Loading

What car is called a Flex?

A Flex car, also known as a flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV), is a type of automobile that can run on more than one type of fuel. Specifically, Flex cars are designed to operate on a blend of gasoline and ethanol, typically up to 85% ethanol (E85).


How Flex Cars Work


Flex cars have a specialized fuel system that allows them to automatically adjust to the fuel mixture being used. This means the car can seamlessly switch between regular gasoline and E85 without any manual adjustments by the driver. The engine and fuel system are engineered to handle the different properties of ethanol-blended fuels.


The main advantage of Flex cars is that they provide drivers with more fuel options, allowing them to take advantage of lower-cost or more environmentally-friendly ethanol-based fuels when available. This can help reduce fuel costs and emissions compared to traditional gasoline-only vehicles.


Popular Flex Car Models


Some of the most popular Flex car models include:



  • Ford F-150 Pickup Truck

  • Chevrolet Silverado Pickup Truck

  • Ford Mustang

  • Dodge Ram Pickup Truck

  • Chevrolet Impala

  • Ford Fusion


These vehicles are designed to run on either regular gasoline or E85 ethanol-blended fuel, giving drivers more flexibility in their fuel choices.


Considerations for Flex Car Owners


While Flex cars provide more fuel options, there are a few things Flex car owners should keep in mind:



  • E85 fuel typically has lower energy content than regular gasoline, so Flex cars may see a slight decrease in fuel economy when using E85.

  • The availability of E85 fueling stations can vary by region, so Flex car owners should research the local infrastructure before relying on E85 as their primary fuel source.

  • Maintenance and service for Flex cars is generally the same as for traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, but owners should consult their owner's manual for any specific recommendations.


Overall, Flex cars offer drivers more flexibility and potential cost savings when it comes to fueling their vehicles. As alternative fuel technologies continue to evolve, Flex cars provide a practical bridge between traditional gasoline and emerging biofuel options.

What brand of car is Flex?


Ford Flex

Ford Flex
ClassFull-size crossover SUV
Body style4-door SUV
LayoutFF layout / AWD layout
PlatformFord D4 platform



How many miles will a Ford Flex last?


around 200,000 miles
Typically, you can expect a Ford Flex to last around 200,000 miles with excellent care, according to carparts.com. Making it to this age requires care and maintenance on your end, along with excellent driving. Of course, there will always be some factors that are more out of your control than others.



Why was Ford Flex discontinued?


Despite its strengths, the Flex faced increasing competition from other SUVs and crossovers in the market. The segment shifted towards a preference for sleeker, more car-like SUVs, and the Flex's wagon-inspired design fell out of favor.



Why did Ford discontinue the Flex?


Despite its strengths, the Flex faced increasing competition from other SUVs and crossovers in the market. The segment shifted towards a preference for sleeker, more car-like SUVs, and the Flex's wagon-inspired design fell out of favor.



Can I put regular gas in a flex-fuel car?


Using any octane level of gasoline in a flex-fuel vehicle is acceptable. The sensors in an FFV detect whether the fuel is pure gasoline or 85% ethanol and make necessary changes for optimal fuel injection and timing of combustion.



What makes a car flex?


Flex-fuel vehicles are those that have internal combustion engines designed to run on more than one type of fuel. Other than a few modifications to the engine and fuel system, says Kiplinger, flex-fuel vehicles are virtually identical to gasoline-only models. This technology isn't new.



What does Flex mean in a car?


Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) have an internal combustion engine and are capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%. E85 (or flex fuel) is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season.



Is the Ford Flex a reliable car?


The Ford Flex has received middle to high reliability scores on major review sites. RepairPal gives it a decent 3.5 out of 5.0 rating, ranking it 7th out of 8 in its class. The Ford Flex has a fairly average annual ownership cost of $713. With proper maintenance, you can easily put 200,000 miles on your Ford Flex.



Is there a car called a Flex?


About Flex
Immediately distinguished by unusually boxy exterior appearance, the Ford Flex debuted in 2009 as a seven-passenger crossover vehicle. Serving as more than a simple model name, Flex conveys the vehicles devotion for flexibility.



How much does a Ford Flex car cost?


The range-topping 2019 Flex Limited Sport Utility 4D starts at $19,970 today, originally priced from $48,085. KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.