CAR OF THE MONTH September 2010
2011 Ford Edge Sport Review
Cutting-Edge Crossover
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short: A smart and stylish crossover. |
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Ford has improved a successful model; 400,000 sales later, the second generation sports a new grille up front, an upgraded design in back and a lot of sheet metal work, but it really does not look significantly different when parked across the street from its predecessor. Step inside, however, and now we’re talking a completely different interior that in upper-end models features a Sony touch screen dash control panel running the climate control and the futuristic MyFord interface. These easy-to-operate advances coupled with the quiet interior make for a comfortable cabin.
Dash clusters are smart and functions are organized like a desktop on your computer. Data is easy to access and read. Voice control has been improved to bring a whopping 10,000 commands to the car quicker than ever before. While engaged behind the wheel, drivers can speak an address and the navigation unit will take over. Basic models include SYNC’s turn-by-turn directions. The navigation system is operated from an SD card, which makes updating easy. You can also prep your trip on your home computer and send the directions to SYNC, and even turn the car into a WiFi hot spot.
Our tester had black leather interior with Alcantara inserts and boasted a 12-speaker 390-watt RMS, 10-channel class D, Sony Premium sound system with a full digital Amplifier as well as 22” aluminum wheels. It featured Instant Replay with Sirius, HD Radio and Itunes tagging. A precise steering mode with paddle-shift-equipped wheel gave us a good feel to attack the road seriously. The sport-tuned suspension kept everything real on windy roads.
SE, SEL and Limited models get an able 3.5-liter V6 that produces 285 hp and is certainly powerful enough to get around town with lots of groceries and/or a couple of members of the junior soccer club and their gear. Also available for the 2012 Ford Edge will be a 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine, which will improve fuel economy by 30 percent while still achieving a respectable 230 horsepower.
This stylish crossover, which combines cool looks, solid performance, and innovative technological features, offers drivers a luxury feel at a reasonable price. The Edge's re-tuned suspension and advanced all-wheel drive ensure driver satisfaction. At $40,000 you get a fully loaded confident Ford with new generation electronics. It might be a bit pricy, but delivers good value and safety.
 Read
a review of the 2007 Ford Edge SEL
 Read automobile writer Jason Fogelson's Ford Edge review |
Warranty/Service:
3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty;
5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance
| QUICK
SHEET |
Base Price: $38,070 / As Tested: $40,530 |
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Technical
Specifications |
Vehicle type: front engine, all-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door crossover
Engine: 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine
Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Curb weight: 4,428 lbs
Wheelbase: 111.2 in
Length/Width/Height: 185.7/75.8/67 in
Turning circle: 39.3 ft
Brakes: 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with ABS
Suspension: MacPherson strut front; independent rear; stabilizer bars |
Traction: AdvanceTrac with roll stability control
0-60: 7 seconds
Top Speed: 112 (governor limited)
EPA City: 17 mpg
EPA Highway: 23 mpg
Safety: driver and front passenger airbags with passenger sensor; side curtain airbags
Likes: practical average size; ease of driving; electronic cluster
Dislikes: rough transmission; price
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Photography: AlphaMedia
| PNW081110 |
(Updated: 09/01/10 AR) |
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