2007 Ford Edge Review

The Edge has a modern look with a bold chrome grille that adds to its presence. The Ford Edge was designed to be appealing for drivers moving from a traditional SUV who want a rugged look with room for the family and assorted stuff. The Edge, which was brad new for 2007 and represents Ford in the crossover segment, benefits from all-wheel drive and a fully independent suspension, it's easier to control than a truck-based SUV in the snow or on wet, slippery roads. Also, getting in and out of both the front and back seats is easier. In fact, the back seats in the Edge are roomier than those in the Explorer, a benefit of its design. Safety features that come standard on all models include seat-mounted side-impact air bags for the front seats and side curtain airbags with rollover protection for both rows of seating, the mandated front airbags, anti-lock brakes with AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Edge features Ford's newly rediscovered bold, American design. The big chrome grille is placed well forward and has wide chrome slats that merge into the relatively small headlights at each side. The high hood is short as the windshield rakes forward more like a sports car or modern minivan. The bottom line is the Ford Edge is a striking vehicle. Some might criticize it for not having three rows of seats but that fact makes for a much more practical and pleasant five-seater. The Edge is a far more efficient all-round vehicle than traditional SUVs.

2007 Edge Exterior

The Ford Edge has a very wide track and a longish wheelbase, it is about eight inches shorter than the Ford Explorer yet its wheelbase is barely two inches shorter.  The four wheels are near each corner giving the Edge a look of being planted firmly on the road.  The Edge's aggressive stance makes distinctive from the tippy look of other SUVs with more narrow track measurements and huge front and rear overhangs.  The big chrome grille is positioned forward with wide chrome slats that blend into the rather small headlights on either side.  The rear tailgate slopes quite significantly and is nicely rounded, avoiding the truck-like rear tailgates found on many SUVs.  There is an optional Vista Roof which adds large twin glass moonroofs covering the entire roof giving passengers a clear view of the sky.

Ford Edge Cabin

The Ford Edge only has two rows seats, but passenger room is generous.  The Edge has a lot of cabin features that improve the overall quality, including a telescoping steering wheel and reclining rear seats.  The inside of the Edge isn't especially memorable. But it is a functional and well-organized setup. Cargo space is decent with 32 cubic feet with the backseat in use. Folding the seats opens up a cargo floor that is not quite flat and an overall smaller cargo space that is less than most competitors.  The rear seats offer a good amount of leg room and headroom is also good in the rear.  Getting in and out of the Edge is easy due to the rear wheels being placed well back allowing for less intrusion from the wheel well.

Power and Handling of the Edge

The new for 2007 midsize SUV uses a new double-overhead cam 3.5-liter V6 rated for an impressive 265 horsepower. The Edge shares this engine with Mazda, but it has a different six-speed automatic transmission, along with a simpler, viscous-coupling all-wheel-drive system.  All trim levels are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The Ford Edge is a quick vehicle, one of the fastest in its class. Off-roading is not an option but is available with AWD and can handle adverse weather conditions well.   The main problem with the 2007 Ford Edge is its brakes, and obviously when you are talking about the ability to stop the vehicle, this is a serious issue.  Stopping distances are much longer than they should be in panic situations. Shifts from the six-speed automatic are smooth and well-timed, and although the Edge's reflexes are impressive for a 4,300-pound vehicle. Body roll is predictable, and ride quality is smooth and composed.

Conclusions

More than ever families are discovering the useful compromise of utility and efficiency that crossovers provide. But when Ford first entered the crossover market with the Freestyle its weak V6 engine and conservative styling was not impressive. To counter the disappointment and offer something that is actually competitive in this segment, Ford rolled out the Edge for 2007.  It seats only five passengers but offers a powerful V6 and a striking exterior design that could never be called unstylish.  This is a solid package and will do the job as long as the third row is not a necessity.  The Fore Edge competes with the Mazda CX-7/CX-9, Mitsubishi Endeavor and Nissan Murano.  Fuel economy range for the 2007 Edge is estimated at 25 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg through the city. For the latest updates on this model, visit Ford's official Ford Edge site.