2007 Ford Edge Review | Buyer Guide
Ford Edges Into CUV Market
Crossover SUVs are big news these days. These are vehicles with car platforms and SUV bodies. Some in the auto business call them CUVs. They have the advantage of being more car-like in their ride and handling, while offering the versatility of a conventional Sport/Utility. CUVs have now overtaken SUVs in sales, and their popularity is expected to grow in the coming years. At a press introduction here in San Francisco, Ford unveiled their new entry in this market, which they call the Edge.
The Edge is midsize, and geared to compete with trendy CUVs like the Nissan Murano. Ford designers avoided the boxy shape of the Explorer for a more aggressive and stylish look. The Edge gets Ford’s new in-your-face grille, with three chrome bars. It’s also fitted with a steeply raked windshield and a sloping rear window that makes it more aerodynamic.
On the inside, there’s a hefty, four-spoke steering wheel, which sits in front of a very large, but simply styled dash. The gauges on the instrument panel are white-faced and easy to read. The radio, climate controls and optional navigation system on the center panel are clearly marked as well, although the nav screen is smaller than some I’ve seen.
The Edge has seating for five, and comes with driver-friendly features. The center console storage compartment is so flexible, it can be configured to hold everything from a laptop computer and handbags to coins and MP3 players. If you need power sources for electronic gear, there are four plugs (as well as an MP3 audio jack) within reach of the driver.
Cabin space is generous in the Edge. I can honestly tell you that both the front and back seats have more than adequate head- and legroom for my 6’2″ frame. Furthermore, this vehicle will haul a large amount of cargo too. There’s nearly 70 cu-ft of storage space, with the rear seats folded down. And if you get leather, these seats will fold down at the touch of a button, and the front passenger seat will lie flat too, so that you can slide in an eight-foot ladder.
Ford offers an impressive array of options on the Edge. Buyers can order the aforementioned navigation unit, satellite radio and a panoramic glass roof with a forward panel that slides and tilts open. There is also an available DVD entertainment system. This is a roof-mounted unit with a drop-down eight-inch screen. But if you have the glass roof, seven-inch screens are mounted in the front-seat headrests instead.
Only one drive train is offered on the Edge, but it’s a good one. Ford uses its new 265-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, which is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. This combo is both responsive and refined. The Edge is available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
At the press introduction, the Edge made a good impression with a well-controlled and quiet ride, and its power was more than adequate, both on hills and in passing situations. This is an SUV that should be great on a road trip.
The Ford has priced the edge competitively with a starting price $25,995 for the SE model and $27,995 for the SEL.
Snapshot Review
Contemporary Styling
Responsive Power Train
Quiet, Supple Ride
Reasonable Price
Specifications
Base Price $27,995
Engine 3.5 ltr, DOHC, V-6
Horsepower 265
Transmission 6-sp, auto
Brakes disc, ABS
Gas Mileage 18-25 mpg
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