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Rugged, fearless and a smidge bloodthirsty, the mythical late '90s SUV owner spent as much time hunting bear as he did loading up 64-packs of toilet paper. But now there are kinder, gentler crossovers like the 2007 Ford Edge, a five-passenger sport-utility built for buyers who'd never back over a roll of Charmin, much less commit ursicide.
"Our core target customer is active and enjoys the energy of the city and the opportunity of the outdoors," says Jeri Ward, Ford Edge marketing manager.
In other words, city slickers who TiVo Animal Planet. And with its healthy new V6, well-sorted chassis and comfortable cabin, the Edge will fit right into that lifestyle when it goes on sale this month.
Five-seater by design
Based on a lengthened, widened version of the Mazda 6 platform, the 2007 Ford Edge shares most of its mechanicals with the Mazda CX-9 seven-seater, including its double-overhead-cam V6 and fully independent front strut, rear multilink suspension design.
However, the Ford uses a different six-speed automatic transmission (co-developed with GM and shared with the Saturn Aura) and a simpler, viscous-coupling all-wheel-drive system in lieu of the Mazda's computer-controlled setup. The Edge, which has only two rows of seating, is also 14 inches shorter overall and has a 2-inch-shorter wheelbase.
The absence of a third row isn't an oversight. Ford wanted to create a midsize crossover similar in size and personality to the Nissan Murano, and indeed the two have roughly the same dimensions inside and out. Yet, the Edge feels roomier on an intangible level when equipped with the Vista Roof option, which places a large power moonroof over the front-seating area and a second fixed skylight over the backseat.
With 69.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, the Edge is 10 down from the Murano, but there's just as much luggage room when the rear seats are in use (32.1).
Finally, a V6 with guts
What it lacks in cubic footage, the 2007 Ford Edge makes up for in horsepower. Instead of the tired Duratec V6 used in countless other Fords, this SUV has an all-new 3.5-liter V6 rated at 265 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 250 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. Fitted with variable intake valve timing, the 3.5-liter doesn't blow you away with its low-end response, but once it revs up a bit, the Edge feels pretty quick.
The six-speed automatic works well with the V6, delivering smooth upshifts and well-timed downshifts. Unfortunately, as with other Ford automatics, you don't get full manual gear access, just "D," "O/D off" and "L."
Ford will sell the Edge in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. At a highway cruise, the AWD model functions as a front-driver to maximize fuel economy, but in the event of wheel slippage, nearly 100 percent of engine torque can be rerouted to the rear wheels. Additionally, under full throttle, 50-60 percent of the power is automatically diverted to the rear in anticipation of spin.
Ford says the Edge will accelerate to 60 mph in "under 8 seconds" with either drivetrain configuration, which makes it one of the quicker sport-utes in its class. The Murano, for example, takes 8.2 seconds to reach 60, while a Hyundai Santa Fe needs 9.4 seconds.
Gas mileage is only average for a midsize crossover SUV, with a 18 city/25 highway rating for the front-drive Edge and a 17/24 rating for the AWD. At least you can fill up with plain 87 octane.
Calculated moves
Ford's engineers are fans of the Murano's dynamics, so we weren't surprised by the Edge's agility on winding roads. It isn't tuned to be a serious athlete like the CX-9, but its reflexes are nonetheless impressive for a 4300-pound vehicle. Body roll is predictable, and the steering feels right whether you're blasting down the highway or entering a tight turn. Plus, the brake pedal has a nice, linear progression.
At the same time, ride quality is smooth and composed, and the cabin stays very quiet in most situations. The models we drove had the optional 18-inch chrome wheels and 245/60R18 Continental tires (17s with 235/65R17 rubber are standard), and although the 18s are a little noisy over some surfaces, they don't upset the ride.
Comfy interior, average quality
Although you won't find many of the CX-9's artistic touches, Ford nailed the basics with the Edge's interior. Real-world legroom is abundant in both the front and rear, and the seats offer plenty of cushioning. The steering wheel offers a huge range of telescoping adjustment, allowing just about anyone to find a comfortable driving position.
Ford claims the 60/40 rear seats offer the largest recline angle in the class and this, along with its adjustable console vents and the possibility of getting a dual-screen entertainment system (that allows one kid to watch a movie while the other plays Xbox 360), should make the Edge an excellent road-trip car. Storage space is adequate for a family of four, and the cargo bay's low lift-over height makes it easy to slide in larger stuff.
Materials quality is hit or miss. Attractive graining on the plastics makes a good first impression, but the cohesion kind of falls apart as you move down the doors and dash. Our tester's white-stitched black leather upholstery looked sharp, but there was more vinyl than animal hide in the backseat.
Ergonomics are average. Sideways numerals on the speedometer and tachometer add visual interest but are a bit distracting to read. Controls are well organized, and even with the optional touchscreen navigation system, there's nothing complicated to figure out. However, the center stack and steering-wheel-mounted controls are a sea of flat, like-sized buttons.
Mid-$20Ks to high $30Ks
Ford will sell the Edge in SE, SEL and SEL Plus trim levels. Priced just under $26K, the base SE comes with most safety essentials, including antilock disc brakes, stability control (with rollover avoidance logic), front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitor. Alloy wheels and privacy glass are also standard, so it doesn't stand out as the entry-level Ford Edge, as are air-conditioning, a CD player and an MP3 player jack.
However, if you want the Vista Roof, a navigation system or rear entertainment system options, you'll need to start out with one of the SEL models. Body-color door handles, metallic interior trim, a power driver seat and a CD changer are standard on these models, and the Plus bundles automatic climate control, heated seats, leather upholstery and memory settings. Rear parking sensors are optional, and we think these should be available to SE buyers as well.
Oddly, the upper trims stick you with a measly four-speaker stereo, forcing you to buy the optional nine-speaker Audiophile system if you want decent factory audio. Sirius is also available. Prospective Edge buyers should note that the single-screen factory entertainment system can't be purchased with the glass roof, but your dealer can install that nifty dual-screen setup (which places the screens in the front headrests). Fully loaded Edge SEL Plus AWD models top out just under $37,000.
Forget what you know about Ford?
Although its cabin furnishings are a little disappointing, the 2007 Ford Edge offers a complete package otherwise. Ample power, agile handling, a quiet ride, lots of room, a full set of side airbags — it's all here. Basically, this is the same approach Ford took with the current-generation Explorer, applied to a more refined car-based design. Yet, the company is counting on the Edge to fight political battles its traditional SUVs could never win.
"The Edge will challenge consumers' assumptions about and, in some cases, their prejudices against the Ford Motor Company," Paul Mascarenas, vice president of engineering, says.
That's some weighty responsibility that goes beyond the scope of a quickie test-drive. But it doesn't diminish the fact that the 2007 Ford Edge is worth considering for medium-size families with $30,000 to spend.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
2007 Ford Edge Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2007 Ford Edge and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2007 Edge featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2007 Ford Edge and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2007 Edge 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2007 Edge.
Review
We have been shopping for a midsize SUV and have driven the Murano & Mazda CX-7. Both were nice but the Edge was far ahead on quality, ride, appearance and performance. The Edge is a solid ride with 18inch tires that smooths out bumps and noise. It really moves with the 265hp 3.5 ltr engine and it is an exciting vehicle to drive. This is a head turner with plenty of usable features. The Panoramic Vista Roof is awesome. We are looking forward to our first road trip.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2007 Ford Edge
Edmunds Value
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Available Ford Edge 2007 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: SEL, Titanium, SE, Limited, Sport, SEL Plus
Exterior Colors: White Platinum Tri-Coat Metallic, Shadow Black, Ingot Silver Metallic, Magnetic Metallic, Tuxedo Black Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Blue Jeans Metallic, Oxford White, White Gold Metallic, Burgundy Velvet Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Mineral Gray Metallic, Deep Impact Blue Metallic, Black Clearcoat, White Suede Clearcoat, Canyon Ridge Metallic, Sunset Metallic, Black, Kodiak Brown Metallic, Redfire Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic, Red Candy Metallic Tint Clearcoat, Sterling Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Creme Brulee Clearcoat, Kona Blue Metallic, Vapor Silver Metallic, Guard Metallic, Blazing Copper Metallic, Light Sage Metallic, Blue Metallic, Cinnamon Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Blue Pearl Metallic, White Sand Tri-Coat Clearcoat Metallic, Bronze Fire Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Light Ice Blue Metallic, Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Bordeaux Reserve Red Metallic, Earth Metallic, Ginger Ale Metallic, Mediterranean Blue Metallic, Redfire Clearcoat Metallic, Brilliant Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Dune Pearl Metallic, Dark Amethyst Metallic, Dark Ink Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Ink Blue Metallic, Sport Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Tuxedo Black Metallic (Late Availability), Carbon Metallic, Cinnamon Metallic, Electric Spice Metallic, Lightning Blue Metallic
Interior Colors: Ebony premium cloth, Ebony premium leather, Charcoal Black leather, Ebony cloth, Medium Light Stone leather, Dune leather, Ceramic premium leather, Charcoal Black cloth, Charcoal Black premium cloth, Charcoal Black w/Silver Smoke Inserts leather, Medium Light Stone cloth, Dune cloth, Cognac premium leather, Ebony leather, Charcoal Black w/Silversmoke Inserts leather, Camel leather, Ceramic leather, Sienna leather, Medium Light Stone premium cloth, Dune premium cloth, Camel premium cloth, Charcoal Black w/Alcantara Gray Suede Inserts leather/sueded microfiber, Charcoal Black w/Grey Inserts leather/sueded microfiber, Charcoal Black w/Silversmoke Inserts leather/sueded microfiber, Sienna premium leather, Camel cloth
Popular Features: Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Post-collision safety system, USB Inputs, Bluetooth, Power Driver Seat, Parking sensors, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, AWD/4WD, Back-up camera, Keyless Entry/Start, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Power Liftgate/Trunk, 3500lb Towing Capacity, Alarm, Navigation, Mobile Internet, Blind Spot Monitoring, Remote Start, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Engine, Cooled Seats, Towing Hitch, Upgraded Headlights, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Pre-collision safety system, Rear Entertainment System
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
