2007 Ford Edge Review

While I'm not in the habit of tossing around sympathy votes, I am honest when I say I wish Ford would get their acts together and get back to being a dominant automaker. Having said that, I am very happy to report that I really loved driving the Ford Edge.

The Ford Edge was launched with much fanfare. Afterall, Ford has a lot riding on this vehicle and the powerplant that drives it. Ford engineers delivered an attractive, comfortable driving 5-passenger crossover that is stylish and above average for this growing class.

From the upright sightlines above much of the sedan traffic to the better fuel economy crossovers bring to the table, there is not much to dislike about the Edge. Exterior styling is distinct starting with the signature three-bar chrome grille. I like the sloping rear to front line that is not quite sleek, but it looks aerodynamic, especially with the rear window overhang. The dual exhaust ports and my tester's optional ($750) 18-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels made a statement of presense.

With Edge's wheels pushed out to the furthest reaches of the vehicle, exterior looks are distinct, but operational interior space is enhanced. I thought the Edge had a real open feel to its interior and it offered great sightlines for the driver.

Featuring black and white gauges that, with all their simplicity, were easy to see. Literally no need to reinvent the wheel here. Speaking of the wheel, the steering wheel featured controls for cruise control, audio as well as climate settings. After you have been driving Edge, use of these becomes second nature. The steering wheel has tilt and telescopic functions that delicer a perfect driver fit.

The console glove box was large enough to fit a laptop while moveable inserts allow for customizing the space. A 12-volt outlet is available as is a built in slot to keep wires in order.

Seating in the Edge was comfortable for short and long trips. in back, the 60/40-split second row seatbacks can recline for added comfort , while using the same lever flips the rear seatbacks forward to form a flat load floor. Two buttons in the cargo area unlatch the rear spring-loaded seatbacks allowing them to flip forward. This feature was part of the Seating Flexibility Package which also included leather upholstery and a 6-way power front passenger seat.

My tester had the optional Vista Roof, almost the entire roof is made of tinted glass. Dual powered sunshades can be closed for privacy or opened for sunshine. This is one of the really great features of Edge and I'd have to say the $1,395 is well worth it.

Ford has a lot riding on the success of the Duratec 35 engine, a 3.5 liter V6 that weighs less than other V6 engines while delivering a robust 265 horsepower and 250 pounds feet of torque. Mated to a competent 6-speed automatic transmission the Edge is offered as a front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive model.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave Edge their highest rating in front and side crash tests. With a standard roll-stability control system, Edge is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Edge includes plenty of the expected safety features as standard equipment, including: AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, side airbags and curtain airbags for front and rear passengers; 4-wheel-disc brakes with ABS.

It is not Ford's style to go out and break the rules to the extent of creating new genres of vehicles. That's okay because few (and fewer) auto builders are willing to go there. What I really respect in this new Ford Edge is that there is real value here. I feel this is one of those vehicles, mostly due to the great styling and the safety features, that you actually get more than you pay for.

It is hard to predict how well the Edge will do over the next year. The first two months of the 2007 calendar show steady gains and incremental growth over the competition. I think the more Edge's you see out on the road is going to be the best selling tool for Ford. Based on my test drive - expect to see more Edges on the road.