2007 Ford Edge

reviewed for Times Union’s Autos Weekly

by Dan Lyons

Americans are getting smaller. OK, anybody who spent any time on a beach last summer knows that’s not true. But, at least what we drive is getting smaller. Large SUV sales are down, and the numbers for smaller, Crossover Utility Vehicles are trending up. CUV sales, which numbered just 500,000 units in 2000, are expected to reach 2.1 million this year, and 3,000,000 by the end of the decade. It seems that fat gasoline bills have convinced lots of people that they need to slim down their rides. The question then becomes, how big is big enough? Where’s the balance point that’s big enough for people and cargo, yet small enough to avoid gas pains?

Ford is hoping that they’ve got the answer, in the form of the new, 2007 Edge. Edge looks the part of the modern American crossover. In styling, it’s a muscular mix of wagon and SUV. The high beltline, small greenhouse and wide body look says SUV, but the rounded roofline and lower stance lends a car-like feel. Most interesting is the front view. Edge’s in-your-face-face features a wide, chrome, three bar grille, flanked by big, asymmetrical headlights. I like it: it’s bold, and you know what it is from a block away.

The growth in the CUV segment in the “Aughts” will likely parallel the growth of the SUV market in the Nineties. Over time, more and more variations of size and shape will arrive; new niches and sub-niches appearing, as all the automakers try to elbow in on the Next Big Thing. Count Edge on the big side of this new class. Not block-out-the-sun big as in the beefiest SUV’s, but big as in room for five and their gear. Edge’s interior will indeed hold five, and it will fit six footers front and back with ease. In addition to being long on legroom, the second row reclines, which will give you a panoramic view, if you order the optional ($1,395) Vista Roof. It’s a two part affair, with a wide, front moon roof up front that slides and tilts. In back, it’s an also-wide, fixed, glass panel. The glass is tinted, and a retractable cloth shade can be called on to block glare. Cargo capacity checks in at a generous, 32.1 cubic feet, and ranges to 69.6 cu. ft., if you fold the rear seats forward. Liftover height in back is low, and the opening is wide. And if your stuff includes long stuff, consider the optional, fold down front seat. So equipped, Edge will hold your eight foot surfboard, stepladder or similarly long item, with the hatch door closed.

Back up in the front row, Edge’s interior is big on small details. Molded door pockets include space for maps and also water bottles (front) and juice boxes (back). Other cup holders front and rear are super-sized to hold just about anything. An MP3 input jack is standard on base, SE and top SEL levels. The covered center console storage bin is large and fitted with removable partitions. The option sheet includes DVD based navigation system up front, and a DVD entertainment system for the back.

Edge is available in front or all wheel drive models. Coupled to the standard Advance Trac system with roll stability control, the AWD automatically shifts power front to back or side to side as needed. Edge feels stable and confident going down the road. Ride quality is comfortably car-like. Standard four wheel disc brakes with ABS haul the two ton CUV down to a stop efficiently. Power is supplied by Ford’s new 3.5 litre V-6, linked to an also-new six speed automatic transmission. Edge’s engine provides good power, though it’s a little noisy when you step on it. Highway fuel economy is better than what most SUV buyers will be used to. EPA estimates 25 for front wheel drive models, 24 for all wheel drive. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 lb.

Good looking, with a nicely appointed interior, Edge is a well positioned to attract attention in a growing segment. Shoppers on their way down from large SUV’s should stop off to see if the more sensibly sized new Ford is a good fit.

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Numbers and Dollars

2007 Ford Edge

MSRP: $25,995 (SE)

$27,995 (SEL)

All Wheel Drive adds $1,650 to the above prices

Drivetrain

Engine: 3.5 litre V-6

Horsepower: 265 hp @ 6,250 rpm

Torque: 250 lb. ft. @ x,xxx rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Weights and Measures

Wheelbase: 111.2" Height: 67.2”

Length: 185.7” Weight: 4,073 (FWD)

Width: 87.1” 4,282 (AWD)

Interior

Head Room: 37.8” f, 38.7” r Leg Room: 40.7” f, 39.6” r

Cargo Capacity: 32.1 - 69.6 cu. ft.

Chassis

Suspension: Independent front & rear

Brakes: Four wheel disc, ABS standard

Tire size: 245/60/R18 (SEL) all season performance

Mileage

EPA city/highway mpg - 18/25 (FWD), 17/24 (AWD)

Warranty

3 years/36,000 miles – bumper to bumper, limited

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