2007 Ford Edge First Drive

Ford Edge -- First Drive: San Francisco - Remember the days of the Ford Bronco? Built on a truck frame but more akin to a wagon, the Bronco wasn't a sport utility vehicle, sport activity vehicle, or other such nonsense – it was just what the badge said – a Bronco. Those were good times, and much simpler than the SUV, SAV, CUV scene of 2006. However, it seems that the acronym-ed vehicle is here to stay, as the 2007 Edge delves deeper into the CUV (crossover utility vehicle) category, and if Ford gets its way, this new Fusion-based ride will serve as the icon of the burgeoning crossover community. Company executives point to the iconic status of the Mustang and Explorer, suggesting that the crossover segment begs for such a vehicle, and claiming that the Edge fits the bill. In fact, they're confident that more than 100,000 of these new wheeled icons will sell in the U.S. each year, taking their share of what Ford expects will be a three-million-strong segment within a few short years. Because of its role in this blossoming market, not to mention Ford's need for a profitable hit, executives see the 2007 Edge as “the single most important launch of the year.” How's that for pressure? For the most part, the Edge accepts the burden in stride, provided the tasks are limited to basic, everyday commutes. As a daily driver, the Edge offers an inviting, spacious cabin, a competent powertrain, inoffensive styling, and cool options like power folding rear seats and a huge glass roof. What it lacks is a sporting nature (no current sport package, no sport mode for the transmission) and an available third row seat. Ford points to other models in its lineup for the passenger capacity issue, which basically disregards buyers the Edge brings into the flock who want the crossover's styling three rows of seating (Mazda does the same with the CX-7 and CX-9, but those vehicles offer very similar styling). And the sporting nature thing? Buyers are out of luck, at least for now. What you're left with is a vehicle that has one or two noteworthy features, yet little else that separates it from an extremely competitive pack, and falls a few letters short of iconic. Ultimately, the “edge” goes to the competition.

Model Mix

Model Mix The 2007 Ford Edge is available in front- or all-wheel-drive SE, SEL, and SEL Plus trims, priced between $25,995 and $31,395. Ford offers the 2007 Edge in three trims: SE, SEL, and SEL Plus, each of which can be ordered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD) for $1,650. Priced at $25,995 including a $675 destination charge, the SE FWD is the least expensive Edge available, yet includes basic features such as power windows, mirrors, and locks; keyless entry; 17-inch alloy wheels and 235/65 all-season tires; air conditioning; and a sound system complete with a CD/MP3 player and iPod jack. There's also cruise control, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, as well as front side and side curtain airbags. Several options are available, such as roof rails, a cargo organizer, Sirius satellite radio, and a four-speaker premium sound system with a six-disc CD changer. Option packages include a Convenience Group with automatic headlights, a door keypad, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror; and a Class II towing package featuring electrical and cooling upgrades. Next up is the Edge SEL, priced at $27,990 in FWD trim and $28,640 with the AWD badge. This mid-level model enjoys a standard key pad on the driver's door, a six-disc CD changer, upgraded cloth versus the SE's basic cloth, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. In addition, the pricier SEL is equipped with fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, chrome and alloy interior trim, a compass, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. And then there are the SEL's options, which include the Premium Package with dual-zone climate control with buttons on the steering wheel, heated front seats with driver memory, heated mirrors with memory, and leather upholstery; a seating package which features a folding front passenger seat and a power folding rear split seat; and a rear DVD system with wireless headphones and an overhead screen. When a Panoramic Vista Roof is ordered (a huge front sunroof with a fixed glass panel over the rear passengers), the overhead screen is exchanged for smaller units in the rear of the front headrests. Also available are a navigation system, a nine-speaker Audiophile sound system, a reverse sensing system, and 18-inch chrome or finished alloy wheels rolling on Continental Cross Conta GT 245/60 tires. Poised at the top of the 2007 Ford Edge lineup is the SEL Plus, which carries a sticker price of $29,745 as a front-driver and $31,395 when the all-wheel-drive system is added. Unique standard features include heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, heated and power-adjustable front buckets, the power folding rear split bench, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror with an integrated compass. Options mirror those of the Edge SEL.

Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and Bolts Every Ford Edge is powered by a 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a traditional six-speed automatic transmission. Upon its initial launch, the five-passenger 2007 Ford Edge, which rides on a tweaked Fusion sedan platform, will be offered with one powertrain, including a 3.5-liter V6 joined to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 24-valve aluminum engine boasts 265 horsepower at 6,250 rpm backed up by 250 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, and is estimated to achieve fuel economy in the mid 20s on the highway while running on regular-grade gas and achieving ULEV II emissions status in California. Our brief drive along twisty back roads and hilly highways returned only 13.8 mpg. Interestingly, the new transmission, while offering six speeds, lacks a sport mode or manu-matic function as do many competitors. Ford engineers suggested that they had to choose between one and the other – making a regular six-speed or a five-speed with the sporty functions – and their research indicated y'all (meaning crossover buyers) are more interested in additional gears. That transmission delivers power to the front wheels, or for an additional $1,650, all four alloys through an all-wheel-drive system which can deliver up to 100 percent of the engine's torque to the front or rear axle. Ford's AdvanceTrac traction and stability control technology further aids in the grip effort by cutting power and applying brake pressure as necessary, while four-wheel antilock disc brakes are tasked with stopping the 4,073-lb. Edge. All-wheel-drive versions tack on an extra 200 pounds, and thus benefit from slightly larger front rotors. Each Edge, regardless of trim level or drivetrain, tows up to 3,500 pounds. The whole package is suspended up front by MacPherson struts, a multi-link setup on the rear, and stabilizer bars on both ends. Steering is addressed by a trusty rack-and-pinion unit.

Design

Design The Edge offers unique design cues such as a chrome horizontal grille, an optional glass roof panel including an expansive sunroof, and copious amounts of rear seat room. Ford executives are clear on one point – the 2007 Edge had to nail styling and design. In an attempt to set their crossover apart from the burgeoning field, they desired something fresh and contemporary, with distinct cues. On some points, they succeeded, and others, not so much. Take for instance the curvy body, the wide stance, the short overhangs, and the sloped rear pillar – all have been done aplenty by numerous competitors, and the result is essentially a new take on vanilla. That is, until you look at some of the details, such as the horizontal chrome grille bars with the oversized blue Ford oval, the unique headlight housings with swept-back side markers, and the clean wraparound fascias. The flanks are dressed with gentle bulges over the wheel wells, slightly indented body work on the lower doors, and mirrors sprayed in body color on SEL and SEL Plus models. A rear spoiler, also matching the body color on SEL and SEL Plus models, feeds directly off the roof line and gives the Edge a hint of sportiness. Rear end treatment is equally fluid in its design, with flush clear-lens taillights, a simple deck lid, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Every Edge gets rear privacy glass. One design element that is worth special mention is the sloping rear pillar, which Ford designers claim is an integral element to the Edge's posture. Subsequently, the relatively steep angle of the rear glass is one reason the Edge lacks a standard or optional third row seat – apparently there would be an utter lack of headroom (though smaller SUVs with similar angles pull it off). Therefore, any SUV/SAV/CUV buyer wanting a Ford with a third row will need to check out the Freestyle, one of the brand's SUVs, or wait for the 2008 Fairlane. With the absence of that third row, the Edge offers ample cargo space behind the second row split bench. SEL Plus models feature a button just inside the deck lid that automatically drops the second row to make a flat load floor (optional on the SEL). The liftover height is average for the class (roughly three feet), but a bumper pad is absent so watch out for scratches and gouges when loading cargo. The 2007 Edge's interior borrows influences from the current crop of Ford vehicles, marked by a vertical center stack, a tall dash, a four-spoke steering wheel with multiple controls (depending on model), and a tall shift knob located in the center console. Collectively, these elements create an inviting cabin, especially for the driver who enjoys a tilt and telescoping steering wheel (leather-wrapped on SEL and SEL Plus versions), ample visibility with large rearview mirrors, and simple gauges. Controls include the button-based climate display used in Ford vehicles for what seems like ages. Our tester was also equipped with the optional navigation system, which when ordered incorporates the radio controls. Pads on the door panels provide welcome elbow relief, while the center armrest sits atop a deep storage well. Possibly most impressive about the Edge's interior is the rear split bench seat, which offers copious amounts of passenger room. Entering requires a slight step up, but once seated riders will appreciate the comfort, the steeply reclining seat back, and more leg room than most anyone would require. Again, Ford points to the lack of a third row as an advantage, in this case allowing for the Edge's expansive rear seat area. They've got a point – plant yourself back there, tilt the seat back, and its easy to let miles drift away, especially if your particular ride is optioned with the panoramic glass roof. Up front is a huge sliding sunroof, while a fixed glass panel resides over the rear seat – as a whole, it provides an amazing view of the sky above, without having to risk encountering a bird with irritable bowel syndrome.

Driving Impressions

Driving Impressions Among the Edge's strengths are its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and comfortable, compliant ride. However, sporty drivers will dislike the noticeable body roll, overzealous stability control, and lack of manual or sport modes for the transmission. A drive in Ford's new CUV reveals two clear points: the 2007 Ford Edge is a comfortable cruiser, and it isn't the least bit athletic. In regards to the positive, the 265-horsepower V6 provides plenty of power for the routine daily drive, allowing for effortless city navigation and worry-free highway merging. Unfortunately, it performs its duties with far less refinement than competitors such as the Toyota RAV4, from the grainy feel of the gas pedal to the less than symphonic song sung at higher revs. Otherwise, it gets the job done without any real complaints. Plant the throttle and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the lack of noticeable torque steer. Though official figures have not been released, Ford suggests highway fuel economy to reach the mid 20s; we registered 13.8 mpg after an afternoon of mixed driving. Mated to the Edge's 3.5-liter V6 is a new six-speed automatic transmission which offers smooth, fluid shifts that add a level of sophistication to the powertrain. From an operating perspective, there's little to complain about other than shift points that are delayed – on more than one occasion we progressively rolled on the throttle and had to wait for a gear change or additional power. When time is of the essence, dropping the shift knob into Low will execute a downshift. But that represents the tranny's bag of tricks (other than an overdrive off button), meaning there is no sport mode and no manual gear changing via the shifter or paddles on the steering wheel. Ford had resources to design either a six-speed or a five-speed with a manual-shift function, and according to the engineers we spoke with, their research indicated that buyers in this segment prefer the additional cog. That's information much of the industry would probably like to see, as other automakers employ so-called manu-matics in countless vehicles of all varieties, technology we've found can transform an otherwise disassociated driving experience. At this point, we concluded that the 2007 Ford Edge is best viewed as comfortable, capable transportation and not a fun ride. As such, the rack-and-pinion steering system, offering little road feel yet nicely weighted and balanced at any speed, fits in perfectly, as do brakes that are sure and effective. Furthermore, the noticeable body roll will likely be recognized as a reasonable compromise for the smooth ride, which absorbs potholes with little issue. Spacious seats are padded for comfort and support, yet lack side bolsters suitable for any type of spirited cornering. The stability control and rollover sensors cut in much too soon, ruining what could've been a fun drive through the hills north of San Francisco, though one could interpret this as the Edge's promise to reign things in at the slightest hint of trouble.

FAQ

FAQ Built in Canada and on sale in November, the 2007 Ford Edge will reportedly arrive with enticing finance offers, while a high estimated resale value should provide for decent lease deals. When will the 2007 Ford Edge go on sale? Dealers should have models available for sale starting in November of this year. Will the Edge be launched with any special incentives? Ford executives tell us the 2007 Edge will arrive minus any rebates, though low-rate financing will be available. Also, the Automotive Lease Guide has reportedly pegged the Edge's 36-month resale value at 51 percent, which should correlate with attractive lease pricing. Where is the 2007 Ford Edge built? The Edge is built in Ontario, Canada.

Specifications

Specifications Competitors include the Buick Rendezvous, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Nitro, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Lincoln MKX, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Murano, Saturn OUTLOOK, Saturn VUE, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Suzuki XL-7, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander Test Vehicle: 2007 Ford Edge SEL Plus AWD Base Price: $31,395 (including a $675 destination charge) Engine Size and Type: 3.5-liter V6 Engine Horsepower: 265 at 6,250 rpm Engine Torque: 250 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm Transmission: Six-speed automatic Curb Weight, lbs.: EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): TBD (estimated to be mid 20s on the highway) Observed Fuel Economy: 13.8 mpg Length: 185.7 inches Width: 75.8 inches Wheelbase: 111.2 inches Height: 67.0 inches Legroom (front/rear): 40.7/38.1 inches Headroom (front/rear): 40.0/39.3 inches Max. Seating Capacity: Five Max. Cargo Volume: 69.6 cubic feet Max. Towing Capacity, lbs.: 3,500 Ground Clearance: 8.0 inches Competitors: Buick Rendezvous Chrysler Pacifica Dodge Nitro GMC Acadia Honda Pilot Hyundai Santa Fe Kia Sorento Lincoln MKX Mazda CX-7 Mazda CX-9 Mitsubishi Endeavor Mitsubishi Outlander Nissan Murano Saturn Outlook Saturn Vue Subaru B9 Tribeca Suzuki XL-7 Toyota RAV4 Toyota Highlander

Photos courtesy of Thom Blackett and Ford Motor Company