Ford Edge: Roomy, stylish, powerful and safe

Posted Thursday, January 17, 2008

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While I didn’t get a chance to drive it hanging on the edge of a building as shown in early TV commercials that announced its arrival, the experience was well worth the time spent in the stylish Ford Edge crossover.

The distinctive exterior design is matched with a clean, classic interior. The dash uses ample chrome and textured aluminum for a modern, clean look. Also impressive is the very ample seating for five or — with rear seat folded flat — 69 cubic feet of cargo space.

There’s also plenty of power under the hood from the 3.5L V-6 that puts out 265 horsepower.
The six-speed automatic helps to provide the Edge’s estimated 17/24 mpg city and highway fuel economy numbers.

On the safety side, there’s plenty to boast of. Edge carries the top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning the top rank in both front and side impact tests. The Edge comes with dual front and side airbags and added side curtain airbags for both front and rear seat passenger.

I took the Edge SEL on a short test drive with Mike Buckwheat from Milnes Ford of Lapeer. I was first impressed that the wider track over intermediate SUVs provides for a wider cabin and a more roomy feel, and yet Edge doesn’t “drive big” like some larger SUVs and crossovers. It’s a driver-in-control ride that gives a commanding view of the road ahead.

The handling is precise and solid in this all-wheel-drive model, and to add to driver peace of mind, there’s Advance Trac traction control with ride stability control. Linked with the Edge’s antilock brakes, it helps to keep you on your way on uneven pavement, in wet or icy weather and during quick emergency maneuvers.

Seats are comfortable — the kind you’d like for a long road trip — and the roomy feel inside is enhanced when you slide the optional dual Vista Roof sunshade open to let the sunshine — or moonlight — in for both front and rear-seat passengers. The front glass also fully opens for open air enjoyment. When the weather’s not so nice, there’s also dual-zone climate control giving both driver and passenger the chance to set their own comfort level.

Edge for 2008 also comes with the Ford-exclusive Sync, developed with Microsoft, that uses Bluetooth technology to tie MP3 players, cell phones, Sirius satellite radio and a navigation system into a voice-activated “infotainment” system. Other add-ons include a rear-seat DVD system.

A weak point, and an entirely personal one, is the grille design. Ford should find a way to maintain the all-important Ford badging without homogenizing the entire fleet.

On the flip side, my favorite features of the Edge are its powerful V-6 — voted one of Ward’s 10 best engines — and its modern overall design and roominess. — Mike Arnholt