2008 Ford Edge Review

Specifications

Almost every vehicle on sale today was either directly or indirectly inspired by a concept car. Shiny, stunning and daring, these multi-million dollar styling experiments create buzz. They are the stars of auto shows around the world. But why is it that when it comes to transforming the concepts we love into the production cars automakers hope we’ll buy, so much of the individuality and creativity is toned down? There’s always a reason, or five, from the need to mold the concept’s shape over an existing platform or incorporate safety features that would have otherwise frustrated the designer’s freedom of expression, to applying a practical drivetrain. Whatever the reason, I’m glad that Ford resisted the urge to tone down the Edge. It’s a crossover SUV that actually embodies the innovative styling seen in its concept version. A very refreshing approach.

Yes, the Ford Edge is different, in a good way. While it, like many crossovers it competes with, are based on platforms, its styling is what makes it stand out. The “Red, White and Bold” design blends every new Ford trademark styling statement into a single new product. It borrows the Fusion’s three-bar grille, the shape of the headlights from the Expedition, and some of the creases and lines from the F-150. You see, the Edge has a bit of everything.

As your eyes pass from front to back, the Edge commands attention. The large, chromed, three-bar front grille is hardly subtle, while its smooth overall shape gives it an attractive appearance and profile. Sitting on the optional chromed 20-inch wheels, it’s a unique sight to behold, a much more interesting vehicle to look at than your average generic crossover (think of the Honda Pilot or Hyundai Santa Fe). Although it may look like a smaller vehicle when compared to traditional SUVs like the Explorer, the Edge maintains a lot of room in the front and rear seats, making short work of long journeys. It definitely appeals to those who find SUVs difficult to get in and out of, allowing much easier access without sacrificing space. The forty/sixty split seats make the cargo area much more usable too, whether you need some extra space for camping equipment, skis, boards or even bikes.

The rest of the Edge interior is just as bold as its exterior, and furthers the crossover’s “edgy” appeal. The design may be bold, but it’s also quite simple and straightforward, contributing to its functionality. Because of the angle of the windshield and the long dashboard, Ford’s midsize crossover offers a near panoramic view out the front and sides, and although a lot of the dash is made from plastic, like with most new cars, it manages to not look cheap. The chrome accent touches on the climate control interface and vents are like jewelry, yet they don’t come off as ostentatious. The Edge also takes things a step further with its features, especially when you look up to an almost uninterrupted view of the sky via the optional Vista Roof, an $1,595 option worth every penny. It consists of two lightly tinted panels that let sunlight and moonlight shine through, definitely adding to the roomy, airy feel of the vehicle. If it’s bright out, the sunroof can be covered by a power retracting blind.

And while the best seats in the house are up front, the Edge doesn’t discriminate against those in the back either. There’s ample legroom in the rear, and for those who are taller there are no issues with headroom, with or without the optional sunroof. As mentioned, those split folding rear seats make it easy to load longer cargo items, and considering that they’re operated by remote latches it’s a snap to fold them down, even if you’re smaller in size. Just push a button and the rear seats tumble forward all by themselves! The only work left to do is to put them back up by hand. There’s also the added bonus of being able to recline the rear seats for a more comfortable seating position. And with plenty of cargo space, plus a power-operated tailgate, loading everything up is also a simple, easy process.

Sitting high in the console is the stereo system or, in this case, the optional navigation system placed at the perfect height for easy reach. The nav system itself is not new, although Sync is a new addition for this year. Sync, which first debuted on the 2008 Focus, is now available in practically every Ford product, and one of the most important and most useful technological features that Ford offers. Developed with Microsoft, it integrates voice activation with USB audio and Bluetooth - you talk and Sync does the work. I have to say that I was quite impressed with the system, as it really takes hands-free driving to an entirely new level. It can also be looked at as a safety feature, as you no longer have to fumble around with your electronic toys. When Sync is combined with the navigation system, it adds additional functions such as a cell phone dialing menu, which allows you to scroll through your address book and punch in extension numbers directly on the navigation screen, which is very handy. Unlike the Focus, the USB and auxiliary input jack are neatly hidden away in the armrest console bin instead of being displayed out in the open.

While crossovers are generally associated with families, it’s hard not to feel young and playful in a car that’s as cool as this. The Edge’s 265 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 provides strong acceleration, matched with its efficient six-speed automatic. All wheel drive is optional on all Edges, so buyers don’t need to pay extra if they feel they don’t need the extra traction. When it comes to the all important question of fuel economy in a time when there’s no end to rising prices, the Edge performed decently. It proved to be better than a traditional SUV, but was merely average amongst its rivals.

While Ford’s midsize CUV breaks ground in design, it doesn’t push the envelope in driving performance. Despite its low-profile tires and sporty appearance, the Edge seems much more interested in providing a comfortable, quiet ride, allowing you to enjoy its visually appealing interior, than tearing up the tarmac. Take corners a little faster and this crossover leans quite a bit. The brakes encourage you to slow down, not because they work well (and they do), but because of the pedal’s squishy feel. Instead, take it a bit slower and enjoy the scenery through its large windows, and it’ll reward with a pleasant ride and no speeding tickets.

In the world of crossovers, the Ford Edge succeeds for the most part, delivering all the practicalities needed and the styling wanted from such a vehicle. For 2008, Ford has renamed last year’s range-topping SEL Plus to be now dubbed Limited. With a base price of $25,735 for the front wheel drive SE, the Edge is a good value considering it comes standard with aluminum wheels, a strong V6 engine and six-speed automatic combination, ABS brakes, traction and stability control and six airbags. The Limited AWD starts at $32,475 and can rise into the high $30s when equipped with all the trimmings. That still undercuts a number of rivals, like the Highlander and Murano, not to mention that you can’t put a price on styling. And I’m obviously not the only one who feels this way, as the Edge is the number one selling crossover in the US.

Boldly styled, practical and comfortable, the Edge is a shining example of how success can come from staying true to a breakthrough concept. More automakers should follow this example.