Getting close to the Edge
I spent yesterday driving a 2007 Ford Edge through twisty roads in Northern California to Point Reyes National Seashore, not only testing out its driving characteristics, but looking at its MP3 capabilities and navigation. Never heard of a Ford Edge? That's because it's a completely new model. Never heard of a crossover car? That's because it's a new type of car that combines the best qualities of an SUV and a sedan. The Edge has a high seating position, plus room for five with luggage. Yet it also gets fuel economy in the mid-20s and has a more carlike ride. The Edge shares many characteristics with the 2007 Mazda CX-7, as both are built on the same platform.
The Edge I drove was an all-wheel-drive version, although a front-wheel-drive version will be available. The 3.5-liter V-6, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, didn't feel all that powerful, as it didn't move particularly fast off the line. Although the drivetrain produces 265 horsepower, the car weighs about two tons. It has a somewhat heavy feel during maneuvering as well, but I did like the tight steering feel. The six-speed transmission also seemed to do its job well, with smooth upshifts.
The interior of the Edge was particularly well made, with really nice leather on the seats. The Edge I drove was equipped with a DVD player for rear passengers, GPS navigation, an in-dash six-CD changer, and satellite radio. And even better, Ford makes an auxiliary audio-input jack standard in the deep center console, appropriate for your MP3 player of choice. The touch-screen LCD works well as the interface for these multiple entertainment and information options. I found it easy to put in a destination for the navigation and to select music from an MP3 CD.
We will have a full review of the technology of the 2007 Ford Edge on CNET's Car tech channel soon.
(Photo: CNET Networks)
