2007 Ford Edge Makes for a Bold New Crossover
by Jessica Howell
Doors open, windows down, the 2007 Ford Edge models its aggressive stance in the middle of a San Francisco plaza and is currently encircled by a crowd of curious consumers who are jabbing buttons and running hands over dark, leather-clad seats.
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A brilliant shade of autumn orange (that Ford dubs Blazing Copper Metallic), the Edge glitters under the California sun. Starting at $25,995 with loads of standard safety features, the 6-speed automatic V-6 seems a smart choice for prospective buyers. As I walk past I can hear the crowd buzzing expectedly about the vehicle that’s set to be released in December.
“This is an SUV, right?” I overhear one bystander ask.
“Well, not exactly…” A Ford rep begins.
So what really is the Edge, you’re wondering? According to Ford, the Edge falls into the category of crossover utility vehicles, the newest and fastest-growing vehicle segment in the United States. While you may not be familiar with the term “crossover utility” or CUV, it’s likely that you encounter them on the road everyday. Expected to be the leading segment in sales for 2007, the CUV category is also home to vehicles like the Nissan Murano, Chrysler Pacifica, Mazda CX-7 and Honda CR-V.
What makes a CUV different than an SUV? To begin with, a CUV is built on a car frame, unlike SUVs which are typically built on truck frames. By doing this, manufacturers create a vehicle that drives and handles with the nimbleness of a car and then add the bulk and stowing capabilities of an SUV for optimum practicality.
In other words, a CUV will give you more bang for your buck – and better gas mileage – than a burly SUV if you crave more space for people and things than a car can offer, as well as an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) option, but don’t plan on hopping curbs for off-roading as you might in an SUV. The category is also a trendier replacement for the aging, deemed uncool minivan.
Best of all, it serves as a segment that caters to many. Young singles that want a vehicle they can pack up for weekend adventures will find a CUV more than useful, small families will have enough seating and space for a couple of kids and money to spare thanks to decent fuel efficiency, and empty-nesters have a comfortable and reliable ride, plus the ease of toting pets and tools around in back.
An all-around-winner, CUVs just make plain sense and the Edge not only embodies those practical traits, it adds “oomph” that we haven’t seen previously. Taking cues from the success of Ford’s recent mid-size sedan addition Fusion, Edge stands with a uniquely American presence that captures the spirit of the company’s “Bold” slogan full-heartedly.
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Ford’s three-bar chromed grille is displayed up front with a windshield that’s steeply raked, sloping toward a smooth back window rear high-mounted spoiler, beneath which lie dual chrome exhaust tips. Defined shoulders and a high beltline create a sporty profile with 18” aluminum-clad wheels that are pushed out to the very corner edges. Colors like Dark Amethyst and Redfire Metallic are included in the line-up and match Edge’s stylish yet aggressive personality. On the road, they simply command attention.
Most cool though, is the available Vista Roof, a large glass moon roof that cuts out a 27” by 29” space for glass paneling that tilts and slides open with a one-touch switch. Behind it, a 16” by 30” glass panel is fixed to allow extra light into the backseat and cargo area. Cloth shades can be closed on both. The panoramic option adds $1,395 to SEL trim.
On the inside you’ll find space for five in two rows. Designed for the style
conscious,
contrast stitching adorns leather seating, including six-way power, heated front seats, and a 60/40 split reclining second row that offers best-in-class adult head (38.7”) and leg (39.6”) room, proven satisfactory on our test-drive. While great to look at, the seats and leather unfortunately feel stiff.
Overall, the feeling of the interior mimics that of the Fusion. It works, but it just looks and feels too plasticy for my taste, especially in a vehicle that’s likely to be used for long drives while the family sedan is left in the driveway. What it lacks in comfort, however, it makes up in convenience. The center console is well-sized, large enough to hold a small handbag or even stow a laptop if needed. There’s a special place to hold your MP3 player and small slots on the side of the console keep cords tidy. While we’re on the topic of the ever-popular MP3 players, it should be noted that Edge offers a first-in-segment auxiliary audio jack for direct hookup of any MP3, not just the exclusive iPod.
For weekend hauling, fold down the second row using single-hand release or optional EasyFold electro-mechanical remote release to make nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space. With the front passenger seat folded, you can carry items as long as eight feet.
Interior options include DVD-based Nav system, SIRIUS satellite radio and DVD entertainment system in drop-down format or individual headrest systems.
Along Cali’s twisting Redwood roads, Edge performed nicely. Short first and second gears propel the vehicle into motion quickly traction was consistent as we rounded curve after curve, clinging tight to the blacktop. All-wheel-drive (AWD) is available for seasonal weather, delivering additional torque before wheel slippage via a constantly monitoring traction system.
The ride, which lasted for near three hours, was a pleasant one. Edge cruised along the coastline highway, responding easily and well to our demands. In downtown San Francisco, braking proved quick and efficient at steep slope streetlights.
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Most impressive is Edge’s safety equipment – all standard. With (standard) AdvanceTrac and Roll Stability Control (RSC), AWD smartens enough to transfer torque front-to-rear and side-to-side too. Also among the list of standards are dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side air bags, Safety Canopy with rollover detection, as well as an energy-absorbing steering wheel and knee bolster for driver and energy-absorbing glove box for front passenger.
Decked out and loaded up, the Edge prices out near $36,800.
“We’re matching life moments,” says Sheryl Connelly, Global Trends and Futuring Manager for Ford of the Edge’s creation. “The automobile is becoming the third place [in a person’s life] – it’s work, home and now car during commute.”
Indeed. With so many Americans spending an increased amount of time behind the wheel, practicality, comfort and convenience have become necessary commodities and in turn, 3 million crossover utilities are predicted to be sold by decade’s end.
With a powerful presence, overload of standard safety features and all the perks of a crossover, it’s likely that you’ll be seeing a lot more of Edge.
| 2007 FORD EDGE |
Description: |
5-seat crossover utility vehicle |
Model options: |
SE
SEL
|
Engine size: |
3.5-L DOHC V6 |
Transmission: |
6-speed automatic
|
Wheelbase: |
111.2 inches |
Overall Length: |
185.7 inches |
Rear/Front Drive: |
FWD, AWD optional |
Braking: |
4-wheel ABS (4 channel) |
Air bags: |
2 (dual-stage front)
2 (seat mounted side air bags)
Safety Canopy side curtain air bags with rollover detection
|
Fuel Economy: |
FWD: 18/25 mpg
AWD: 17/24 mpg |
MSRP: |
SE: $25,995
SEL: $31,395
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