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Look at this photo:
Notice the "Satin Aluminum" plastic that extends from the center stack around the little parcel shelf? This is what the reflections come from, NOT the whole length of the dash as the articles leave you to believe.
NOW this photo is from a pre production EDGE!!!
Productions Edges have a matte plastic extending up from the vents. The only "satin Aluminum" left is the lip of the parcell shelf. The cut out for the radio/HVAC is also a less shiny surface.
IMHO its a very minor issue.
Cadillac has yet to put Bluetooth in their cars either. It's coming this fall....
Amen!
When they make brains-free cell phones I'll be in favor of in-vehicle usage.
Look what Cadillac has done in the last 2-3 years with the CTS and STS, in the midst of GM's crisis, they managed to turn that brand around to the point where it is on the list of people who otherwise wouldn't have looked past the Germans and Japanese. I am not here to bash Lincoln, I grew up with them, but Ford has been completely rudderless for the past decade (at the least) and has let the Lincoln brand go to pot. I will be watching them closely in the next few years with the hopes that they will do something to win back my business.
Her priorities are interior comfort, which it apparently has in spades, and true hands-free connectivity. Since the connectivity is apparently after-market or dealer-installed, is it really a solid hands-free option a la BMW with voice-activation and recognition without the need for programming numbers?
lincoln's problem is internal competition.
they can't step on the toes of jaguar or volvo.
where does that leave the brand?
My father just bought an MKX yesterday, his Aviator was getting too big for him, he's pushing 80 now. I'll look at it closely to see if Lincoln has made any strides. With luck I will see some hope for the MKS in a year or so when I am ready to trade in my ride.
- relatively compact size, no third-row seat (smaller than an MDX)
- all-wheel drive (live in Chicago)with car-like ride and handling
- distinctive styling
- premium features
- safe, good crash-test ratings
- price less no more than $40-45K
- does not require premium fuel (Yes, I realize that if I can afford $40-45K for a vehicle then I can afford premium fuel)
I have test driven and researched every possible vehicle. The finalists are:
Land Rover LR2 (2008):
+ Very distinctive Land Rover styling and nice features for about $36.5; Suprisingly good ride
- Rear seat leg room is unacceptable (I have two 6' sons that may be passengers); Concern about long-term reliability; No crash test results available yet
I fell in love with this vehicle, but the rear seat space was a show-stopper.
Lexus RX350 (2008):
+ Quality & reliability
- Styling is dated; very common. Showstopper was the front seat. The armrest is terribly uncomfortable (at least for me). Also, why does Toyota insist on continuing to offer a cassette player but no MP3 jack? Reinforces my view that it is a 8 year old vehicle.
Accura RDX
+ Good quality, typical Acura styling
- Driver compartment feels a bit too clausterphobic; choppy ride
Nissan Murano
- Again, too dated (approach 5 years without a significant update)
Cadillac SRX
+ Greatly improved quality, especially in interior materials
- Pricing too complicated. Way to many options and configurations. I can't imagine trying to find the vehicle exactly like I want.
- Looks too long, more like a station wagon
Ford Edge / Lincoln MKX
This vehicle was a major surprise; Perfect dimensions inside and out, even in the rear seat; new engine uses regular fuel and gets reasonable mileage; new 6 speed transmission; very comfortable
In the end I am strongly leaning toward the Linxoln MKX for the following reasons:
- I prefer the styling of the Lincoln to the Ford. The rear end is beautiful. I'm so glad Lincoln avoided the passe clear rear lights. The front grill has really grown on me. I think it will stand the test of time better than the Ford (though I do think the three bar grill is far suprior to the hideous chicken wire mesh on the Ford 500 - Ford needs to stick with something for a while).
- Quiet and good ride.
- Cooled seats; I can't imagine anything better on a hot day
- Vista roof. I didn't think I really needed a sunroof until I sat in the back seat of the MKX and got the overwhelming feeling of space.
- MP3 jack, homelink etc.
I do have a few minor qualms:
1. I wish Lincoln offered a silver color or a nice light silver-blue metallic. Living in Chicago, nothing hides the winter salt better than silver. I also wish that there were a few colors available exclusively to Lincoln. Since MKX/Edge share the same color pallete, I will elect for black (when I think Lincoln I think black).
2. I am not crazy about the satin-nickel accents. They would be better if made from metal rather than plastic. I will opt for the black interior since they seem to blend better than in the light interior.
3. Can someone tell me about these new "chrome clad alumninum wheels"? These appear to be chrome plated plastic glued to alloy wheels. What is the rationale for this other than cost savings? Any idea how these will age? Can the chrome cover be replaced if they get scratched? They certainly would be easier to keep clean than many of the standard chrome plated alloys.
4. I wish Lincoln offered HID headlamps. I've never had these, but have heard raves from friends. However, the adaptive lighting seems like a good safety feature.
5. The Edge/MKX (and the LR2) are all a bit wider than many of the competitors. Can anyone comment on ease of parking and frequency of door dings?
At this point, I am ready to purchase a black/black MKX with the ultimate package plus the vista roof and sattelite radio. I don't think the navigation system or upgraded stereo are worth the additional $2900.
However, before purchasing I am very interested to hear more true owners experiences and any other comments about the wheels or vehicle width.
2. The real metal actually wears worse than the satin plastic. Metal dimples. Just take a look at an MKZ with the alum. instead of wood trim and you will se what I mean.
3. Chrome clad alum wheels are the next greatest thing and if you ever had the chrome wheel with the chrome chipped off, you'll understand. I quote from a Ford training sheet:
What is a chrome-clad wheel?
A chrome-clad wheel consists of multiple layers:
1. The foundation is an aluminum wheel
2. Insulating binder
3. High-heat, high-impact composite (a premium blend of advanced plastic polymers) is permanently bonded to the
aluminum wheel, adding an extra layer of protection
4. Chrome plating is permanently bonded to the composite layer As a result, the chrome-clad aluminum wheel looks great and lasts longer than a traditional chrome-plated wheel.
Is a chrome-clad wheel plastic?
No, the wheel is aluminum with a real chrome finish. There is a composite layer between the aluminum wheel and the chrome finish. This high-impact composite layer was specifically developed for use in a vehicle’s impact zone.
This high-impact composite makes chrome-clad aluminum wheels more durable than traditional chrome-plated wheels.
Aren’t chrome-clad wheels really just wheel covers?
Not at all. They are two different things:
• Wheel covers are typically made of less advanced plastic materials and are a separate piece that can be removed from
the wheel
• Chrome-clad aluminum wheels are a complete, solid system with no removable parts
ADVANTAGES OF CHROME-CLAD ALUMINUM WHEELS VS. CHROME-PLATED WHEELS
• Improved resistance to road salt and chemicals for a longer-lasting shine
• Improved durability for fewer dings, dents, nicks and scratches
• Easier to clean and maintain
• Consistent mirror-like finish even in deep recesses
4. The Lincoln does use "projector style" lamps. HIDs are more expensive to replace both bulb wise and if you are ever in an accident.
5. Width is your friend. The MKX is 1 inch wider than an Explorer and the track (width between the wheels) is 3 inches wider. This results in improved interior space and more planted driving experience. The Edge still fits through the tight double glass doors at the dealership showroom where I work.
Mark.
As for some of your issues.
1) She went with the light exterior/interior, the black interior made the cabin look small. Also, we live in Florida, and the last truck had black and it was very hot.
2) Another reason against the black interior, the light interior had a nicer looking wood grain finish.
3) I didn't notice the wheels at first, but up close they do look like hubcaps. But very easy to clean.
4) Haven't used HID before, but we have no problem and live in a dark area.
5) The truck fits easily into a single door garage and the rear sensors work great during parking.
Overall, we are very happy after the first 3 months. Fuel mileage isn't great (Avg 18 mpg) due to the short daily trips it is used for. Kids and mom love the vista roof, and the navigation and stereo are great if you need them. We looked at the Lexus RX350 (Great reliability, too many on the road), Acura MDX (Expensive with the same options and not pretty enough exterior for my wife) and the Cadillac SRX and Mercedes R350 looked to much like big station wagons.
Hope this helps.
1. What is the difference in the dash with the standard sound system versus the THX sound system. Is the display the same? What about the speaker above the center stack?
2. Does anyone have a picture of the front end with the front license plate holder added? I assume this fits directly on the front bumper.
I think the standard sound system has the typical Ford radio, and I don't know about the speaker above it. If I can get this to work here is a picture of the license plate holder.
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If you think that extra 12 feet is so important then you should go get a X5 that stops in 117 feet compared to the mid 130's for other SUV/CUVs.
All indications are that the majority of the difference in braking distances are due to the tire compound which they're changing for 2008. Some of it might be the ABS calibration and/or the front suspension also. Get the dealer to swap the OEM tires for Michelins and you'll probably be back in the mid 130's just like everyone else.
This is the MKX - it was 147 ft. The Edge was 146.
If you are concerned about dirt, get the charcoal.
Mark.
I think HID lights are hazaardous to oncoming drivers. Is there anybody out there that agrees with me? Or, am I just getting too old for this world? I believe most of these folks that like HID lights, like the style and don't care (or maybe don't realize) about the hazaard they create to oncoming drivers. (at least that's what I believe). I'm glad the MKX doesn't have them. And yes, the adaptive lights seem like a very good idea.
By the way, I am about to order an AWD MKX.. Getting out of my Grand Marquis and into a CUV... Reason? Terrific step in/step out height (vs sedan step down/climb out)... I think Lincoln did a very good job with the MKX. I believe there is a lot of value for the price range they decided to target (just below $40,000). 224/V8 vs 265/V6? - I'm sure the Grand Marquis is smoother passing at 50/60/65 mph but I'm ok with that.. And like the article I'm responding to said, the MKX runs on regular gas (same as my Grand Marquis). At $3 or more (and more, and more) a gallon, sounds good to me...
Try HID's at night and you will see that they are very much worth it. The lack of HID's is probably the main reason why I'm hesitating on the MKX.
Apparently, you've never been to San Francisco.
Oncoming drivers let you know that your lights are blinding them. Usually it's b/c you left your high beams on, but some people do it b/c of HID's.
RE: HID's: Take a look at the very precise and crisp cut-off of the light pattern in the vertical direction. Easily seen when aimed at a dark flat surface, like a garage door.
How about another picture. As you might guess I am excited about this vehicle.
My initial comments deal with reactions by friends. The comments are overwhelmingly positive. Some know what it is, some don't. They have commented on the vehicle's attractive styling, classy presence, and features. The vista roof is an attention-getter.
Tomorrow we get the headrest DVD players installed.