2010 Ford Edge
TheCarConnection.com has covered all the bases by looking to a wide range of review sources relevant to the 2010 Ford Edge. In addition to conveying information from those reports, TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Ford Edge and added some firsthand observations and insights to form a comprehensive review.
Likes
Two rows of comfortable seating
Responsive powertrain
Handling poise
Contemporary design still stands out
Dislikes
Somewhat plain inside
Lack of manual controls for the transmission
No EcoBoost engine option
The Ford Edge manages to look a little different in a class of vehicles that tend to all blur together. Like most newer so-called crossover designs, the 2010 Ford Edge rides and drives more like a car--a tall wagon--than a sport-utility vehicle, while its overall packaging is a good substitute for those who have moved on from an Explorer or Expedition. Ford has in recent years started its cars with an "F" and its trucks with an "E," but make no mistake, the Edge is very carlike in its performance.
From either the front or the side, the Edge's blunt nose and bright, overchromed grille are the dominant design features. Otherwise, the smoothly arched roofline and tasteful, understated rear details combine for one of the more attractive crossover profiles. Inside, the 2010 Edge feels a lot more straightforward and traditional. Materials and surfaces don't quite match the best ones Ford has applied recently in other models, but the upright seating position and an instrument panel that's more like a sport sedan's than an SUV's are both positives.
A 3.5-liter, 265-horsepower V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission are offered across the 2010 Ford Edge lineup, and power is delivered by either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The combination has plenty of power to move the Edge briskly, even with a full load or on steep hills, but it still doesn't come with the manual controls that are the sign of a vehicle with sporting intentions. Nevertheless, the Edge is surprisingly entertaining to drive, with responsive handling and a suspension that's tuned just firmly enough for crisp handling without sacrificing ride quality.
The 2010 Ford Edge becomes more fuel-efficient, with fuel-economy improvements of up to 2 mpg versus last year. EPA ratings now stand at 18 mpg city, 25 highway for the front-wheel-drive version.
Keep in mind that while many other models of the Edge's general size have third-row seating, the Edge has two rows and seating for five. But all five seating positions are ample for adults. Front seats are generous and supportive, while in back the bench seat is split 60/40 to fold forward or recline slightly. When folded, the backseats provide a level load floor, and with the front passenger seat folded the Edge can accommodate items up to eight feet long. However, the sloping rear window restricts the cargo area a bit. 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.
Standard safety equipment includes AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. The 2010 Ford Edge gets top scores across nearly all of the federal-government and insurance-industry crash tests, and it has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Standout features available on the 2010 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 optional, as are 20-inch chromed wheels and brassy red-trimmed front seats. New last year was Sirius Travel Link, a useful optional feature that provides real-time traffic and weather information, as well as current gas prices at nearby gas stations.
The Bottom Line: If you don't require a third-row seat, the 2010 Ford Edge remains a satisfying alternative in the crowded pack of mid-size crossovers.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Ford Edge, also consider:
- Hyundai Veracruz
- Mazda CX-9
- Nissan Murano
- Toyota Highlander
- Subaru Tribeca
Reason Why:
Unlike most of its similar-size competitors, the 2010 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 a 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.
Buying Tip:
Don't buy a 2010 Ford Edge thinking you can take it off-road. Ford makes no promises, and the focus of the Edge is on-road performance.
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2009 Lincoln MKX
TheCarConnection.com has driven the 2009 Lincoln MKX and reports with firsthand driving experience and market insight here in this Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com also researched reviews on the new 2009 Lincoln MKX to compare it with other vehicles in its class.
Likes
American luxury styling
Very generous feature list
Quiet interior
Heated rear seats
Dislikes
Mushy handling
Long braking distances
Interior materials
The MKX has proven a popular model for Ford's luxury Lincoln brand. On the 2009 Lincoln MKX, the essentials are largely carried over, but some new features are tacked on for good measure.
The standard running gear for the MKX--like that of its sister vehicle, the Ford Edge--includes a 3.5-liter, 263-horsepower V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Zero-to-60-mph acceleration runs generate numbers in the mid-eight-second range, which isn't bad, but it won't make you feel like heading to the drag strip.
On the road, the performance of the 2009 Lincoln MKX is highlighted by good steering. Reviews have raised concerns about the braking system on the MKX, citing its braking feel and its relatively long stopping distances.
Inside, the 2009 Lincoln MKX has exceptionally comfortable front seats, good forward visibility, and comfortable second-row seating. Ride quality is quite smooth, and the cabin is just as quiet as that of most other luxury SUVs. Unlike many vehicles in its class, there's no third-row seating option, and interior materials for the dash and door trims may feel a little skimpy for those with high expectations.
The MKX's standard features include Sirius Satellite Radio with Sirius Travel Link; heated and cooled front seats with memory positions and lumbar adjustments; and a reverse-sensing system. New for 2009 are a standard power liftgate, universal garage-door opener, and cargo hooks. Ford's SYNC system, which uses Bluetooth connectivity and a touch screen to control communications and entertainment, is also standard. For 2009, SYNC has two new features: Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist.
A full-length Vista sunroof, adaptive projector-beam headlights that pivot as the MKX turns, heated rear seats, a 14-speaker 600-watt THX audio system with surround sound, and a DVD-based GPS navigation system are among the many optional features.
Safety features on the 2009 Lincoln MKX include anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and side and curtain airbags. The MKX also achieves impressive crash-test ratings.
The Bottom Line: The 2009 Lincoln MKX lives up to its luxury-brand promise, with a classy American style.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2009 Lincoln MKX, also consider:
- Acura MDX
- BMW X5
- Cadillac SRX
- Lexus RX 350
Reason Why:
The Lexus RX 350 is the bogie for Lincoln, but the RX isn't that engaging to drive and can be tough to find in crowded mall parking lots. The 2009 Lincoln MKX is more engaging to drive, but it can't match the level of refinement achieved by the RX 350. Dynamically, the Acura MDX is a better-handling vehicle than the 2009 Lincoln MKX, as is the rear-wheel-drive Cadillac SRX. If you put a high value on performance, the SRX and BMW X5 offer optional V-8 engines.
Buying Tip
Ford's SYNC interface is standard on the MKX and includes voice control for cell phones and media players like the iPod.
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2009 Ford Flex
The car experts at TheCarConnection.com researched online reviews from respected Web resources to produce this comprehensive review of the 2009 Ford Flex. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the Ford Flex so that we can deliver you the best information on Ford's new crossover and its competition, as well as help you figure out which reviews to believe when road testers have different opinions.
Likes
-Against-the-grain styling
-Wealth of features
-First- and second-row seating comfort
Dislikes
-Tight headroom in third-row seat
-Uncomfortable headrests
-No telescoping steering wheel
The 2009 Ford Flex, with its slab-sided styling, is unlike any crossover vehicle on the market, not to mention any Ford of recent vintage. Its heritage is part American station wagon, part MINI Cooper, and even part Land Rover Range Rover, from its ribbed sides to its wide nose to its white- or silver-painted roof. Inside, the Flex sports a low instrument panel with blue-lit gauges, a red-lit pair of cup holders in the center console, and a choice of fabric seats with tweedy trim or leather.
The 2009 Ford Flex relies on a 262-horsepower V-6 engine for its power. The engine is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is the norm, while the Flex also offers all-wheel drive as an option. This powertrain means the Flex is competitive at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The fuel economy isn't due to blistering acceleration, as the Flex runs from 0 to 60 in about 9 seconds. Handling is surprisingly adept for such a large vehicle, and the Flex's ride quality shows what a well-tuned conventional set of shocks and control arms can do, instead of an expensive, fancy air suspension.
In its vast, airy cabin, the 2009 Ford Flex offers seating for seven. The front two seats have the comfort of Volvo chairs, with equally intrusive headrests. The second-row chairs are seats of honor, with high seating positions and lots of adjustable legroom. The third-row seat has enough legroom for adults, but tall passengers will want for headroom. The second-row seats tumble with the push of a lever--or a button--to ease access to the third row.
The Flex's safety hasn't been tested by the insurance industry, but a comprehensive set of safety features includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control with anti-rollover technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Flex five stars for front- and side-impact crashworthiness, and four stars for rollover resistance.
The features offered as standard equipment and as options on the 2009 Ford Flex are pretty astounding. It's gone far beyond power windows; the Flex will have third-row seats and a CD player standard, with options including Ford's SYNC system, navigation, a second-row refrigerator and footrests, a Sony audio system with Sirius Travel Link, and a glorious four-panel Vista Roof that opens up the Flex's cabin to the sky.
The Bottom Line
The 2009 Ford Flex is one of the most stylish new crossovers, with great passenger room and more features than some minivans.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Ford Flex, also consider:
- Buick Enclave
- Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Veracruz
Reason why
The Honda Pilot is the Flex's most daunting competitor. Redesigned for 2009, it has a large, controversial grille to go with much thicker styling and, to TheCarConnection.com's taste, too much interior plastic. The Buick Enclave is considerably sexier than either the Flex or the Pilot, but there's not quite as much vertical space as in the Flex, and its transmission hunts for gears on twisty roads. The Hyundai Veracruz offers a softer-looking alternative to the Flex; it has good V-6 power, third-row seating, and a plush, quiet interior.
Buying Tip
The 2009 Ford Flex's optional satellite radio has Sirius Travel Link, which offers local weather, movies listings, and rerouting of destinations to the navigation system. It's easy to spend more than $40,000 on a Flex, so take a careful look at the options list before you sign.
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2008 Ford Edge
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
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.
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.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Ford Edge, also consider:
- Hyundai Veracruz
- Mazda CX-9
- Nissan Murano
- Toyota Highlander
- Subaru Tribeca
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.
Buying Tip:
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.
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2008 Lincoln MKX
TheCarConnection.com's editors researched the latest reviews on the new 2008 Lincoln MKX to write this conclusive review. The crossover experts at TheCarConnection.com also drove the Lincoln MKX and offer opinions and details to help you with your own research. This review also compares the 2008 Lincoln MKX with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.
Likes:
- Modern yet classic styling
- Long list of standard features
- Quiet ride
- Front-seat comfort
- Heated rear seats
Dislikes:
- Long braking distances
- Not the sharpest handling
- Interior not quite equal to class best
All new in 2007, the mid-size, five-passenger 2008 Lincoln MKX crossover didn't change much for this model year. Throughout 2007, the MKX has been a strong seller for Ford's luxury Lincoln brand. For 2008, the mechanical essentials are largely carried over--but the suave interior gets another helping of features and technology.
The standard running gear for the MKX--like that of the sister vehicle, the Ford Edge--includes a 3.5-liter, 263-horsepower V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive an option. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and side and curtain airbags.
For 2008, the MKX's new standard features include Sirius Satellite Radio; heated and cooled front seats with memory positions and lumbar adjustments; and a reverse-sensing system. Ford's SYNC system, which uses Bluetooth connectivity and a touch screen to control communications and entertainment, is also standard.
Standout optional features include a full-length Vista sunroof, adaptive projector-beam headlights that pivot as the MKX turns, heated rear seats, a 14-speaker 600-watt THX audio system with surround sound, and a DVD-based GPS navigation system. A new Limited Package is also available as an option. It features 20-inch chrome wheels, chrome door handles, ebony wood accents, and premium leather seats with black leather and light piping. A Monochrome Limited Edition Package offers the same gear with black paint and a monochrome grille.
On the road, the performance of the 2008 Lincoln MKX is highlighted by good steering. Zero-to-60-mph acceleration runs generate numbers in the mid-eight-second range, which isn't bad, but it won't make you feel like heading to the drag strip. Reviews have raised concerns about the braking system on the MKX, for braking feel and for relatively long stopping distances. On the bright side, the MKX has also received impressive crash test ratings.
The Bottom Line:
Lincoln has a long road back to regaining its status as a meaningful luxury brand, and the 2008 MKX is a step in the right direction.
Other Choices:
If you're interested in the 2008 Lincoln MKX, also consider:
- Acura MDX
- Cadillac SRX
- BMW X5
- Lexus RX350
Reason why
Dynamically, the Acura MDX is a better-handling vehicle than the 2008 Lincoln MKX, as is the rear-wheel-drive Cadillac SRX. If you put a high value on performance, the SRX and BMW X5 offer optional V-8 engines.
The Lexus RX 350 was the bogie for Lincoln, and the gang from Michigan did create a crossover that is more engaging to drive than the Lexus. However, the 2008 Lincoln MKX can't match the level of refinement achieved by the RX 350. One downside of the RX 350's success is that Lexus sells so many of them (over 100,000 per year), you're likely to see yourself coming and going as you visit the upscale suburban shopping malls.
Buying Tip:
The 2008 Lincoln MKX is a good vehicle in a brand that's struggling for recognition against the likes of Lexus. You'll likely strike a better deal on the MKX than on the RX 350. Ford's SYNC system has become available on the newest MKXs, so if voice-controlled iPods are on your must-have list, the MKX offers it.
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