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2007 Ford Edge Road Test

Eliminating the Gap between Imports and Domestics

Ford didnt actually say that the Edge is a make it or break it vehicle, but Paul Mascarenas, Fords VP of engineering who introduced the vehicle to the media in San Francisco on Wednesday, couldnt help but say that the automaker "recognizes that Edge is the single most important launch this year." From early response, it looks as if theyve found their golden horseshoe.

Not surprisingly its dedicated U.S. website, FordEdge.com has attracted more than a million potential buyers in pre-launch phase, with 320,000 of these curious customers configuring it for colors and options online. Of these, 50,000 have signed up for more info, many of which have without doubt resulted in the "20,000 dealer orders already in the bank," says Mascarenas, which

San Francisco is a great backdrop for launching Fords most important new vehicles to date. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

is more than the Fusion had at this point in its pre-launch lifecycle.

Thats good, at least for Ford which has suffered lately due to a downturn in large trucks and SUVs, a life staple up until this point. Blue oval car sales are up, mind you, on a year over year basis, mostly thanks to Fusion, Mustang, in its various forms, and reasonably good sales of Five Hundred... at least compared to previous non-fleet sales of the Crown Vic. Ford

The were a lot of journalists and onlookers alike taking in the new Edge at the Justin Herman Plaza. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

is saying that truck sales are up too, when compared to its competitors, but Im not too sure as to what it means by up.

Im willing to make a pretty good guess that the new Edge will outstrip all previous sales records for Ford crossovers; not too difficult being that the brand has only one CUV sibling, the Freestyle. Certainly the Freestyle has done pretty well considering its somewhat bland styling. Its just so good from a packaging and dynamics point of view that many customers just

If its not the best looking CUV available, the Edge is near the top. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

cant pass it by, but the Edge enjoys one element the Freestyle lacks: killer styling.

If its not the best looking crossover or SUV to hit the market in recent years, its near the top. Most critics cant fight it on that, and while Im relatively tough on most new vehicles when introduced, I find the Edge so pleasing to the eye that I cant fault it; for this at least. Its short overhangs give it a sturdy appearance, more sport than utility, and its almost excessive use of chrome and jeweled lenses makes it about as hip as possible, without being garish. Its stylish roof

Those not impressed with fancy engine shrouds will be impressed with Fords fully exposed, naked engine. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

spoiler comes standard, incidentally, as does its chrome dual exhaust system.

I had trouble taking my eyes off of a brilliant burnt orange example that was on display at San Franciscos Justin Herman Plaza, where the truck was introduced to the media amid stares of passersby. There were a number of other colors and trims on display, one a deep red and another grey, all looking appealing but none jumping out and grabbing my eyeballs like the orange. It doesnt hurt that the passionate color is a personal favorite, of course, and I suppose it doesnt hurt, from an associative angle, that it is also very similar

The Edge is a lot more refined than my photographic abilities... the wrong camera setting making a mess of my interior shots. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

to the launch color of the Nissan Murano, a vehicle that is considered a benchmark in the midsize crossover segment.
The Murano first got noticed due to its unorthodox design, and has since followed up praise for such with kudos for its dynamic road manners. Can the Edge do likewise? I took to the winding roadways that surround greater San Francisco with this question in mind, a question that I knew you would want me to answer.

First of all, however, lets do a little backgrounder. You may not be aware, but the Edge marks the first application of Fords all-new 3.5-liter V6, dubbed Duratec 35. It was developed in the automakers

Whether on the freeway or through winding curves, the Edge delivered a smooth ride and commendable handling characteristics. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

state of the art Beech Daly Technical Center in Dearborn, and engineered to be a class leader for performance and refinement. Initially Ford announced 250 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, which we all thought would be good enough to get the job done, especially when mated to the brands new six-speed automatic transmission - more on that in a minute. Interesting thing is that the initial engines output has been bumped up by 15 horsepower to a much more tantalizing 265, while torque is up 10 lb-ft to 250, both figures needed in order to claim class best status.

Its easy to feel the surge of power when getting on the throttle, but unlike the old Duratec 30, that is of course much in need of replacement

A somewhat boring, albeit efficient six-speed transmission might mar the driving experience for enthusiasts. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

being a remnant of the first domestic multi-valve, DOHC V6 in production, the new 3.5 is ultra smooth, wonderfully flexible throughout the power range and, surprisingly sonorous when in the higher revs. If just tooling along the highway, however, its absolutely hush, no doubt partially due to attention paid to sound deadening. Actually, the entire vehicle is eerily quiet at speed, adding to its upscale ambience. North American buyers will like this aspect of the Edge, as we tend to default to luxury over sport, overall.

Still, despite the chassis comfortable ride and ability to absorb ugly ruts and nasty bumps with ease, hardly ever transmitting road surface harshness to its occupants due to an isolated subframe and hydro-bushings, among other things, it handles curves with

So many nice features, like the optional Vista Roof, made it difficult to dwell on efficiencies alone. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

impressive agility thanks to a MacPherson strut setup in front and a four-link system in the rear. My guess is that its optional all-wheel drive system would improve traction in wet and icy conditions, but the beautiful California weather we were subjected to was hardly a test for the advanced system, that features an active on-demand coupler for sending power to the rear wheels, even before they begin to slip according to Ford. Dearborns engine and ABS managed AdvanceTrac traction control is also standard, so adhesion to the road shouldnt be an issue. Just the same, even on dry pavement the new Edge isnt likely to leave a finely tuned German sports sedan in its wake, but it can hold its own amid a bevy of likeminded crossovers, managing the tight twisties with almost as much composure as it does long sweeping high-speed corners.

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