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Pros :
| Distinctive grille |
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Rear seat folds flat or reclines |
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MP3 player input jack |
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Standard ABS |
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Optional rollover-mitigation system | Cons : Rear seat doesn't slide fore/aft
Review : The 2007 Ford Edge is a new crossover that has the tough look of a sport utility vehicle but is built on a car-based platform to aid driving performance.
The term "wagon" may have become taboo among many automakers — who insist on more complex labels — but the Edge looks like a bulky wagon in profile. It also wears Ford's new corporate grille, first seen in production guise on the Fusion midsize sedan.
The Edge also brings a new, larger V-6 engine to the Ford lineup. For years, Ford's primary V-6 has been a 3.0-liter mill that is now being outpaced in the industry's horsepower war. The Edge's new 3.5-liter V-6 should help Ford even the fight.
The Edge is set to arrive at your local Ford dealership in late 2006. Both SE and SEL trim levels will be available. Pricing information has not yet been publicized.
The Edge's front fascia is quite upright, and rectangular headlights flank the distinctive, chrome three-bar grille. Front and rear wheel arches have pronounced bulges, and the Edge's body panels are free of cladding.
Rear styling features include clear-lens taillamps, a roof spoiler and a swept-forward roof that makes the Edge look sporty but likely diminishes cargo room when compared to a squared-off design. The Edge rides on a four-wheel independent suspension, and SE models have 17-inch all-season tires. SEL models use 18-inch all-season tires.
When the Edge is equipped with the available Vista Roof panoramic sunroof, the metal roof is supplanted by two glass panels: a moveable one over the first row of seats and a fixed one for the second row. Two power shades are included with the Vista Roof.
Seating for five is provided. The instrument panel features white-faced gauges, and storage amenities include a center console bin that Ford says can swallow a laptop computer. An auxiliary audio jack is included, which allows music on portable MP3 devices to be played through the Edge's audio system. The rear door pockets include juice-box holders for the kids.
Six-way powered and heated front seats are available, as is a front passenger seat that can fold flat. The 60/40-split rear seats can recline (but not slide fore and aft) and also fold flat. With the rear seats and front passenger seat folded, the Edge can carry 8-foot long items like lumber or a roll of carpet. Power-folding rear seats are available.
Optional equipment includes a DVD-based navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system that includes a flip-down, 8-inch screen and wireless headphones. Leather seats with contrasting stitching are offered.
The Edge's 3.5-liter V-6 engine generates 265 hp and 250 pounds-feet of torque and drives a six-speed-automatic transmission. Both front- and all-wheel-drive models are offered. Ford says highway fuel economy will be in the mid-20-mpg range, and the Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
All-disc antilock brakes are standard. Available safety features include seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain-type airbags, and Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control electronic stability system, which monitors roll motions and will intervene if it senses an impending rollover in order to keep the vehicle's wheels on the ground.
Competitors : 2006 / 2007 Buick Rendezvous (compare)
2006 / 2007 Nissan Murano (compare)
2006 / 2007 Volvo XC90 / X C 90 (compare)
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