2007 Ford Edge Review

The Ford Edge is Ford's brand new entry into the fast growing crossover utility vehicle (CUV) market. Based upon the Mazda6's CD3 platform, the Edge's three-bar grille bears a striking resemblance to the Ford Fusion sedan. It can seat up to five passengers, or carry objects up to eight feet long when the passenger seats are folded. It's no secret that Ford's having some serious financial troubles, but they're counting on the Edge to capture the burgeoning CUV market.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Ford Edge is one of the smaller vehicles competing in the crowded crossover market. With only two rows of seats, the Edge can only carry five people in comfort, though both front and rear seats are spacious. Crossover vehicles are supposed to carry large quantities of people and cargo with more style than a minivan and lower gas mileage than an SUV. Without the third row seat found in larger competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica, it is a little hard to see what the Edge brings to the party. Add to that Ford's recent history of quality problems, a woefully inadequate braking system and, overall, it is hard to recommend the Edge as your next family vehicle.

What's New For 2007:

Ford Edge is all-new for 2007 and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 capable of up to 265 horsepower. The Edge is available in three trims. The basic SE package includes privacy glass and automatic headlights. The SEL offers more luxurious options, including a leather steering wheel, powered driver's seat, in-dash CD changer, and a trip computer. Upgrading to the SEL Plus adds leather upholstery, heated mirrors and seats, as well as an intelligent driver's seat that can memorize your favorite position. Each of the Edge's trims comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available.

Request a free, no-obligation, new 2007 Ford Edge price quote or choose any other model you're interested in and receive the Buying Advice Team's Insider Report for New Car Buyers.

Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$26,635

Rebates & Incentives:
yes

Seats:
5

Gas Mileage:
17/24

Engine:
3.5L V6

Horsepower:
265@6250RPM

Torque:
250@4500RPM

Transmission:
6 Speed Automatic

Drive:
FR/FWD

Fuel Capacity:
19

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
60/60000

Rust Warranty:
60/Unlimit

What is the Predicted Reliability:

The Ford Edge is a new model with no long-term reliability information available. However, Ford has a reputation for problematic first-run SUVs. When the Ford Escape debuted in 2001, it came with problems that could separate the wheels from the vehicle, or cause it to catch on fire. Eight recalls were enacted for the 2001 Escape for these and other issues. So far, there have been no initial reliability reports issued, but based on Ford's track record, expect the Ford Edge to have a below-average reliability rating. However, the Edge comes with an impressive powertrain warranty that lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, and includes free roadside assistance for the full duration of the warranty.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

There is currently no crash test information available as the Edge is new for 2007. However, Ford has made a commitment to safety by making all of the Edge's safety features standard, including anti-lock brakes, side-curtain air bags, traction control, and electronic stability control. The side air bags are designed to cover the windows in case of rollover, keeping the passengers inside the vehicle. However, the brakes have a longer stopping distance than you might be comfortable with in an emergency. Tests have shown the Edge to take 191 feet to come to a full stop at 70 mph and 152 feet at 60 mph. By comparison, the much heavier Ford F-350 Super Duty can come to a full stop within 135 feet at 60 mph.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Sporty handling
+ Competitively priced
+ Plenty of standard safety features

Cons
- Unknown reliability
- Bland interior
- Weak brakes

Head-To-Head Competition:

If you're interested in the Edge, you might want to consider spending a bit more on the Honda Pilot. The Pilot costs about $2,500 more than the Edge, and comes standard with a powered sunroof and 18 more cubic feet of cargo capacity. However, the Edge's engine is no doubt more powerful, coming in at 265 hp, compared to the Pilot's 244 hp. Despite its extra horsepower, the Edge maintains about the same gas mileage as the Pilot. Another alternative is the Mitsubishi Endeavor, which is about $1,700 less than the Edge, but features six more cubic feet of cargo capacity. But the Endeavor has a much weaker engine (225 hp), while offering no improvement in fuel economy. However, for the price, the Ford matches its competitors well in features, and blows them away in engine power, with the exception of the Chevrolet Trailblazer SE2, which is only slightly more expensive but also has slightly more engine power, without sacrificing fuel efficiency. In addition, the Trailblazer has more cargo room, and includes OnStar and theft tracking as standard features.

What Others Are Saying:

"The new Ford Edge is a prime example of what a CUV is and should be...The styling of the new Edge is fresh and alive." - FamilyCar.com

"For the most part, I like the Ford Edge. I like the styling, I like the comfort, I like the features, and I like the value. I like the engine, though I'd be willing to trade horsepower for a little better fuel economy." - About.com

"With its well-designed interior and infotainment electronics, the 2007 Ford Edge makes for a good family cruiser--as long as the driver doesn't harbor hot-rod aspirations." - C|Net

Read more about the 2007 Ford Edge at the Ford manufacturer web site.

Published on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 - Email to a friend

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