2011 Ford Edge



NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Edge made its initial debut as a 2007 model and has become the best seller among its segment of 27 competitive crossovers with more than 400,000 sales to date. And the number one reason for purchase is styling.
 
For 2011 styling remains a key ingredient with bold and significant changes in front and in the rear including a large, more handsome chrome grille. Add to that an all-new interior with noticeable attention to detail, fit and finish. In this case the really good just got really better.
 
Available in four trim levels: SE, SEL; Limited and Sport along with two powertrains (a third, the EcoBoost direct injection turbo 4-cylinder will be available sometime next year).
 
All but the Sport are powered by a 3.5-liter 285 horsepower V-6 matched to a six-speed automatic. The Sport gets a 3.7-liter 305 horsepower V-6 and a six-speed auto with paddle shifters.
 
Ride and handling on the tested Limited (FWD) and Sport (AWD) proved noteworthy for its drive ease; absence of body roll; and ride comfort. Even the stiffer Sport was noticeably compliant. Eighteen-inch wheels on the Limited and 22’s on the Sport contributed to the ride and handling prowess.
 
Needless to say technology and infotainment play a key role in Ford products and the Edge is no exception. Ford’s second generation SYNC system now understands 10,000 voice commands compared to the original’s 100.and is now tied to a Sony navigation/ entertainment system in the Limited and Sport with the moniker “MyFordTouch” alluding to the touch screen controls found in a eight-inch display on the center stack.
 
In the instrument cluster two small LCD screens side to the right and left filled with tons of information available at a beckon call by way of two five-way switches found on the steering wheel.  Smartly the little screens are color coded to match the large screen in the center stack that ID phone, entertainment, climate and navigation.
 
Mapping for the navigation on the $695 Premium system comes on an SD card that fits comfortably next to two USB ports. If you eschew the extra cost, SYNC Services will be happy to provide directions for free, at least for the first three years, after which it will cost you $60 per year. Not so high for cloud based services.
 
Pricing for Edge starts about $28,000 for the SE. Our very well equipped Limited started at $34,580 and as driven priced at $36,580 including a Blind spot  info system, rain sensing wipers, the voice activated nav system with Sirius Travel Link.
 
The Sport starts at $36,995 for FWD. Our Sport with AWD had a base of $38,070 and with similar options as above plus a power liftgate and remote start came to $40,135. All prices include destination and delivery charges.
 
--- Ted Biederman