By Bill Zervakos & Cathy Droz
Bill Z. –Well here we go with the name game again. I’m not sure what the thought process behind the name Ford tagged on its latest CUV, but it appears that like the Fusion, the Edge is a very tight little vehicle. The first thing I noticed was how solid the car felt on the road, almost to the point of feeling heavy, but I did acclimate to it rather quickly.
Cathy D. –Of course you did Bill. I think the name Edge might come from the edginess that Ford has put in to this CUV. The short overhang; with wheels out to the extreme edges, tall athletic stance, dual exhaust with chrome tips and a nice spoiler for the rear roof give it a more Euro design and edgy. The grille and some other Ford styling comes from its sister. the Fusion. Nice job Ford! You needed this when adding to the most popular segment of the market today, the Crossover Utility Vehicles.
Bill Z. –The Edge debuted in 2006 at the North American International Auto Show where the aggressive styling you’re talking about was well received, and with the development of a new 265 horsepower V6 mated to 6-speed transmission it’s even better. Of course it doesn’t hurt when you start with a very solid platform like the Mazda6 and the CX-7, both very solid performers. With 0-60 times in the mid 7 second range, the Edge is hardly a speedster but the 250 lb-ft of torque is enough oomph to easily get on freeways or pass slower traffic quite respectably.
Cathy D. - Enough speed to get us to Souvia Tea for a taste of our own blend. In taking my tea cup inside the car and sitting in the driver’s seat of the Edge, I felt the interior functions were easy to understand, crisp and clean. The rear seats fold flat as does the passenger seat in the front allowing for the shoving in of 8- foot long cargo. The rear seats fold at the push of a button in the rear cargo area which is so convenient. The center console between the front seats has 12 configurations including one that allows the storage of a lap top computer and MP3 adapter. Let’s not forget all the cup holders for “Tea” on the road.
Bill Z. – All in all I was very impressed with the Edge. It has good road manners and is very comfortable to drive and as I said, it’s very solid on the road. Prices for the Edge start at $25,000 for the SE model and $28,000 for the SEL. So, I’m thinking that along with the Fusion, if you’ll pardon the pun, Ford may have a Slight Edge on some of the competition.
Cathy D. –I didn’t get your pun Bill and I don’t get why Ford left off the grab handles above the door s. I need those handles to help get my 5’2 body in and out of a CUV or to hang on to when you are driving crazy around a curve. A DVD navigation system is optional and I would get it just because the bread crumbs aren’t working anymore.
Specifications:
Engine:
3.5 liter V6, 24 Valve DOHC
265hp @ 6250
250 lb-ft torque @ 4500
Curb Weight 4282
Tow Capacity 3500
Price:
Base SEL Plus AWD, $30,720
Price as tested, $36,560
EPA Est. 18/25
Base Warranty 36 months 36,000 miles
http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/taurus/
Bill Z and Cathy D are automotive journalists with over 40 years of diverse automotive experience. They are very opinionated with their commentary and share that with manufacturers and the public alike. To read more in depth reviews go to www.twofortheroadusa.com, and tune into Two for the Road USA on KKNT radio, 960AM Saturday’s at 2PM. Check out Souvia Tea in Moon Valley and Scottsdale for a cup of the custom blend Two for the Road tea.
