I may need to step up to a Stealth Performance Edition Expedition but I will miss this gem greatly!
Excellent video! I have a 2012 pre face-lift Titanium w/turbo, Love It ! paddle shifters work, rear bench 60/40 split, up graded sound & video system, 175k miles , 2nd transmission problems (shuddering in 1st& 2nd gear under throttle & 1800 rpms 😤gonna get a 3rd trans cause my flex is a keeper 😁💯🤸🏿♂️
Ford truck owner looking for a Honda Element to turn into an SUV camping vehicle, now also looking at these Ford Flex vehicles for that same thing. I can get a `13 with Ecoboost 152k miles on it from a local dealer at a friends and family discount for $8k. I like that it`ll tow more than the Elements and gets the same mpg.
I prefer paddles that work the same on both sides. It's more natural. Pull during acceleration and push during breaking. You push and pull with the momentum of your body. I'd forget if it was left and right for shifting.
I have never owned Gen 2. But I do prefer my analog gages and the steering wheel of a Gen. One over Gen. 2. Tuned you can really hit some power but you start hitting the hard line capability of the transmission and the transfer case. As of now there is nothing like a flex. It is definitely a sleeper one of a kind vehicle.
As for the power transfer unit. Drill and tap a 1/8” hole in the bottom of the case for easy drain and fill. 2013 Ecoboost Limited, 225,000 all original except for the left turbo.
My 2013 Flex Limited also had electric bugaboos. Strange stuff. Headlights cutting out intermittently, blinkers cutting out intermittently, AC/Heater fan cutting out intermittently. Rear hatch signaling (OPEN) intermittently and dinging the warning chime every 30 seconds, ....just drove me crazy! Then it'd suddenly stop. Weird. Thanks for clarifying that it was not just my Flex. I recently traded that model in for a newer Ecoboost Flex, and hoping Ford had all the Gremlins kicked to the curb by its model year. The Ecoboost has instant, effortless turbo power when pressing the gas. Which is nice, because that's not true of every Turbo I've owned. And I've owned three. Overall, I love these cars. I really do. Although my first Flex Limited was the non-turbo, truth be told, it was pretty darn quick itself. It's 287 horsepower was nothing to scoff at, but the 365 in the Ecoboost is downright thrill inducing. And my wife likes it because the interior feels refined for a family toting wagon. Fun, good looking cars!! 💪💪🔥🔥
I got the 2010 Ford Flex Limited, and it doesn't have the paddle shifters nor the fridge, but yes, it is a great highway cruiser. I did 1150 miles from Orlando to New York in this car and it was comfortable and surprisingly fuel efficient. Sadly, mine is the front wheel drive naturally aspirated model. But, it did surprise me. It reminds me of some of those Scions and one really square Subaru station wagon. I like it. Although I've heard some people say "don't call it a wagon" and some say "don't call it an SUV"... I don't care. I've already done +9000 miles and it has been rock steady through it. I never considered it a sleeper until I came across this video...
I got a 2017 Sel base Flex that Hauls ass! It comes down to it weighing less without all the options the higher end models have. Once I put new brakes and tires on it I'm taking it to the "Tail of the Dragon" and see if I can fight the torque steer while on power without going off the edge of the road. I was driving Crown Vics and pulling some hard G's and making people think I was a pro racing driver.... I started taking on the Dragon back when I was 17 in a Chevy G20 Cargo Van with a built for dirt racing 350ci, It was so fast that I had people on motorcycles start chasing me unable to believe that a CARGO VAN was taking the curves just as fast as they were! They stopped when I did just to see what all was done to the Van... It was just a stock van with a built transmission and engine. Other then that, it was just ME Knowing How To Push It To The Limits And Not Die! God I miss that thing. It was big, red and Fast..... also made Great Sounds! If I wasn't disabled now, I'd still be driving every day just as fast as I could get away with (sadly I got hit 2 years ago while at a red light and never got better, only worse, That's why I got my Flex, it was the only thing that didn't hurt me too bad to drive)
By the way if u haven't figured it out yet...the reason the rear center console opens that way is so the load floor can be completely flat when u stow the 3rd row and put down the two capitan chairs....strange way to make a problem go away.
Sure beats my mother 1957 country wagon, it had 357 inch v8, please don’t tell my mother. I used to push it out in to the street, go for a midnight drive, stomp down on the gas pedal smoke the tires. 2017 I rented a 5.0 mustang with 6 speed manual drove it 3,000 dam it’s was fast. I just gave away my Mustang 2000 had 22 years 3.8 v6 5 speed did some up grades to 340 horsepower,it was fast, 240,000 miles gave it away to kid he’s still drive it every day, now I got a flex, dam who knew a 4,000+ pounds 12 seconds 1/4 mile 106 mph that you can sleep in, o,yea, it’s got a refrigerato, not kidding.
Great review! I have a 2010 Ecoboost and absolutely love it. I’ve had no issues with the paddle shifters. Haha That 2012 Titanium with every single option is my dream flex though! If this one was for sale I’d buy it in a heartbeat!
I had Flex for 2yrs now and I love it!! Mines is a fire red color sitting on Black 22s 😮💨😮💨😍😍 And She keeps up with the sport cars 🙉💨💨 Love The Road Trips In The Flex As Well!! Really Comfy smooth ride… Only thing I hate about it is that it’s front wheel drive.
I'm located in Washington as well I have a 2014 EcoBoost tuned by Torrie as well would love to collabe a video on these beauties if your still in the flex world !!
Just now seeing these videos since I just bought a 2012 flex eb. Why did the project boost wagon go from a 2013 second gen to a 2012 first gen titanium?
@@chrispearce9224 I'm not sure about the water pump but, I have 79k miles and zero problems. I'll be trading it for a truck now that my commute is a lot shorter.
State DMVs have no guidelines at all on what they put on titles. It's a wagon. It's car based, FWD or AWD, and has no frame. A Bronco is an SUV (body on frame), an Explorer is a Crossover (unibody but RWD based), and a Flex is a wagon. An Escape isn't an SUV either.
![SahBabii - Viking [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D37cL92JX0I/mqdefault.jpg)
Ford should have never stop making the Flex, Sho Tauras, Fusion Sport.
Agreed!
I was always surprised at how many ppl thought the flex was ugly or that the look had to grow on them. I liked the flex at 1st sight. The HP was a bonus. A few years ago I got a 13 AWD limited eco boost. I believe that year and trim are the sweet spot of flexes. It's stylish, kinda fast, and feature rich. It is kinda gas thirsty though. I call mine 'The Gentleman'. Sadly my turbo went out but since it's paid for and I don't want another note I'll fix it and keep rollin'
Cheers!
I have a 2013 Ecoboost Flex and it is just incredible! Nothing like driving a 7 seat twin turbo'd station wagon. My only complaint is the 125mph limiter. Doesn't take long to get there...
Tune it!
Really, ok I’m not one to talk, 2 million mile’s high speed outlaw trucker. But 122 mph is not very smart way to drive. 15 mph over gets you a jail cell. 40 over gets a deer in your lap, a month in jail. A elk gets you killed. Be save!
I have a 2011 SEL AWD with 160,000 miles on the clock. My three favorite things about my Flex are 1.) Comfort and roominess....the interior is huge. The cargo area is huge. The storage cubbies are huge. 2.) Quality and Engineering. My car has over 250,000km and there is not a squeak or rattle, there is no broken, missing, or loose panels or trim. The exterior paint is deep enough to swim in...the Red Candy color is such a rich, glossy, shiny red.....the body panels fit well and the doors close solidly.
3.) In my opinion, the best feature on my flex id the car's performance on wet and slippery roads. Nothing else can compare to the AWDs
Ability to go in snow. Ive never been stuckp, even in a Buffalo winter.
This was a very informative and impressive review. I'm watching this in my hotel room the morning before I go pick up my 2014 Limited Ecoboost today. Super excited and this video was very helpful. Thank you!
Congratulations on the new to you Flex! I hope you enjoy it.
This a video using a early Flex. Everything upgrade starting in 2013 going forward. The 2013 going to the SHO engine and chassis along with the faster performance with twin turbochargers going from zero to sixty on 5.5 seconds…
The flex was always cool IMO. I've always wanted one. My brother had a 2010 flex for a while, and still has it and now his son drives it with 300k on the clock now. It's a little worn now due to his kids having it for the last few years. But it's been really reliable.
I just picked up the sister wagon to the flex. I just got the MKT with the ecoboost engine. And it's very peppy to drive.
@@MisterrJmark the MKT is very cool!
I have this exact same model...except my rear center console is not a fridge, it's just extra storage....this particular trim is the best of both generations..we love it...but the one thing no one talks about is how useable the space behind the third row is, we rarely have to stow the seats for normal grocery runs.
Thanks for making this, the Flex deserves some good coverage!
I currently run a 2016 Limited Ecoboost Flex, which is my 2nd Ecoboost Limited Flex. Both have been the best cars we've ever owned (I have owned more than 25 vehicles). My 2011 Flex was turned by Tory at Unleashed Tuning and I ran it tuned for 100K miles without a hitch. Transmission shifts were solid, breaking tires loose on the 1-2 shift on dry pavement when floored. The vehicle, with tune, embarrassed many 5.7 challengers and a tuned 2012 Camaro SS with the 426 HP 6.2 V8. My best 0-60 using Racebox Timing gear was 4.86 seconds. The tune also removed speed limiter and I had it radared at over 140 MPH, and was still accelerating (albeit at a much diminished pace). I'd guess 150 if given enough room. Tires were upgraded to a V rated set.).
While the stability control can cut power in a hard corner, as mentioned, I want to mention that these "wagons" handle exceedingly well - dare I say sports car-like when equipped with good tires. I can take a std cloverleaf exit form the interstate and maintain 40 MPH with barely any roll and no squealing tires. AND...it's supremely comfortable to drive/ride in. Heated/cooled seats in front, heated 2nd row. Command view seating (not quite at tall as a Expedition seating position, but much higher than any sedan.
It's smooth and a phenomenal highway cruiser, especially with radar cruise control. Power at speed is merely a move of your toe on the pedal and it just GOES. Fully loaded with 6 passengers (2nd row capt's chairs) and a dog, with luggage, we drove to Chicago from Minneapolis in the Spring (mild temps) averaging over 73 MPH and returned 24.3 MPG. I love this vehicle. As our family is growing, I may need to step up to a Stealth Performance Edition Expedition but I will miss this gem greatly!
I'll buy your flex off of you!
Excellent video! I have a 2012 pre face-lift Titanium w/turbo, Love It ! paddle shifters work, rear bench 60/40 split, up graded sound & video system, 175k miles , 2nd transmission problems (shuddering in 1st& 2nd gear under throttle & 1800 rpms 😤gonna get a 3rd trans cause my flex is a keeper 😁💯🤸🏿♂️
Ford truck owner looking for a Honda Element to turn into an SUV camping vehicle, now also looking at these Ford Flex vehicles for that same thing. I can get a `13 with Ecoboost 152k miles on it from a local dealer at a friends and family discount for $8k.
I like that it`ll tow more than the Elements and gets the same mpg.
I have a 2018 limited. Love it.
I prefer paddles that work the same on both sides. It's more natural. Pull during acceleration and push during breaking. You push and pull with the momentum of your body. I'd forget if it was left and right for shifting.
I have never owned Gen 2. But I do prefer my analog gages and the steering wheel of a Gen. One over Gen. 2. Tuned you can really hit some power but you start hitting the hard line capability of the transmission and the transfer case. As of now there is nothing like a flex. It is definitely a sleeper one of a kind vehicle.
As for the power transfer unit. Drill and tap a 1/8” hole in the bottom of the case for easy drain and fill. 2013 Ecoboost Limited, 225,000 all original except for the left turbo.
wow that's impressive water pump? timing chain?
@@Jeschitown yes, even the pump.
@@harrybalsonya5619 nice that's impressive for an Ecoboost
My 2013 Flex Limited also had electric bugaboos. Strange stuff. Headlights cutting out intermittently, blinkers cutting out intermittently, AC/Heater fan cutting out intermittently. Rear hatch signaling (OPEN) intermittently and dinging the warning chime every 30 seconds, ....just drove me crazy! Then it'd suddenly stop. Weird. Thanks for clarifying that it was not just my Flex. I recently traded that model in for a newer Ecoboost Flex, and hoping Ford had all the Gremlins kicked to the curb by its model year. The Ecoboost has instant, effortless turbo power when pressing the gas. Which is nice, because that's not true of every Turbo I've owned. And I've owned three. Overall, I love these cars. I really do. Although my first Flex Limited was the non-turbo, truth be told, it was pretty darn quick itself. It's 287 horsepower was nothing to scoff at, but the 365 in the Ecoboost is downright thrill inducing. And my wife likes it because the interior feels refined for a family toting wagon. Fun, good looking cars!! 💪💪🔥🔥
I got the 2010 Ford Flex Limited, and it doesn't have the paddle shifters nor the fridge, but yes, it is a great highway cruiser. I did 1150 miles from Orlando to New York in this car and it was comfortable and surprisingly fuel efficient. Sadly, mine is the front wheel drive naturally aspirated model. But, it did surprise me. It reminds me of some of those Scions and one really square Subaru station wagon. I like it. Although I've heard some people say "don't call it a wagon" and some say "don't call it an SUV"... I don't care. I've already done +9000 miles and it has been rock steady through it. I never considered it a sleeper until I came across this video...
With those roof rails, I would just love to see one hauling down the highway at triple digits lol
I got a 2017 Sel base Flex that Hauls ass! It comes down to it weighing less without all the options the higher end models have. Once I put new brakes and tires on it I'm taking it to the "Tail of the Dragon" and see if I can fight the torque steer while on power without going off the edge of the road. I was driving Crown Vics and pulling some hard G's and making people think I was a pro racing driver.... I started taking on the Dragon back when I was 17 in a Chevy G20 Cargo Van with a built for dirt racing 350ci, It was so fast that I had people on motorcycles start chasing me unable to believe that a CARGO VAN was taking the curves just as fast as they were! They stopped when I did just to see what all was done to the Van... It was just a stock van with a built transmission and engine. Other then that, it was just ME Knowing How To Push It To The Limits And Not Die! God I miss that thing. It was big, red and Fast..... also made Great Sounds! If I wasn't disabled now, I'd still be driving every day just as fast as I could get away with (sadly I got hit 2 years ago while at a red light and never got better, only worse, That's why I got my Flex, it was the only thing that didn't hurt me too bad to drive)
By the way if u haven't figured it out yet...the reason the rear center console opens that way is so the load floor can be completely flat when u stow the 3rd row and put down the two capitan chairs....strange way to make a problem go away.
The front passenger seat also folds down...there is a grab band on the back of the seat at the bottom.
Good to know TY
Sure beats my mother 1957 country wagon, it had 357 inch v8, please don’t tell my mother. I used to push it out in to the street, go for a midnight drive, stomp down on the gas pedal smoke the tires. 2017 I rented a 5.0 mustang with 6 speed manual drove it 3,000 dam it’s was fast. I just gave away my Mustang 2000 had 22 years 3.8 v6 5 speed did some up grades to 340 horsepower,it was fast, 240,000 miles gave it away to kid he’s still drive it every day, now I got a flex, dam who knew a 4,000+ pounds 12 seconds 1/4 mile 106 mph that you can sleep in, o,yea, it’s got a refrigerato, not kidding.
Great review! I have a 2010 Ecoboost and absolutely love it. I’ve had no issues with the paddle shifters. Haha
That 2012 Titanium with every single option is my dream flex though! If this one was for sale I’d buy it in a heartbeat!
I had Flex for 2yrs now and I love it!! Mines is a fire red color sitting on Black 22s 😮💨😮💨😍😍 And She keeps up with the sport cars 🙉💨💨 Love The Road Trips In The Flex As Well!! Really Comfy smooth ride… Only thing I hate about it is that it’s front wheel drive.
Great video
Currently at 430+hp on my limited would love to get a reaction video 😊
That's cooking!!
I'd like to see a walkaround with some audio, info and demo!
I'm located in Washington as well I have a 2014 EcoBoost tuned by Torrie as well would love to collabe a video on these beauties if your still in the flex world !!
Underscores before and after the insta tag not sure why it didn't post that way lol
That's awesome! Unfortunately, I sold the Flex a few years ago. It's still in WA and still tuned!
Just now seeing these videos since I just bought a 2012 flex eb. Why did the project boost wagon go from a 2013 second gen to a 2012 first gen titanium?
Our 2G Flex got caught in a flash flood in 2020 and the insurance company totaled it. We bought the 1G as the replacement. Loved both of them.
That paddle shift looks like it would be a pain in the butt
The Ecoboost with the 365hp also has port injection while the 355hp version does not.
Ford Flex with 365hp do not have port injection. Was never added to the Ford Flex unfortunately
Has the 2010 through 2012 mkt wheels
I also have the 2099 Limited naturally aspirated, looking to upgrade to a newer one...still looking for the right one.!?!
You can't get any newer than 2099! lol
Are all EcoBoost flex AWD by default???
Yes they are! But not all AWD Flexies are EcoBoost.
Why is there a twitch when driving ?
did you try posting this on cars and bids and were rejected or something?
Yes and yes!
@@PlaysWithCars did they say why?
@MITCXHELLXGEIST they tried to sell an Explorer with the 3.5TT and got roasted in the comments so they didn't think the Flex was desirable enough.
what year is the one in the video?
2012
Figuring out the vehicle during the review???
LoL. At 1:15 the vehicle is fast....at 21:55 it's not so fast.
Fast in a straight line and fast around corners aren't the same thing...
Try a newer (2013 - 2019) ecoboost out. Make your own mind up that way.
Does the 13'-19' eco still have that internal water pump?
@@chrispearce9224 I'm not sure about the water pump but, I have 79k miles and zero problems. I'll be trading it for a truck now that my commute is a lot shorter.
Mine is listed as an SUV
State DMVs have no guidelines at all on what they put on titles. It's a wagon. It's car based, FWD or AWD, and has no frame. A Bronco is an SUV (body on frame), an Explorer is a Crossover (unibody but RWD based), and a Flex is a wagon. An Escape isn't an SUV either.
An engine is an engine, not a motor.
How i can on back seats screen ?