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2008 Ford Edge Full Review
Date Published: 5/10/08
2008 Ford Edge Review
The 2008 Ford Edge adds a new top-end trim to its roster. This five-passenger crossover is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. SE and SEL trims are joined by the top-line Limited for 2008. All have a 265-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. All 2008 Ford Edge models get a revised exterior tailgate handle. A power closing feature for the tailgate is optional. Newly available is Ford Sync, a software system that offers voice-activated control of cell phones and digital music players. Other available features include power folding rear seatbacks, new 20-inch wheels, and the Vista Roof, which is a sliding glass sunroof that covers both the front and rear seats. Note that Lincoln sells a luxury-trimmed version of the Edge called the MKX.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.



News
Ford's second "crossover" SUV, after the Freestyle, is just edging onto the market, so no further news is likely for a couple of years.
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2008 Ford Edge Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Brake-pedal feel
Ride Engine noise
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
5 5 5.5

With front-drive or AWD, Edge has good power from a stop. Ford claims AWD versions do 8.4 sec 0-60 mph, which feels about right to us. The transmission is generally responsive, though one test example was hesitant to downshift without a deep stab of the gas pedal.
Fuel Economy

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
4 4 3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, AWD Edges averaged just 12.4 mpg in mostly city driving, 15.4-18.0 in city/highway work, and 20.8 with more highway use. We've not had an opportunity to measure with a 2WD Edge. All models use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
6 6 5.5

Even with our test examples' optional 18-inch wheels, Edge smothers bumps better than many competitive crossovers. Some testers say slight float over highway swells taints otherwise fine ride control. We attribute some minor structural shudder over a few bumps to the Vista Roof on our test vehicles. We've not had an opportunity to test an Edge with 17- or 20-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
6 6 4.4

A softly sprung suspension leads to body lean and tire squeal while taking turns at even moderate speeds. This is countered by good steering feel both in the city and on the highway. The brakes have longish pedal travel but deliver drama-free stops.
Quietness

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
6 6 5.4

The engine sounds gruff in full-throttle acceleration, but it settles down while cruising and at idle. Some tire noise is evident on coarse surfaces, but it's not enough to be a bother. The Vista Roof causes a lot of wind ruckus at highway speeds if it's left in its tilted position. With it fully open, an integrated wind blocker does a decent job of filtering noise to the point where no shouting is necessary in order to carry on a conversation at speeds up to about 70 mph.
Controls

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
6 6 6.3

The climate controls are handy and simple to use. The gauges and available navigation screen are easy to read for the most part, but they can lack contrast in certain lighting conditions. As for the navigation system itself, it's easy to program. It absorbs most audio functions but doesn't complicate them.
Details

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
5 5 5.4

Hard plastic trim dominates Edge's cabin, but most pieces don't look cheap. Assembly quality has been fine.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
7 7 7.1

Legroom is ample. Even with the Vista Roof, six-footers will have sufficient headroom. The seats are all-day comfortable. A low dashboard and chair-height seats provide good overall visibility, though the rear headrests partially block the view astern.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
7 7 6.1

The rear bench is supportive and offers generous legroom, knee clearance, and foot space. The Vista Roof extends over the rear seat, but only the very tall may find headroom lacking. A reclining seatback is standard and adds to passenger comfort. Entry and exit are no-hassle affairs.
Cargo Room

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
8 8 8.6

Edge has generous cargo space, even with the rear seatbacks raised. The deck is low, but loading bulky items is complicated by a step-down from the rear sill. The rear seatbacks don't fold completely flat, but they conveniently drop forward with the available pushbutton release located near the tailgate. The seatbacks have to be manually raised, however. Cabin storage is very good, highlighted by a large glovebox and cavernous center console that can hold a notebook computer.
Value within Class

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
5 5 5.8

Ford has a lot riding on the success of this crossover, and Edge impresses for its car-like ride and generous passenger and cargo room. Base prices are competitive but quickly escalate with options. Give Edge a look, but favor an SE model or a judiciously equipped SEL for the best value for your money.
Total Score

2WD SEL AWD SEL w/navigation Class Average
65 65 63.7
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
53
Average Score
63
High Score
76
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2008 Ford Edge Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/03/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD SE 4-door wagon $25,735 $24,276 $755
AWD SE 4-door wagon $27,485 $25,887 $755
2WD SEL 4-door wagon $27,730 $26,112 $755
AWD SEL 4-door wagon $29,480 $27,721 $755
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $30,725 $28,867 $755
AWD Limited 4-door wagon $32,475 $30,477 $755
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
Edge $500-$2500 cash back or 0%-6.9% financing. Customer 06/02/08
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler, 235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
SEL adds to SE:
Safety
Wiper-activated headlights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 6-way power driver seat, keypad entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Limited adds to SEL:
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, fold-flat 6-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), 2nd-row reclining power-folding split seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, heated power mirrors, wireless cell phone link, iPod adapter, voice recognition.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
245/60R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Convenience Group
SE
$355
$302
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, keypad entry, steering wheel radio controls, automatic headlights.
Premium Pkg.
SEL
$1,675
$1,424
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, universal garage door opener, heated mirrors w/courtesy lights.
Seating Flexibility Pkg.
SEL
$985
$838
Leather upholstery, fold-flat 6-way power passenger seat, 2nd-row power-folding split seat. NA w/Premium Pkg.
Interior Appearance Pkg.
Limited
$525
$447
Unique interior trim, upgraded leather upholstery.
Towing Pkg.
Limited, SE, SEL
$395
$336
Heavy-duty engine cooling, Class II hitch receiver, wiring harness.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
SE, SEL
$295
$251
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SEL, Limited
$1,995
$1,696
Includes voice recognition. Requires power panoramic sunroof. SEL requires upgraded sound system.
Power panoramic sunroof
SEL, Limited
$1,595
$1,356
NA w/DVD entertainment system, roof rails.
DVD entertainment system
SEL, Limited
$1,295
$1,101
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
SE
$245
$208
Upgraded sound system
SEL
$385
$328
Satellite radio
Limited, SE, SEL
$195
$166
SYNC
SE, SEL
$395
$336
Wireless cell phone link, iPod adapter, voice recognition. SE requires Convenience Group. Std. Limited.
Power liftgate
SEL, Limited
$490
$417
Remote engine start
Limited, SE, SEL
$295
$251
Cargo cover
Limited, SE, SEL
$115
$97
Cargo management system
Limited, SE, SEL
$65
$55
Rubber floormats
Limited, SE, SEL
$55
$47
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails
Limited, SE, SEL
$95
$81
Special paint
SEL, Limited
$495
$421
245/60R18 tires
SE
$295
$251
SEL
$575
$489
245/50R20 tires
Limited
$895
$761
Chrome alloy wheels
SEL
$750
$638
Includes 245/60R18 tires.
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2008 Ford Edge Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Ford Edge 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 111.2
Overall Length, in. 185.7
Overall Width, in. 75.8
Overall Height, in. 67.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 4288
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 69.0
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.7
Rear Head Room, in. 39.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.6
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /213
Horsepower @ rpm. 265 @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 250 @ 4500
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
6-speed automatic 15/22
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Ford Edge 4-door wagon
4WD Rollover 4
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 5/60,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Canada
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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