2009 Ford Edge Review

2009 Ford Edge - Stands out.

By: John Stein

As the world of the crossover vehicle blossoms, as SUVs did 20 years ago, you can bet billions of Fed bailout bucks that the exterior designs of these vehicles will begin to evolve into two basic categories: look-alikes and stand-alones.

For the look-alikes - those that have no real identity but look a lot like another vehicle that perhaps had an identity when it debuted - there has to be an attractive price. If it does not look unique, it has to have real perceived value.

The stand-alones - those with an exterior identity - enjoy the spotlight because with success and identity comes copycats.

The Ford Edge has been at the forefront, a stand-alone, since its inception for the 2007 model year. It had distinctive looks that were attractive while offering highly functional interior spaces. Last year a Limited version was introduced and this year the Sport version was launched.

Crossover owners are often former SUV owners or minivan owners who are looking for similar utility and space with much better fuel economy. For sedan owners who move up into a bigger vehicle, crossovers sacrifice little driving quality because they are built on sedan platforms. The Edge shares the award-winning Mazda6 platform as well as components of the Lincoln MKX.

The Ford Edge is available in four trims: SE, SEL, Limited and Sport. Al models are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 265 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available for all models except the SE.

The Ford Edge Sport has a base price of $34,755. I had the chance to drive the Sport version with an upgraded AWD system at $36,605. The new Sport model does have some nice features included as part of the package, including leather seating with Alcantara suede inserts, an eight-piece body kit with special front and rear fascias, body-side cladding and side-skirt rocker moldings.

Without a doubt the most striking feature on my tester was the optional 22-inch machine-polished wheel package.

Even though 20-inch wheels are standard for the Sport, this is one extra expense you must invest in. If you ever doubted that wheels can transform any vehicle into something totally different, then take a look at what these monstrous 22-inch rims and P265/40R22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires did for an already-great-looking Edge Sport.

A contemporary exterior style with a solid athletic stance sets the tone for the Edge Sport while the bold chrome front grille and big rims are the exclamation marks. The Edge has a wide track and a long wheelbase when compared to its cousin the Explorer, which is 8 inches longer but has only a 2-inch difference in wheelbase (the space between the front and rear tires). In other words, the wheels on the Edge are pushed out farther toward the corners of the vehicle. This enhances stability and control.

Once inside the Edge Sport cabin, driver and passengers will be comfortable with plenty of space for two adults in front and three adults in the second row. I had little trouble with the power adjustments getting perfect visibility of the road. You sit higher than a sedan in the crossover and Edge provides great sightlines.

Dash gauges and the center screen are clearly visible. There was a huge center console storage box between the seats as well as large cup holders and big dials to activate climate and audio systems. At no point do you ever feel cramped in the Edge.

Helping to open up the interior spaces was a wonderful vista roof ($1,595) option that adds twin moon roofs so all passengers in the Edge have a clear view of the sky.

Imagine an almost completely glass roof.

Edge has storage versatility that rivals the SUVs. The rear seats (60/40 split) can be lowered to a flat position by pressing a switch, creating up 69.0 cubic feet of storage space. The front passenger seat can be folded forward to provide more floor space for long objects.

Other standard Sport features include voice-activated navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio Travel Link and an ambient lighting package that illuminates various interior wells and corners.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the Edge has variable valve timing and I found it to handle the weight of the vehicle with smooth, almost effortless quality. There are some rough spots where the transmission is taxed in hard acceleration, but that is rarely the way this vehicle will be driven.

The Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy is 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. This doesn't establish any new records, nor will it save you many trips to the gas station, but it is better than most SUVs in the class and given you still have a big vehicle on your hands, it is acceptable.

The Edge does not claim to be an off-road vehicle. Its all-wheel-drive system manages to alter the power to the front or rear wheels depending on the need at any given time. This is plenty of security in wet or winter driving conditions.

Safety features that come standard on all models include dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats, side-curtain airbags with rollover protection for both rows of seating, antilock brakes, traction control, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with rollover mitigation and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Rear park assist is available to alert the driver to anything behind the vehicle when backing up.

The Ford Edge is a likable crossover option for current sedan owners or SUV owners.

There are wonderful exterior looks to be had as well as sophisticated interior spaces that are quiet and comfortable for up to five adults. My tester went for $43,350, a price that puts it in the near-luxury and entryluxury class. Overall, this is one crossover I can say I'd like to own myself.

2009 FORD EDGE SPORT

ENGINE: 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: all-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 15 city/22 highway

BASE PRICE: $36,605

AS TESTED: $43,350

WEB SITE: www.Fordvehicles.com

John Stein

John Stein grew up in an extended family that valued the art of going fast. Spending plenty of weekends at U.S. 30 Drag Strip and Sante Fe Speedway, he fondly remembers the screaming machines and the flying mud that made those long-gone racing havens such special memories. With plenty of late nights spent ‘tinkering’ with cars throughout high school, he never anticipated his interest cars and his love for writing might find a common ground. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University in 1988, John started writing for the weekly Southtown Economist. So, when the Economist went to a daily in 1994, and needed an auto editor, John took the proverbial steering wheel. Featured weekly in the Sun-Times and its 17 suburban publications, as well as ELITE Magazine, John balances being the Automotive Editor for Sun-Time Media with being a husband and dad in Plainfield, Illinois.

2009 Ford Edge Review

2009 Ford Edge - Stands out.

John Stein

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