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2008 Ford Edge Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

As TheCarConnection.com assembled this review on the 2008 Ford Edge, some of the best review sources on the Web were consulted. Then TheCarConnection.com’s editors added some of their own insights and driving experience with the Edge to make the review especially useful.

Likes:

  • Nice, showy appearance—if you like chrome
  • Comfortable seating all around
  • Perky powertrain is good even with loads and on hills
  • Good ride/handling compromise
  • Standout features, such as SYNC and the Vista Roof

Dislikes:

  • Six-speed automatic lacks manual controls
  • Interior styling and materials are a little plain

Buying Tips:


Buyer beware, especially those who still think that a utility vehicle brings off-road ability. Ford doesn't make any allusions to off-road ability with the 2008 Ford Edge, though with the available all-wheel drive, it should be fine with snow and mud.

The Edge bowed last year as a mid-size, four-door, five-passenger crossover--a tall utility vehicle that's quite carlike in its performance. The 2008 Ford Edge comes standard with a 3.5-liter, 265-horsepower engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, and it offers front-wheel drive or an available all-wheel-drive system.

The Edge's large, bright grille is the prominent design feature on the outside. Factor in the smoothly arched roofline and attention to details, and the 2008 Ford Edge has one of the more attractive profiles among so-called crossover utility vehicles.

The interior of the 2008 Ford Edge feels a little more traditional, with a sporty, upright design for the instrument panel and controls. It's a simple, attractive layout, but the materials and surfaces aren't quite in line with what's available in this tightly competitive class. Front seats are ample and supportive; in back, there's a 60/40 reclining split second row--roomy enough for three adults across--that folds to provide a level load floor for carrying equipment in the large cargo area. When the front passenger seat is folded down, items measuring up to eight feet in length can be transported within the Edge; however, the cargo area at the back is restricted a bit by the sloping rear window. Each rear seat can also be folded manually using an industry-first single-hand release or automatically with an available EasyFold electro-mechanical remote release accessible from the rear cargo area.

Maintaining an ideal balance between a supple ride and responsive handling is the Edge's strength; the suspension is tight enough to give it relatively crisp handling, yet soft enough to soak up the more jarring bumps. It's not downright sporty, though; there's some body lean if you go into a corner too quickly, but it maintains its poise. The V-6 has plenty of power to move the 2008 Ford Edge briskly with full loads or up mountain grades, but it doesn't come with the full manual control that makes the experience more entertaining.

Standout features available on the 2008 Ford Edge include Ford's SYNC system for controlling entertainment and communication systems, a voice-activated navigation system, and a new, large, panorama-style Vista Roof. A power liftgate is now optional, as are 20-inch chromed wheels and brassy red-trimmed front seats.

Standard safety equipment includes AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. The 2008 Ford Edge gets top scores across nearly all of the federal-government and insurance-industry crash tests, and it's an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2008.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Ford Edge, also consider:

Reason Why:

Unlike most of its similar-size competitors, the 2008 Ford Edge doesn't have an available third row of seating. But its interior is a more comfortable place for four (or up to five) than several of its competitors, especially the Murano and Tribeca. The slight interior improvements and new SYNC system introduced on the '08 Edge help make the Ford more competitive against top peers such as the Highlander. Relative to the Edge, the Tribeca and CX-9 are a little sportier on the road, with slightly firmer suspension setting and crisper handling, while the Highlander and Veracruz have styling that's less exciting and possibly less offensive. Premium fuel is recommended for several of the Edge's competitors, but cheaper 87-octane fuel is fine for the Edge. The Mazda CX-9 is a rival to the Edge, which has a slightly sportier character, but the two share mechanical underpinnings.

The Bottom Line:

If you don't require a third-row seat, the 2008 Ford Edge is a fashionable, satisfying alternative in the crowded pack of mid-size crossovers.

As TheCarConnection.com assembled this review on the 2008 Ford Edge, some of the best review sources on the Web were consulted. Then TheCarConnection.com’s editors added some of their own insights and driving experience with the Edge to make the review especially useful. Likes:Nice, showy appearance—if you like chromeComfortable seating all aroundPerky powertrain is good even with loads and on hillsGood ride/handling compromiseStandout features, such as SYNC and the Vista RoofDislikes:Six-speed automatic lacks manual controlsInterior styling and materials are a little plainBuying Tips: Buyer beware, especially those who still think that a utility vehicle brings off-road ability. Ford doesn't make any allusions to off-road ability with the 2008 Ford Edge, though with the available all-wheel drive, it should be fine with snow and mud. The Edge bowed last year as a mid-size, four-door, five-passenger crossover--a tall utility vehicle that's quite carlike in its performance. The 2008 Ford Edge comes standard with a 3.5-liter, 265-horsepower engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, and it offers front-wheel drive or an available all-wheel-drive system. The Edge's large, bright grille is the prominent design feature on the outside. Factor in the smoothly arched roofline and attention to details, and the 2008 Ford Edge has one of the more attractive profiles among so-called crossover utility vehicles. The interior of the 2008 Ford Edge feels a little more traditional, with a sporty, upright design for the instrument panel and controls. It's a simple, attractive layout, but the materials and surfaces aren't quite in line with what's available in this tightly competitive class. Front seats are ample and supportive; in back, there's a 60/40 reclining split second row--roomy enough for three adults across--that folds to provide a level load floor for carrying equipment in the large cargo area. When the front passenger seat is folded down, items measuring up to eight feet in length can be transported within the Edge; however, the cargo area at the back is restricted a bit by the sloping rear window. Each rear seat can also be folded manually using an industry-first single-hand release or automatically with an available EasyFold electro-mechanical remote release accessible from the rear cargo area. Maintaining an ideal balance between a supple ride and responsive handling is the Edge's strength; the suspension is tight enough to give it relatively crisp handling, yet soft enough to soak up the more jarring bumps. It's not downright sporty, though; there's some body lean if you go into a corner too quickly, but it maintains its poise. The V-6 has plenty of power to move the 2008 Ford Edge briskly with full loads or up mountain grades, but it doesn't come with the full manual control that makes the experience more entertaining. Standout features available on the 2008 Ford Edge include Ford's SYNC system for controlling entertainment and communication systems, a voice-activated navigation system, and a new, large, panorama-style Vista Roof. A power liftgate is now optional, as are 20-inch chromed wheels and brassy red-trimmed front seats. Standard safety equipment includes AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. The 2008 Ford Edge gets top scores across nearly all of the federal-government and insurance-industry crash tests, and it's an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2008. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Ford Edge, also consider:Hyundai VeracruzMazda CX-9Nissan MuranoToyota HighlanderSubaru TribecaReason Why:Unlike most of its similar-size competitors, the 2008 Ford Edge doesn't have an available third row of seating. But its interior is a more comfortable place for four (or up to five) than several of its competitors, especially the Murano and Tribeca. The slight interior improvements and new SYNC system introduced on the '08 Edge help make the Ford more competitive against top peers such as the Highlander. Relative to the Edge, the Tribeca and CX-9 are a little sportier on the road, with slightly firmer suspension setting and crisper handling, while the Highlander and Veracruz have styling that's less exciting and possibly less offensive. Premium fuel is recommended for several of the Edge's competitors, but cheaper 87-octane fuel is fine for the Edge. The Mazda CX-9 is a rival to the Edge, which has a slightly sportier character, but the two share mechanical underpinnings. The Bottom Line:If you don't require a third-row seat, the 2008 Ford Edge is a fashionable, satisfying alternative in the crowded pack of mid-size crossovers. As TheCarConnection.com assembled this review on the 2008 Ford Edge, some of the best review sources on the Web were consulted. Then TheCarConnection.com’s editors added some of their own insights and driving experience with the Edge to make the review especially useful. Likes: - Nice, ...

Other Choices:

Unlike most of its similar-size competitors, the 2008 Ford Edge doesn't have an available third row of seating. But its interior is a more comfortable place for four (or up to five) than several of its competitors, especially the Murano and Tribeca. The slight interior improvements and new SYNC system introduced on the '08 Edge help make the Ford more competitive against top peers such as the Highlander. Relative to the Edge, the Tribeca and CX-9 are a little sportier on the road, with slightly firmer suspension setting and crisper handling, while the Highlander and Veracruz have styling that's less exciting and possibly less offensive. Premium fuel is recommended for several of the Edge's competitors, but cheaper 87-octane fuel is fine for the Edge. The Mazda CX-9 is a rival to the Edge, which has a slightly sportier character, but the two share mechanical underpinnings.

Next Steps:

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for the 2008 Ford Edge

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for the 2008 Ford Edge

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for a 2008 Ford Edge near you

See the Ford Edge in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (2 total)

  1. By sherry #1, Posted: 2/3/2009

    sherryg

    The 2008 Ford Edge is a tank! My eight month old son and I were rear ended while at a complete stop by a Nissan Pathfinder that was traveling 30 MPH yesterday. I am so thankful to say that we walked away with muscle aches and pains. My car sustained very minimal damage and my husband was able to drive it away from the scene of the accident. He is a firefighter/medic and looked at saftey ratings of the three crossover/SUVs we were considering buying and I am thankful that we chose the 2008 Edge. My husband was on the responding engine company that got the call and he himself was amazed at just how well my Edge performed to keep us from being injured, especially our child that was in the backseat and closest to the point of impact! Thanks Ford!

  2. By  azzurro #4, Posted: 4/23/2009

    father just bought one

    just bought an 08 ford edge limited awd and he loves it. the other reviewer is correct about the safety of this vehicle - i believe it has 5 stars all around in terms of rating, and that newer 3.5 engine is just what a lot of Ford models needed.
    there IS hope for American cars after all...

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