2007 Ford Edge

There are small crossovers, large crossovers and a fast-growing phalanx of in-between crossovers, each offering its own combination of attributes and character. Where Ford is on the leading edge with Edge is in its unique blend of style, size, function, features, fuel efficiency and driving dynamics at a surprisingly reasonable price. It's on the high side of midsize—big enough to be roomy for up to five full-size folks, small enough to feel taut and maneuverable on the road.


In addition to the styling benefits, offering Edge as a 5-passenger vehicle also reduces weight—which benefits braking, handling and economy—and allows its rear roof to slope sharply for car-like style and aerodynamics. Buyers who need room for more than five adults can opt for Ford's slightly larger and more squared-off Freestyle CUV, or an Explorer or Expedition SUV. Those who want something smaller can opt for Ford's popular Escape.

Exterior Design

The morning of the press introduction, Ford's executive director of Design, North America, Peter Horbury, sketched a horse with a man sitting on its back. That represents a traditional SUV, he asserted, with its head (the truck's nose) out in front. Then he drew a sleek fighter jet. That represents the Edge, he said. Hmmm. His point was the proportions—cockpit higher and further forward, hood and roofline flowing together almost in a single arc (no wings or high tail).


Unlike traditional people- and cargo-haulers (SUVs and minivans), Edge's stated role is to redefine the segment as an "iconic" crossover with bold American design. That begins with its Fusion-like three-bar chrome grille (Ford's new design direction), wing-like wraparound headlamps and steeply sloped windshield, extends along its high-shouldered, flare-fendered flanks and finishes with the fast-sloping rear window, integrated roof spoiler, crystal clear taillamps and sporty dual exhausts. To enhance its wide, aggressive stance and optimize interior room, the wheels are pushed toward the corners.

Interior Features

The exterior design carries into Edge's ultra-quiet cabin with sharp, graphic lines and angles. The standard two-tone interior uses mostly premium materials, with chrome accents on the shifter, door releases and center vent surrounds. The center stack, which picks up the shape of the "powerdome" hood, houses an AM/FM, CD/MP3 audio system. It flows into a console that houses the shifter and a pair of bottle/cup holders. Available audio enhancements include an available in-dash, six-CD changer, SIRIUS satellite radio, Audiophile sound system and DVD based navigation, which uses a sharp and extra-bright 6.5-inch screen and text-to-speech technology that can read turn-by-turn directions aloud in English, Spanish or French.