First Drive: Ford Edge in the City by the Bay
Click the photos for hi-res images.
Ford makes a compelling case about the marketability of the Edge. Their newest crossover seems to fit every demographic you can throw at it. Whether its aging baby-boomers who have a hard time with ingress and egress, recent empty nesters who are ditching their SUV in favor of a smaller, more fuel efficient, yet commanding vehicle and then there's me. Someone who Ford describes as 'Phil.' Phil is an active professional, living an active lifestyle, in an active, urban environment. The Edge seeks to be all things to all people, but a lingering question is always hanging in the air. What's really new about the Edge?
The design is starkly striking. The wheels are pushed to the very ends of the vehicle, the overhangs are short and the steeply raked windshield, coupled with a low ride height give it a sleek, yet deliciously chunky appearance. The corporate DNA can be seen throughout the vehicle, with the chromerific three-bar grille getting much of the attention, it's easy to overlook subtle cues from the D-pillar and beltline that are perfectly Fusionesque.
The 17-inch chromers were a bit too bling for some tastes, but tied in nicely with the other metallic accoutrements. Thankfully, in addition to an 18-inch upgrade, brushed aluminum wheels are an option.
Upon entrance of the vehicle, no less than five textures greet the occupants, most of which have a modern, up-scale feel. Some are good, particularly the ribbed metallic dash console that kinks downward where the shifter resides. A couple cubbies provided ample room for mobile phones and iPods, including a cavernous center console that Ford claims would fit a "small laptop." On the MP3 player tip, the Edge comes standard with a 1/8th-inch jack that routes sound into the head unit and has a well-engineered notch that allows the cable to protrude out the side of the console and into waiting, if distracted, hands.
The steering wheel is adorned with all the prerequisite buttons to control the stereo volume and inputs and, like most of the materials, is appealing to touch. Other surfaces however, weren't quite as well funded, with flimsy plastic and Fusion parts-bin pilfered pieces finding their way onto the doors. On the SEL-equipped testers, leather was standard and over the course of the day, ass numbing was kept at a minimum.
Most of the interior is hard to get excited about, with all the expected legroom and creature comforts present and accounted for. The one piece of aesthetic and engineering glory is the Vista Roof ™ moon/sunroof setup that extends far beyond the front passenger's heads, breaks for four-inches, then continues to cover the rear-seat occupants. Copious quantities of sunlight enter the cabin without the much-dreaded "greenhouse" effect cooking fellow passengers. Once opened, noise is kept at a minimum until the wind really begins to kick up. If Ford's designers and engineers nailed anything on the Edge the Vista Roof is it.
Once behind the wheel and underway, the sheer size of the Edge begins to make itself known. Navigating the streets of San Francisco is not as overwhelming a task as it may be in an Expedition, but it certainly ain't small. Knowing where the right front tire is tracking can be a bit of a challenge at first, but after a half-hour or so of navigating the urban confines of S.F. proper, faith begins to take over and the huge footprint of the Edge becomes manageable.
Out of the city and onto the twisties of the North Bay, the soft-sprung suspension leaves a bit to be desired in the corner-carving department. Although squat, dive and body roll is kept at a minimum, 'sporty' is not the word that comes to mind. Steering input isn't anything to write home about either, but it turns when asked and feels as good as expected. Since road molesting ability is probably not on the list of 'must haves' of 'Phil' or any other of the demographics Ford outlined, the ride is suitable for the daily urban and suburban slogs that the Edge will find itself in most of the time.
The newly developed 265 HP, 3.5-liter V6 powering the front wheels or all wheels, depending on the model, was overwhelmingly underwhelming. Considering the two-plus tons it's being asked to motivate, it provides barely adequate grunt no matter where you mash the carpet in the rev-range. However, when this new mill finds its way into the MKS and Fusion, it will find a soul mate (An SVT variant of the Edge is also rumored). The new six-speed transmission is far and away one of the best Ford has offered to date, with smooth shifts that are progressive and seamless. Downshifts take a bit of preplanning, with a few ticks between application and thrust, and the lack of anything between 'D' and 'L' is criminal for any transmission with that many ratios.
As a whole, the Edge has the ability to define the crossover segment and usher in a new era of American motoring. The CUV market is the fastest growing segment in the U.S., with Ford expecting crossovers to eclipse SUV sales by the end of the year. With that in mind, Ford has put a lot of eggs in the Edge basket and if consumers grant it a chilly reception, the Blue Oval might be in a world of hurt. And that's the rub. With so many other vehicles that could be considered CUVs, does the Edge offer anything different? Overall, no. It's a perfectly average vehicle, but the Edge neatly slots in between the CR-V's and RDX's of the world and in doing so, it creates a market segment that stands to redefine what average buyers require. Even if their name isn't Phil.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
doug 11:15AM (10/19/2006)
The Edge is exactly what Ford specializes in, straight shots down the marketing middle. Like the Explorer and Taurus (so long ago...) the Edge is not far out in front in any particular area, but seems just right in so many. I think it hits the bullseye and will be a huge hit.
Reply
DPC car videos 9:18AM (10/19/2006)
This is one bloated SUV.
Reply
Dude 9:27AM (10/19/2006)
All SUV's are bloated, doesn't matter which manufacturer made them.....
Reply
ScottS 9:30AM (10/19/2006)
" If Ford's designers and engineers nailed anything on the Edge the Vista Roof is it."
If it's that great where's the picture of it?
:)
Reply
Patrick D. Garez 12:19PM (10/19/2006)
This vehicle has a very nice, finally modern, appealing exterior and being in the near future market for such a vehicle I really was ready to look at the Edge because I felt it had the exterior design qualities I was looking for. However, thanks to this write I am once again sent back to the " imports " because because the domestics in the middle class segments just refuse to get the fact that the interior counts just as much as the exterior.
The entire dash looks like it was designed by the same guy that created the Ford Ranger in the late 80's. The platic chrome center stack just screams cheap and out of place and the steering wheel is just pathetic and like everything else reminds me of the steering wheel from the likes of the old Ford escort. The ergonomic factor seems non-existent.
When are Ford and GM going to get away from the pick up truck flat dashboards and realize that many buyers want some flow and design?
Yes the exterior is very important because it says who the driver is but the interior is equally important because it is the environment where so many drivers and passengers spend several hours a day ! With so many examples of how to do it right ( imports ) how is it that Ford just doesn't seem to get it. Do they think that if they stick to their guns, one day 80's interior styling will become the vogue again ? or is it that like the war in Iraq, it takes some people in this country years and years of being told that it is the wrong move, before they get it ??
Forget about the engine issues and drive feel, I won't even go there.
Well done on the exterior design Ford, but once again, you have failed to produce the complete package.
Very sad and as the author mentioned in an already crowded market segment, your going to have to do better than this to steal many buyers away from your competitors.
The Mazda CX-7 it is then. No wonder I can't seem to break this import lover title.
Reply
Steve0 9:45AM (10/19/2006)
I guess I fit the "Phil" demographic (36 y.o. & single), and surprise, I happen to like it.
It's a sharp, modern, retro-free design and the Vista Roof is a huge selling point for me. IF I was in the market for this kind of vehicle, the Edge would be on my short list but the problem is that I am NOT in the market for this kind of vehicle. SUV, CUV, whatever...I like CARS!
Reply
Michael Karesh 10:55AM (10/19/2006)
Dan Neil of the L.A. Times also reported marginal handling. I was personally hoping for better, as Ford can create a fine-handling chassis when it wants to. Seems it focused more on ride.
The 3.5 is already available in the MKZ. That's where I sampled it, and while the top end is strong the midrange is soft, much like on Ford's current four. Ford needs to figure out what others are doing to plump up the midrange. While the MKZ uses a different transmission, it also resists downshifting.
The largest challenge might be the styling, which leads most people to think that the Edge is a compact SUV--like the CR-V mentioned here--rather than a midsize like the Highlander and Murano.
To see how the pricing stacks up:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Edge.php
The MKX is also in the database--similarly equipped it's about $4,000 more.
Reply
Shawn 9:49AM (10/19/2006)
The newly developed 265 HP, 3.5-liter V6...was overwhelmingly underwhelming...it provides barely adequate grunt no matter where you mash the carpet in the rev-range."
Ford Edge 4098 lbs, 265 hp, 250 lb-ft
Nissan Murano 3851 lbs, 245 hp/246 lb-ft
Acura MDX 4451 lbs, 253 hp/250 lb-ft
BMW X3 4067 lbs, 225hp, 214 lb-ft
Reply
Thomas 9:49AM (10/19/2006)
I'm not sure why Ford is designing its cars exclusivley for the AutoZone aftermarket crowd; I HATE the taillights and the grill! I realize that there is no accounting for taste, but I think these two details will be a dealbreaker for more than a few people.
Reply
Nick 9:50AM (10/19/2006)
Hello, pictures of the sunroof??
Reply
MikeW 10:11AM (10/19/2006)
At least the transmission selector has a button on the side, presumably for overdrive off, prevents extreme downhill acceleration, limits it to mild run away (for front drive models).
The Ford engine doesn't have a variable resonance or dual length intake manifold, or variable exhaust valve timing, or swirl valves.
The murano has a CVT to keep the engine at full tilt while the transmission changes ratios.
The X3 was crappy to begin with, that is why BMW is pushing the new X3 pretty hard-new N52 engine and 6 speed auto.
The MDX goes as well as the Honda Odyssey, and the new one has a much improved engine.
Reply
mattlach 10:03AM (10/19/2006)
Patrick D. Garez:
I hear what you are saying, I I find it criminal what many U.S. auto brands use as interiors, especially when GM is starting to apply this terrible plasticky interior trand to my precious SAAB.
That being said, I believe the Ford Ednge isn't intended to compete in he same market as - say - an Acura MDX. Though I can't seem to find pricing (maybe it hasn't been annouced?) I wouldn't be surprised if the Edge is ssignificantly cheaper than an MDX.
Still, doesn't much matter to me as I am an SUV hater, truck fram or uni-body doesn't matter. Hate 'em all.
Reply
CarFan 10:11AM (10/19/2006)
Patrick,
I think its unfair to lump GM in with Ford in the CUV catagory. Take a look at the Buick Enclave or the Saturn Outlook and compare their interior to Ford Edge. GM's interior is way better. Ford continues to miss the boat on the Interior front but GM is trying not to and getting better everyday.
Reply
Shawn 10:12AM (10/19/2006)
mattlach, last I heard Edge starts at $25,995 for the SE FWD and ~$36,000 for an all options SEL+ AWD (base ~$31K)
Reply
Den in IN 11:01AM (10/19/2006)
If you hate SUVs, no need to comment we know you are going to hate it. If you are a DINK who likes to cut and thust through traffic with your EVO, no need to comment, we know you are going to hate it. I am a little suburban to be Phil, but I like the package and its nice to have an alternative to the Murano. I think I remember seeing an option for 7 seats? Maybe that was only the GMC. Still, its a nice package that a wide range of people will find attractive. Should be successful just like the Fusion.
Reply
David F 10:32AM (10/19/2006)
The Mazda3, Civic, new Saturns, etc. are all pretty inexpensive. So why can are their interiors SO much better? It's not an excuse for Ford's Edge, especially since it's supposed to be such an important launch. Right now it looks like a good rental, that's about it.
Reply
V.Greene 10:34AM (10/19/2006)
I've been wondering this for a hot minute...
Where's the space in the lineup for this thing? Between the Escape, the Freestyle, and the Explorer, I can't see a market for the darn thing. Not the bold mocve I'd make but hey, let's see how it all plays out.
Reply
mattlach 10:42AM (10/19/2006)
Shawn:
Wow. I'm surprised. Thats a pretty hefty sum for this vehicle IMHO.
(and I guess I wasn't quite awake when I typed my first comment. I usually spell better than that, I promise.)
Reply
Scott 10:52AM (10/19/2006)
I have had the chance to drive this on back country roads chasing the Mazda CX-7. Selling Ford and Mazda for years now, the Edge floored me. It is a complete departure from anything Ford has ever done. Before you want to rip the interior try to actually sit in it! It's great! Drive it like you drive, it has the most comfortable seats I've seen. The tranny was great, and the Edge ran with the CX-7 no problem. All I am saying is pictures can not do it justice. The customers that have seen it fell in love. Get in one before you say you hate it!
Reply
losburritos 10:55AM (10/19/2006)
Now there are 2 SUVs that I find good looking - the Nissan Murano and the Ford Edge. If Ford could work on their interior, it would be a solid product. Unfortunately, car lovers (like myself) cant see ourselves driving SUVs. Atleast the design is appealing. I'd say Ford > GM in the designing department. Screw GM! All they do is make nice concepts and bring out a crappy car.
Reply