Ford Edge

2012 Ford Edge

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Shopping for a 2012 Ford Edge? MSRP: $27,750 - $38,940

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The Ford Edge is a mid-size crossover utility vehicle with front- or all-wheel drive, powered by a V-6, with very very carlike handling and maneuverability and a pleasant ride. The Edge takes on a range of vehicles including the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Subaru Tribeca, and makes a good alternative to a sedan, or even a wagon or truck-based utility vehicle. But since it only offers two rows of seating it won't suit larger families.

Ford waited a long time to release a mid-size crossover vehicle to rival the likes of the Highlander and Pilot, instead placing all of its card on the mid-size, truck-based Ford Explorer SUV. But for 2006, Ford introduced the Edge, which slotted beside the more station-wagon-like Ford Freestyle (Taurus X) people-mover. Both a little more fashionable than the Freestyle, and based loosely on a former version of the Mazda6 sedan, a model that was already commended for its handling and sprightly feel, the Edge promised a little more excitement and flair.

Along with the Ford Fusion, which was introduced around the same time, the Ford Edge forged a new design direction for Ford in the middle of the Aughts, unmistakable because of their overly bright chrome slotted grilles and lipped wheel wells.

The appeal of the Edge was somewhat limited from the start for two reasons. For one, the Edge was only available in V-6 form, so those looking for a more fuel-efficient model had to instead consider a model such as the Toyota Highlander or Saturn Vue. Secondly, the Edge only offered two rows of seating for five, in a segment where there are plenty of vehicles the Edge's size that offer three.

The Edge's 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 makes 265 horsepower and was able to provide impressive acceleration through the six-speed automatic transmission, and the Edge's road-oriented all-wheel-drive helps send power to wherever it's needed for traction. Ford has made no attempt to position the Edge as a rugged vehicle or one meant for off-roading, but it does ride and handle well on the road.

The latter choice was a good one, as it allows space for five adults—including enough legroom for taller occupants to sprawl out and feel comfortable in the back seat. Though the seatbacks in the Edge don't fold completely flat, they do allow access to a lot more cargo space, and the cargo floor itself is quite low for a crossover wagon.

There are few common complaints regarding the Edge, but one of them is that its transmission selector doesn't have steering-wheel paddles or any manual selector to match its slightly sporty demeanor. Another issue to some is that the interior of the Edge just feels a little plain and drab, even if the layout is good.

Among many positives, the Edge has proven to be very reliable and it's held its resale value much better than the Explorer and Ford's larger SUVs. The Edge has also been a repeat Top Safety Pick winner for its strong safety performance and standard features.

A thoroughly refreshed Ford Edge arrived for the 2011 model year. Along with a more powerful 285-horsepower V-6, it includes a neat new redesigned instrument panel, upgraded interior materials, and refined sheetmetal and appearance details throughout. The Edge was one of the first vehicles to get the new MyFord touch-screen interface system, which uses Bluetooth and steering-wheel controls to direct audio, phone and navigation systems, with an LCD touchscreen as the display. The Edge also receives a new engine option for the 2012 model year in the form of Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder. With the six-speed automatic and only in front-drive form, this Edge becomes the most economical optional, with a 30-mpg highway fuel economy rating.

2012 Ford Edge

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