Review
Introduction
The Edge is Ford’s second crossover SUV—the first was the Escape—and it has sold well since it went on sale in 2006 as a 2007 model. The Edge comes in SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels.
Unlike the Explorer, which is based on a truck platform, the Edge has car-style unibody underpinnings, giving it more sophisticated handling and better ride quality than a traditional body-on-frame SUV. The Edge is available in front- and all-wheel-drive forms, both powered by a 265-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Towing is limited to 3500 pounds once one opts for the $395 towing package.
The Edge drives quite well, with a smooth ride and pleasing handling, but the transmission tends to hunt annoyingly at highway cruising speeds. Gas mileage is midpack, with EPA ratings of 16 mpg city and 24 highway for front-wheel-drive versions.
Inside, the Edge is spacious and has lots of available gizmos, although the fact that you can’t order a navigation system with the rear-seat entertainment package is short-sighted, to put it kindly. Third-row seats in crossover utilities are at best suited to the tiniest passengers, but they are a selling point; unfortunately, unlike many of its competitors such as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, the Edge is available only in two-row, five-passenger form.
Verdict
The Edge is a competitively priced, good-looking, spacious, and capable crossover, let down only by middling performance; the 265-horse engine is compromised by 4500 pounds of bulk. An Edge can get pricey at nearly $40,000 for a fully loaded Limited model.
Click here to read our full review of the Ford Edge.
What’s New for 2008
The Ford Sync infotainment system is newly available for the 2008 model year. Developed with Microsoft, this system integrates mobile phones and media players using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. The navigation system has voice activation, and a power liftgate is now available. The top-of-the-line Limited model was added to the lineup to replace the SEL Plus.
