Sunday, February 24, 2008

2008 Nissan Versa S Review

2008 Nissan Versa

Blings:

  • Sub $13K base price
  • Most interior passenger and cargo space in its class
  • Crisp, responsive steering
  • Attractive interior (automatic shifter excluded)

Dings:

  • Resurrected 1st gen. Prius exterior design cues
  • Slothful 4-speed automatic
  • Tires howl louder than a pack of malnutritioned coyotes

Ruling: It’s lacks the Sentra’s sporting soul, but Nissan’s new entry-level whip makes up for it in quality and value.

From a car enthusiast’s perspective, ‘basic transportation’ is a concept that isn’t easily understood. Why drive a boring, hum-drum machine like a Corolla to work every day when for about the same amount of money you can drive a Civic Si? Sure, the Corolla is practical and durable, but so is the Civic. And it makes your daily commute quite a bit more fun and enjoyable. Still, most buyers are not enthusiasts, and only have the desire to go from point A to point B with the least amount of fanfare possible, which is why ‘basic transportation’ is such a popular segment for cars.

Perhaps Nissan understands this concept better than any other car maker, and is a primary reason why they promoted the venerable, sporty Sentra one notch up from entry-level and replaced it with the Versa. Yes, the Versa is a far less sporting machine, but when it comes to delivering the essentials of ‘basic transportation’, all requirements are met - and then some.

Driving Impressions

For an entry-level machine, the Versa has all the right numbers. The 1.8 liter DOHC 4-cylinder puts out a spirited 122 HP and 127 lb. ft., which for a car that has a base price below $13K, ain’t shabby in the least. Neither is its 0-60 time of 9 seconds. Another set of impressive numbers is in the fuel economy arena. Depending on which transmission you opt for: the Xtronic CVT (constantly variable transmission), the 6-speed manual or the 4-speed automatic, the Versa can achieve as much as 27 MPG city and 33 highway (CVT model).

A word on transmissions. Our test model was equipped with the 4-speed automatic, which also happened to be one of the low points of the Versa. Shifting was more lethargic than waking up from a tryptophan nap after a Thanksgiving feast. And when in cruise control on the highway, even if you only hit the accelerate button to go one mile-an-hour faster, the anemic tranny would downshift to third, disrupting the serene, quiet highway ride with a sudden full throttle engine jolt, making the driver think a cinder block somehow found its way onto the accelerator. Although we’re not big CVT fans, if you don’t want the manual, in this case you might be better off with the CVT. We can’t imagine it could be any worse than the temperamental 4-speed.

2008 Nissan Versa - center console 2008 Nissan Versa - 4-speed automatic

As previously mentioned, the Versa will not set your sporting soul alive. The suspension is rather flaccid and the Continental tires scream bloody murder any time you even think about hitting that cloverleaf ten miles-an-hour over the posted limit. This definitely is no Sentra. But one thing we noticed about the Versa was it’s steering input was rather crisp and responsive. Not that anyone who buys the Versa for basic transportation would ever in a million years do this, but tighten up the suspension and get some sportier tires, and the Versa just might approach the soul of a Sentra.

On the freeway, the Versa’s stout 2,700 curb weight is greatly appreciated. Not only does it add a level of security amidst an army of hulking SUV’s, but the ride is surprisingly quiet and solid for such an inexpensive car. Based on it’s highway presence, you’d never think you were driving a $13,000 automobile.

Build and Safety

Same goes for the build quality of the Versa. Tight panel gaps, quality interior plastics and a very impressive safety record prove the Versa is well put together, especially for its price range. Although ABS isn’t standard, tire pressure monitoring is, as well as six airbags. This gives the Versa the right to boast best safety performance against it’s market competitors. It received the highest safety rating from the IIHS for front, side and rear impact.

Interior

Another highlight of the Versa is what drivers are greeted to when they enter the cabin. Tall, wide, expansive, enough legroom for Stilts McGee - the Versa is a geometric study in achieving maximum interior space from a sub-compact car. In fact, the Versa offers most overall interior space in its class. Tall ceilings offer plenty of headroom, even for people in the low to mid six-foot range. Rear seat space and legroom is enormous - on par with luxury sedans like the BMW 5-series and Acura TL. And the trunk; if Barnum and Bailey Circus ever needed a new car to cram a bunch of clowns in, the Versa is a front-runner for sure.

Nissan Versa interior Nissan Versa HVAC + stereo Nissan Versa - back seat area

Standard interior equipment includes a CD AM/FM stereo and A/C, and a fully-equipped Versa offers techy options like Bluetooth® integration, XM® Satellite Radio and Nissan’s notorious Intelligent Key system - which can sometimes be too intelligent for it’s owner after it somehow finds its way into the pocket of a departing passenger, rendering your car useless once it’s turned off. We continually find the intelligent key option undesirable. Has there ever been anything wrong with just using a regular old key?

The basic stereo is nothing special, and compared to entry-level competitors like Scion, it falls quite short. Unlike the Scion, which even in base models offer a Pioneer stereo and full iPod integration, the base Versa offers no audiophile gizmos of any sort beyond a single disc CD player. But hey man, this is basic transportation, right?

2008 Nissan Versa

Styling

Although we find the interior of the Versa accommodating and rather stylish for basic transportation, the exterior is less aesthetically pleasing - that is unless you found the first generation Prius a stroke of pure automotive design genius. It’s okay to admit it. Really.

Although our test vehicle was the four door sedan, we find the look of the five-door hatchback much more satisfying. In our opinion, we’d opt for the hatch not only for being easier on the eyes, but also for the additional cargo space.

Value

As tested, $13,500 gets you a 122 HP engine, 33 MPG highway, power everything, A/C, cruise control, a best in class safety rating and enough room for the entire starting lineup of your local college basketball team - we can end the value conversation at this juncture.

Who Should Buy It?

There are a few potential buyer markets for the Versa. One is no doubt Dick or Jane Commuter, who is purely looking for a roomy, cheap, economical car that can safely and reliably get them from point A to point B. Another target would be younger, first-time car buyers. However, if the younger person is footing the majority of the bill, they may opt for the sportier Honda Fit or the more image-conscious Scion. But if mom and dad have a say in matters and finances, the first-time buyer might find themselves in a Versa - which is nothing to be embarrassed about at all.

Conclusion

Nissan has created a compelling entry-level car. Most importantly, they understand the target market for a vehicle like the Versa. It lacks the sportiness of its Sentra predecessor and main competitor - the Honda Fit - and doesn’t stack up in the quirky, cool department like a Scion does, but Nissan realizes that many entry-level buyers aren’t interested in those elements. They’re simply looking for a safe, reliable, economic, roomy and fuel efficient car with still enough power to get out of its own way; and the Versa fits all of these criteria perfectly.

2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe - Video and LInks to More Expert Reviews

Roadfly.com - 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe

CarData video: New 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe - Introduction "Unplugged"

Edmunds: Comparison Test: 2007 BMW 335i vs. 2008 Infiniti G37

Motor Trend: 2008 Infiniti G37 vs 2007 BMW 335i -Part 1

Motor Trend: 2008 Infiniti G37 vs 2007 BMW 335i -Part 2

2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe, Walk Around.

2008 Scion xB (Review) - Still Ugly, but not Ugly Enough

2008 Scion xB

Blings:

  • More powerful engine
  • More cargo space
  • More standard features

Dings:

  • More mainstream
  • More boring
  • More hefty

Ruling: More is less, especially in this author’s futile attempt for wordplay.

Some things in life have such endearing characteristics that no matter how much you want to hate it, you can’t help but love it. Take for instance the Pug - a scrawny mutt with no neck and a face that looks like it got bashed flat with an iron skillet. The first time I laid eyes on it I thought, Who could ever find that thing cute? With its bulging eyes, incessant snorting and ungraceful waddle, I found it to be one of the most heinous-looking dogs ever created. But as time went on, my dislike for the animal was replaced by - not love - but an appreciation. Sure it was still ugly, but that’s what made it unique. It stood out from the crowd. It’s uglyness became its greatest asset.

The first time I saw the xB, my sentiments were comparable to the Pug. Who on Earth could find that car attractive? Would somebody actually cruise Sunset Boulevard in a rolling refrigerator without being completely mortified? Although my initial disdain for the xB was fierce, after seeing them every day for a few years, just like the Pug, an appreciation for the xB grew.

2008 Scion xB

Now that I have finally accepted the appearance of the original xB, wouldn’t you know it, Toyota decides to do a complete redesign. Like a Pug that ate waaay too much kibble, the new xB is longer, wider and heavier to the tune of 12 inches overall length (4 inches in wheelbase), 2.8 inches in width, and nearly 600 pounds in additional heft, which has got to be some kind of record for model redesign weight gain.

Our test vehicle was a 5-speed manual base model in a snazzy Black Berry Crush Metallic color, which was generously provided by Stevens Creek Scion. I couldn’t believe it, but at first glance my styling preference was with the original xB. For 2008, Scion rounded the edges in an attempt to soften its appearance. They definitely succeeded in softening the xB’s look, but like the Pug, its appearance is what made it special.

Driving Impressions

Once inside, the xB was noticeably more spacious than its predecessor. It was also noticeably more powerful too. Although the xB has picked up 600 additional pounds of heft, it has also picked up a more gutsy 158 horsepower/162 ft. lbs. torque VVTi 4-cylinder engine - the same engine found in the zippy tC. This was a much-needed upgrade considering the old wheezing 103 horse powerplant couldn’t even stumble out of its own way on the interstate. But this upgrade in power and weight has come at a fuel economy penalty of about 5 MPG.

Even though its got rounded edges, don’t let the Scion fool you, it’s still boxy. But even for a rounded-off rolling refrigerator, the xB handles quite well. It doesn’t seem to mind the occasional corner throw, but don’t ask too much of it on the twisties. Not that you would, I mean, seriously, it’s a Whirlpool with wheels.

2008 Scion xB - 158 HP engine 2008 Scion xB - cargo area 2008 Scion xB

Build

The xB is Ashford and Simpson approved. Solid. Solid as a rock. Tight body panels, great insulation for quiet highway driving, comfortable seats, quality plastics that don’t get brittle and break - expect the same quality you would get from a Toyota. Add in the standard features which include A/C, power doorlocks and windows, satellite-ready stereo with CD player and iPod integration, four wheel anti-lock disc brakes and traction control, all for a paltry base price of only $16,270.

Then of course there’s the options and aftermarket accessories which reads longer than a five-year-old’s Christmas wish list. Upgraded Pioneer stereo system, front headrest DVD players, 19-inch wheels, cold air induction kit, carbon-fiber doo-dads, chromed whozee-whatzees and lowering springs don’t even put a dent in the exhausting list of what’s available.

Interior

What the xB lacks in exterior looks, it makes up for on the interior. The seats are supportive and comfortable, have quality cloth fabric and the driver’s seat even has a captain’s chair armrest for gettin’ your lean on when cruising the boulevard low and slow. Although I like the look of the gauge cluster, I still don’t get the Echo/Prius practice of putting them in the dead center of the dash. It may look different and unique, but it’s a big pain in the assay. And the digital MPG gauge is nice, but why not take a cue from Mazda and put the digital readout inside the RPM gauge to consolidate? That way you can put the gauge where it belongs - in front of the steering wheel.

2008 Scion xB 2008 Scion xB - gauge panel

The shifter sits high on the center cluster which gives it a video arcade feel, which is not necessarily a bad thing if Scion were to have made that cluster useful. However, underneath the tall, minivan-esque shifter console there is no storage space, no cool cubby-holes; just a 12V power outlet. A waste of space, in my opinion.

2008 Scion xB - iPod integrationWith the longer and wider dimensions of the new xB, interior cargo room is up dramatically. With the rear seats folded, the 2008 model has 70 cubic feet of space compared to only 43 in the predecessor. The xB has moved from Honda Fit territory and graduated into the realm of the Honda Element and Chevy HHR.

Perhaps the coolest standard feature inside the xB is its iPod integration. A jack underneath the center console allows you to plug in your iPod and run the controls straight from the head unit. Although I found operation of the head unit a bit confusing, with a little time and practice, it makes for much safer iPod operation while driving. Not that anyone would do that, of course. Because, you know, that’s unsafe and whatever.

Styling

I just got used to the quirky styling of the old xB, and it will probably take me another few years to get used to the new one. It’s got a bulbous nose, a goofy-looking windowless C-pillar and just a general appearance that its trying really, really hard to be mainstream. It wants so badly to be run-of-the-mill like every other mini-box, but it can’t escape its unique roots, which takes away from the exterior appearance. It’s like this thing is pulling a reverse Pearl Jam; cool and anti-bandwagon at first, but now totally mainstream and sellout. Maybe some MG-inspired plaid seats like Eddie Vedder’s flannel shirts would spice it up a bit?

Value

Undeniable. Crazy value. What other vehicle can offer Toyota reliability, 0-60 speeds of 8 seconds, 70 cubic feet of cargo space, A/C, power doorlocks and windows, a thumptastic stereo with iPod integration, anti-lock disc brakes and traction control all for a base of $16,270? I mean, the only thing that might be better would be to take the VVTi engine out of the new xB and swap it into the featherweight first generation model. Uh oh, did I just write that? I can already hear the gears turning inside the heads’ of Scionites everywhere. Although it’s gone the path of the sellout, motor swap or no, the new xB still a value unlike any other vehicle.

2008 Scion xB

Who Should Buy It?

Well, if you asked me a few years ago, I would have said a blind man. But as time grew my appreciation, I retracted my crass sentiments. The original xB is the perfect first car for someone with an active lifestyle that carries a lot of gear with them and likes to stand out in a crowd. But with the new model, I’m not so sure anymore. I mean, it’s still a great deal for a first car and carries even more gear than before, but the xB is far less flavorful. And really, for Scion’s target market, that’s one of their primary purchasing hot buttons. Now that it’s more mainstream, the xB is really for anyone seeking a subcompact minivan. Ho hum.

Conclusion

Let me just state that I’m a big Toyota fan. A big one. But just like having a dog, sometimes the relationship between a car guy and his favorite brand can drive him to drink. Leave it to Toyota to boring up an otherwise edgy and controversial vehicle. People either loved or hated the xB. That was what made it a hit. Scion even admitted it with their recent print ad campaign that read, “Pros: Boxy, Ugly, People will Stare; Cons: Boxy, Ugly, People Will Stare”. Well, I can assure you, people aren’t going to stare as much as they used to.

Scion xB ad

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i
click on any image to enlarge

Subaru has always been a car company that has marched to the beat of its own drum. From the funky styling (I mean that in a good way) of their earlier models, to the high performance, big winged examples of its later models, this company has always offered cars that are unique and interesting. While I have always been intrigued by the marquee, this was my first drive in a Subaru.

Conditions for the test drive were spot on perfect, with clear skies and seventy-degree temperatures. I drove a combination of highway, city surface streets, and winding back roads. It would have been nice to test the all-wheel drive capabilities of this car in rain and snow, but that will have to wait for another day.


Pros and Cons

  • Quiet Ride
  • Good road handling capabilities
  • Handsome interior design
  • Storage capacity

  • Underpowered motor
  • Bland exterior styling
Subaru Outback badge

Build

The model tested was the 2.5i. It comes equipped with a 4 cylinder 2.5 liter motor that generates 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. The motor is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with normal and “sport-shifting” modes. Power is delivered to the road via an all-wheel drive system completed by 17 inch, seven spoke alloy rims shod with Bridgestone Potenza P255/55R17 tires.

Close examination of the exterior of this car revealed a well engineered vehicle. All of the body panels were properly aligned. There is significant heft in the doors, hood, and trunk. The doors closed easily and with a satisfyingly solid “thunk.” It’s apparent that Subaru did not attempt to cut costs in this vehicle with thin, insubstantial body panels. The only exterior area that raised any concern was a large plastic panel on the rear hatch directly under the window. This panel appeared a little loose and rattled when closing the hatch.


Interior Comfort and Ergonomics

Subaru put together a very pleasant interior for this car. The instrument cluster is easily visible behind a three-spoke steering wheel. The controls are laid out in an intelligent manner and easy to operate. This is a very “intuitive” vehicle. I was able to operate all of its controls almost immediately upon entering the vehicle without having to consult the owner’s manual.

The seats are very supportive and comfortable. I don’t think there would be any problem in taking this car out for the entire day. I sat in the back seats and found them adequate. I’m 5’9” and had no problem with legroom. However, while there is adequate rear-seat legroom, there wasn’t enough room to stretch out.

The stereo sounded very nice, but tended to struggle at higher volumes. Teenagers need not apply.

Fold down the rear seats and you now have an amazing amount of cargo room. I know that I would be able to fit one and possibly two bikes in the back of the Outback with little or no problem. The interior space is augmented by a roof-rack. This vehicle can easily handle all the gear you could need on a camping trip for two.

view of cockpitoutback back seat


Performance

The 2.5 liter motor was barely adequate with two people in the car. I would have taken 0-60 times, but I forgot my calendar at home. If you are interested in hauling around a family of four, especially if you are considering this vehicle for an outdoors lifestyle, opt for the turbo model. This car fully loaded with four people and their associated gear paints a grim picture when considering mountain roads. It just doesn’t have enough horsepower or torque. While this might be somewhat alleviated by a five-speed transmission, I just don’t see this as the motor to go with. As for the “sport-shifting” mode…waste of time with this motor.


Handling

I was surprised by the well-sorted handling characteristics of this car. Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t handle like a sports car and wasn’t designed to. But this car was a pleasure to drive. Comfortable and very quiet on most road surfaces, this car showed some spirit in the twisties. It transitioned very easily, albeit with some body roll, and was very predictable. When pushed hard, the front and rear ends stopped communicating and the vehicle started to wallow. But for normal and slightly spirited driving, Subaru got it spot-on.

The down side to this vehicle’s handling, and something that I consider a very big down side, is its braking. 60-0 stops were not confidence inspiring.


Styling

When I first saw the car in my driveway, I thought, “station-wagon.” Well, it is a station-wagon, but one with all wheel drive and a heritage geared towards sensible all road adventure. However, the styling has none of that Subaru “funkiness” and is easily lost in the crowd.

subaru outbackengine baytrunk badge


Value

The MSRP for this vehicle is $24,595. Subaru is facing some stiff competition with the 4 cylinder Honda CR-V AWD coming in at $24,050 and the 4 cylinder Toyota RAV4 4WD coming in at $22,350. I think that the asking price for the Suby is a bit high. However, the Subaru’s quiet ride and build quality make a compelling argument for its purchase. In the end, you should test drive all vehicle’s that meet your budget and requirements. You might be surprised.

Conclusion


Build

Interior

Performance

Handling

Styling

Value

Overall

Rating

4

4

3

4

2.5

3

3.4/C

  • Solid, well aligned body panels earned a 4 in the build category.
  • Thoughtful, intuitive controls and comfortable materials earn this car a 4 in the interior category.
  • An asthmatic engine resulted in a 3 for performance.
  • Handling and ride quality were the pleasant surprise of this vehicle, 4 for handling.
  • There’s nothing to set this car apart from the rest of the crowd, therefore it gets 2.5 for styling.
  • Even though it faces a lot of competition in its market, I think that it is still a decent value, 3
This car is all about practicality. It can get you and your family, along with a fair amount of gear, to your chosen destination in safety and comfort. For those who lead active lifestyles, or those who want a little extra safety when the weather takes a turn for the worse, the all wheel drive is an attractive feature. Although the Subaru faces a lot of competition from other practical, all-wheel drive vehicles, this is still a decent bargain…just opt for the turbo model.

2007 Dodge Caliber Review

Driving along the California coastline is no doubt a breath-taking scenic experience. But underestimate that tricky terrain - the narrow two-lane roads, overhanging cliffs, and gravelly shoulders - and you might be in for an unexpected treacherous “off-road” adventure! Which is why choosing the right car to safely maneuver the tricky terrain is your best bet. Cue the music and enter stage left the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber crossover utility vehicle.

2007 Dodge Caliber exterior photo on road

The 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT was a steady drive that did well with its tight turning radius and stable handling of curvy roads. Our test vehicle featured the optional 2.0-liter, 16-valve dual VVT, 158 horsepower engine (available for the SE, SXT and SXT Sport) which was upgraded from the 1.8-liter, 148 HP engine. The R/T model has the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 172 HP engine. The 17” wheels with Firestone tires gripped the road well but lost its aesthetic impact due to the silver wheel covers that just can’t match the same appeal as the chrome-clad aluminum alloy wheels offered only in the R/T. The bold, boxy exterior design does create an aggressive feel especially with the signature Dodge crosshair grill, oversized halogen headlamps and sharp outline of its rear liftgate. I would probably compare it more to a crossover wagon than a crossover SUV (such as the 2007 GMC Acadia) because it appeared more similar in size and stamina to a hatchback wagon. The acceleration and power was also equal to more of a car than an SUV. The positive side is that it’s more marketable because of its smaller engine that is more fuel-efficient with its estimated gas mileage of 26 MPG in city and 30 MPG highway and its versatility as a five-door design. When it comes to safety and security, Caliber did well to make the grade. I learned that the 2007 Dodge Caliber received the highest frontal and side crash-test rating from the government with five stars. It also offers ESP (Electronic Stability Program) that’s designed to assist drivers in maintaining control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers. The Anti-lock brakes are standard on the RT and they also come standard on the SE and SXT when it is equipped with the automatic transmission.

Dodge Caliber - cargo area Dodge Caliber - center console Dodge Caliber - gauge pod

The fun part of the 2007 Dodge Caliber are all the neat options to add splashes of color and special amentities that fit any active lifestyle. Neat interior highlights that I really liked were the beverage cooler (the “chill zone” fits up to 4 bottles or cans), removeable & rechargable overhead cargo flashlight, multi-tiered glove box, MP3 (iPod or Cell Phone) holder in the adjustable armrest, and fold-flat seating that extends your cargo space. I wasn’t thrilled about the vinyl cargo-area load floor but on the good side it makes it durable and washable. Other favorable features include an option for hands-free phone (uConnect), satellite radio, stain resistant fabric and many other very cool features. But be aware that all of these modern conveniences are found mostly in the R/T model. The SE offers the bare minimum. The SXT model is a step up with some basic amenities and the R/T offers all the bonuses that make any car more functional and exciting. My thought is that buyers should budget much higher than the MSRP starting price of $14,285. This can be the Caliber’s big drawback because you’re almost encouraged to go for the gold with the R/T while there are just as reliable cars (fully loaded) in the same price range. The Caliber displays a rugged design yet its smaller engine that fortunately saves on gas offsets itself on engine power and acceleration.

Dodge Caliber - front seat Dodge Caliber - back seat

Pros
Driveability
Safety features
Storage

Cons
Engine power
Expect to pay more for added upgrades & amenities

Editor’s note: SUV/crossover utility vehicles similar in class are the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-7, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. Similar hatchback wagons include the Ford Focus Wagon, Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac Vibe, and Subaru Outback

Driving Impressions: 2007 Ford Edge SE Review

2007 Ford Edge

Crossover vehicles are so cool because they don’t feel like a lumbering truck when running errands, but you get the benefits and functionality of an SUV. For the busy family in perpetual motion from swim lessons, to baseball practice and to Cub Scout meetings, the Ford Edge offers plenty of room for 5 passengers plus the cargo space to carry everyone’s gear. Add a strong V6 engine to the equation and the result is a well-rounded vehicle that works well for a variety of different situations. For the family guy that doesn’t want to give up his “cool” image by driving a minivan, a crossover SUV could be the right solution.

Pros and Cons

  • A fair amount of amenities for the price
  • Nimble feeling when driving around town and parking
  • Powerful engine and torque for its size
  • Spacious rear seat room big enough for tall passengers
  • Fold flat front seat not available in SE model
  • Minor niggles with fit and finish

Driving Impressions

Settling into the driver’s seat the seating position feels high and is above most passenger vehicles. And that is a good thing when trying to peer over traffic or reaching to pull that parking ticket from the dispensing machine. Finding that perfect driving position is easy with the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and 6-way adjustable seats. The SE model has the cloth seats, but padding was comfortable and I wasn’t going to burn my tush on a hot summer day. I spent four hours driving the new Edge and had no problems with driver fatigue or a sore bum from sitting too long. Sitting in traffic is actually bearable with the comfortable seating and my iPod plugged into the stereo.

Ford Edge - front seats Ford Edge - Duratec V6 Engine

After escaping San Francisco bay area commuter traffic I found some open road driving along California’s scenic coastline. The 265 horsepower 3.5L V6 has more than adequate power to move the Edge up the hills or make the jump past slower traffic. The Duratec engine and 6-speed transmission engage smoothly and without any drama. I can easily see the Ford Edge being a comfortable vehicle for long road trips. Fuel economy is respectable considering the power output of the engine. EPA estimates are 18 city/25 highway. Observed gas mileage was 18 MPG during the test period with my lead-filled boots.

air vent Ford Edge - automatic shifter Ford Edge - center storage

Build

Overall, the build quality is noticeably better than past Ford SUVs such as the Explorer or Expedition. The cabin interior is laid out logically and neatly trimmed with aluminum and shiny plastic in the right places. My test vehicle had only 5,000 miles but I did notice a couple of minor annoyances. The air vent in the door panel near the outside view mirror would not snap into place. I tried several times to push the plastic vent into position, but the clips could not hold the vent securely. The interior is nicely insulated and road noise is kept at a low level. With such a quiet cabin, I sometimes detected a rattle (sounded like glass against metal) which was a mystery to locate. Somewhere in the rear cargo area I would hear that rattle when traipsing over rough pavement. If I wasn’t traveling alone, maybe I wouldn’t have noticed such a small distraction.

Ford Edge - interior Ford Edge - cargo area

Interior Comfort and Ergonomics

The Ford Edge offers lots of stowage space for people with an active lifestyle. For the crowd that visits Starbucks way too much and judges a car by the number of available cupholders, the Edge should score pretty high. There are no fewer than six cupholders dotted around the cabin, including juice box holders in the rear door pockets, and a monstrous center console that will easily swallow a laptop or the largest handbag I could imagine.

For the person who goes out shopping for two things and usually finds deals on five other things that were just too good to pass, the Edge offers almost 70 cubic feet of cargo space. For the home improvement project that requires a long bed, the front passenger seat will fold flat (available in SEL and SEL Plus models) and allow you to accommodate items up to 8 feet long.
Unfortunately, the front passenger fold-flat seat is not available as an option for the SE model.

Handling & Safety

Ford Edge - rear tail lightWhat I really like about the new class of crossover vehicles is the feeling that I’m driving a sedan as opposed to a truck. The Edge features unibody construction rather than a traditional SUV’s body-on-frame arrangement, which endows it with a more rigid structure and theoretically give it better handling and ride characteristics. Essentially, the Edge is based on the Mazda 6 architecture. Up front, it uses a MacPherson strut suspension, with lower control arms each side and an anti-roll bar. At the back, there is a multi-link arrangement with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The Edge has power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and all-around anti-lock disc brakes. All models come with seventeen-inch aluminum wheels.

The steering is not heavy feeling which makes the Edge easy to maneuver around traffic or squeezing into a parking space at the mall. The Edge isn’t going to win any trophies zipping through cones on an autocross course, but the scary feeling of rolling over the vehicle isn’t there either. I’ve spent many hours driving Ford Explorers, Expeditions and other mid-to-full-size SUVs. Those are vehicles in which I diligently follow those yellow caution signs with the recommended speed for entering the turns. If the unexpected arises and the situation becomes dicey, Ford’s AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) is in effect to keep the tires firmly planted on the asphalt. Additional safety features include the dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, seat-mounted front side airbags, and side curtain airbags that have rollover detection.

2007 Ford Edge

Value

There are three Edge models. The base SE starts at a highly competitive $25,320 and comes pretty well equipped, with power windows, mirrors, and locks, remote keyless entry, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. But the seats are trimmed in cloth. All-wheel drive costs an additional $1650.

The SEL adds, among other things, dual chrome-tipped exhausts; a leather steering wheel and shifter, a six-disc in-dash audio system with MP3 and steering wheel controls, and automatic headlamps. A front-drive SEL stickers at $27,315.

The top-level Edge is the SEL Plus, which has leather-trimmed and heated seats, dual-zone electronic climate control, steering-wheel climate controls, the fold-flat front seat, and the second-row remote release. SEL Pluses start at $29,070.

You can go for the whole shebang and select all the available options such as Sirius Satellite radio ($195), a DVD rear entertainment center ($1295), a reverse sensing system ($245), navigation bundled with the premium sound system ($2380), and the mammoth moonroof which for Ford calls the Panoramic Vista Roof ($1395).

2007 Ford Edge

Conclusion

Ford claims that the Edge drives just like a car, which is a bit like saying I scored 1600 on my SATs. The Edge is a big, heavy, tall vehicle, so it tackles twisty roads in the kind of manner you would expect: competent and reasonably fast, but hardly showing the grace that Muhammad Ali displayed in the boxing ring. The highway ride, however, is terrific, an attribute most soccer moms will value over its ability to carve up the curves. The Edge steering is accurate but overly light, while the brakes are just okay—all that weight can be a burden when you are trying to slow a vehicle down.

All around, the Edge is a good vehicle that’s worth serious consideration. Unfortunately it isn’t as well rounded as the Honda Pilot, not as refined as the ageing Highlander, and isn’t as practical as Ford’s own Freestyle. If you are an enthusiast who needs to have a crossover vehicle, then the Mazda CX-7 is much more sporting, with steering and handling that are much closer to a passenger car’s, although it isn’t as spacious as the Edge.


Build

Interior

Performance

Handling

Styling

Value

Overall

Rating

4.0

4.0

4.25

4.25

4.5

4.25

4.3/B+

Who should buy it?

If you want a pleasing, well-rounded tall station wagon—which is what a crossover SUV actually is—then the Edge is a good contender. The new 3.5-liter V-6 engine makes good power and is reasonably refined. The vehicle is zippy, recording a 0-to-60-mph time in the mid-seven-second range despite its porky 4500-pound weight. The six-speed automatic transmission provides sweet, fast shifts and transitions between gears is smooth as warm Cheez Wiz.

The Ford Edge is versatile enough to support the active lifestyle and family endeavors without losing its “cool” factor. Bring on the kids and home improvement projects. Daddy has a new car and it isn’t a minivan