bri719, yes, my Sables were well cared for, well serviced and purchased with less than 50M miles. That's not the point. Other than the couple of cars I've purchased for my high school kids to destroy, I only keep a vehicle for 3 years, or less and resale is critical to me. Although a significant component of resale is the percentage sold as fleet, etc., perceived long term reliability is also a part of it. If I move from my Honda Pilot to an Edge, I'd like to have some potential to, at least, get close to a good resale value when I trade it two, or three years down the road.
The CX-7 is as different to the CD3 (Edge) Platform, as the LS is to the Mustangs, or the Volvo P2, is to Ford's D3. That of the CX-7 has numerous things different, than that of the CD3, but itself, the CD3 stems from a glorified C1, improved in such a way which makes it almost altogether different, even if the core essential structure members are tailored differently.
I've addressed this discussion before where there's no set amount of modifications/tailoring/engineering done to a platform, that allows it to be called "all new", so all depends upon how the manufacturer states it. And itself, there's no "Yes or No" answer to it because again, there's no industry standard as to what is required to call it, "different".
Months ago, Honda stated the Ridgeline was designed upon totally new platform. IN reality, it's derived from the Pilot/Oddysey which itself stems from the U.S. Accord, but don't tell that that because it upsets them, but then again, it's understandable since there's no set criteria.
It's not like someone can say "Well if the wheelbase is increase" or "if the mounting points of the suspension" or "if the firewall width or height is altered" etc... Such criteria would allow everyone to have a clear understand of what is really redesigned, and what is really "all new".
Ironically, there's numerous asian competitors which state "All new", yet, only the wheelbase, increased tracks f/r, and thicker steel used in some structural points, and they deem it all new. So, you be the jury.
In retrospect, is the CX-7 built upon a new platform, I would say 90% of it is, but uses the "philosophy" of the C1 platform (at least in it's frontal structure), for the end result.
Will we see other vehicles stem from this sort of platform, Yes... It might LAND her at any moment. Is it 626 derived? Not at all. Does it share anything with the CD3 (Edge and MKX) Various things, but not enough to call them twins (A'la Tribute/Escape/Mariner).
The 4x4 system in the Mazda is suited differently because of the drivetrain associated with it.
I'll see if I can find you a link that explains/describes 6-Sigma, and what their role is specifically.
These just zoomed to the top of my list to possibly replace my 4runner. Especially the MKX, I like the interior better. Can't wait to see the production versions so we'll know what the mileage, pricing etc is.
I'd say this is a positive step on the road to recovery. Late? Maybe, but its a start.
Hey ANT explain what a 6 Sigma is and better yet, what is a 6 Sigma Black Belt?
In a nutshell - 6 Sigma is a quality assurance initiative to reduce defects to zero. Sigma is the standard deviation of the processes variation. 6 Sigma means the variation is so minute that you will have plus & minus 6 standard deviations (of process variation) within the tolerance established for the process. There's cost reduction also, from reduced scrap, and better material flow. I'm a quality engineer for bearing manufacturer that is tier one to the OEM's. We don't have any 6 Sigma Black Belts at our plant. They're certified experts in implementing 6 Sigma systems and can make upwards of $150K/annually. Hope this helps.
No I have not driven one, and yes I am basically jumping on the bandwagon in regards to its power. Almost everything I've read about it complains about the power.
I actually like the Freestyle a lot. It is a quite practical car, and during the Employee Pricing Fire Sale the prices were very good. But Ford is going to move the Freestyle over to Mercury, so I guess the price will go up.
But Ford is going to move the Freestyle over to Mercury, so I guess the price will go up
Not anymore. Automotive News announced this week that Ford has decided to keep the Freestyle. I don't know if Mercury will get a version, but the Freestyle will be in the lineup for years to come.
I think both Freestyle and Edge should stay with Ford, and the Edge should get a small 3rd row, like the new RAV4, Suburu, and other types of vehicles. I think all SUVs, CUVs, crossovers, etc should have a 3rd row, even if it's pretty small, just to give them more versatility.
As far as the argument about the Freestyle & Edge in competition, that's like saying the Corolla & Camry are in competetion because they both seat 5. The Camry is bigger & more expensive and can seat 5 a whole lot more comfortably than the Corolla. Similarly, an Edge with 3 rows may be able to seat 7, but then the Freestyle could seat 7 a whole lot more comfortably since it's bigger, and it would cost more.
In my opinion, any SUV, CUV, crossover, etc that doesn't offer a 3rd row will be in the minority, and I think that's great. It's good to have the option (especially with a fore/aft sliding 2nd row) of fitting in a couple of extra people/kids, particularly on these types of vehicles.
This may have already come up in the discussion but I haven't gone back to check. Will the Edge have the keypad entry like the Explorer? I really like that feature but I don't think any of the CUVs have it or at least not the ones I've been interested in such as the Tribeca. I'm going to try to hold out on buying something new until the Edge is released if my 110,000 mile Explorer can last till then. I'm excited by the new Ford CUV as I'd really like to stick with Ford but wanted something different too. This seems to fit the bill. Thanks
"Active" means it's always on, not to be confused with "Full-Time"..the 500/FS has an "Active" system. "ON" in the terms of, it's always monitoring itself, numerous times a second. Whereas "Full-Time", means the whole system is running powering all wheels, all the time.
I just do not get the fasination with having to have 7 seats on a compact CUV like the Edge. The Edge should stay five seats (it will have more cargo room than a 7 seater with the rear seats folded down) and the FreeStyle should be the only CUV in Ford's fleet with seven seats.
However I do agree that the FreeStyle should get the Edge nose job and some tiding up on its side flanks. Then with the five seat Edge and the six/seven seat FreeStyle (with the 3.5l) Ford will have a good combination os CUVs.
Incidently I own a Freestyle and I am interested in the Edge/MKX just so you know my point of view.
The Edge should stay five seats (it will have more cargo room than a 7 seater with the rear seats folded down) and the FreeStyle should be the only CUV in Ford's fleet with seven seats. -------------------------------
I think you're exactly right. Ford has decided to keep the Freestyle...maybe for the reason you mention. The Freestyle will be the more "practical" family vehicle and the Edge will be the sportier vehicle for small families or couples. Sporty vehicles usually don't haul seven.
Going slightly off topic for an Edge forum, but I was think more about a CUV line up. Considering than few large SUVs go off road and few of them tow, I think that there is room for a larger 8 seat CUV in Ford's fleet. An Expedition size CUV for example. What got me thinking on this was the Buick Enclave concept at the NAIAS (nice looking vehicle by the way).
Think of a super large wagon on steriods, with three captain chairs in the middle and a split 2/1 three row bench in the third row. Also add AWD, a 4.4 or 5.3l V8 with cylinder deactivation and a bunch of other fun stuff and it would be a very interesting vehicle. The styling would have to be right as well.
There for the majority of us who do not want the truck like SUVs we could opt for:
Ford currently has SixSigma team which goes over each vehicle with a fine tooth comb to make sure everything is perfect before being released, and that same attention to detail will be used for the Edge/MKX.
I can attest to that. When I bought my Fusion a few months ago I got the normal Ford quality survey, but then I got a survey from an outside agency that I was able to complete online. The amount of detail was staggering. Instead of asking about squeaks and rattles they asked specifically what type of squeak or rattle and from what area of the car. That one question had 30-40 potential answers.
I only had one complaint - a skunky smell (literally) from the HVAC which I think is just that - some skunk got under my car during shipping and sprayed it. You can also smell it under the hood when the engine is hot.
A couple of weeks later I received a phone call from the survey company and spent 15 minutes describing every aspect of the problem.
I believe my 97 Explorer would have the full time AWD. Please confirm for me. Drive-wise how does the active differ? I mean can you tell a difference in snow or does it kick in so fast there is no telling the difference? Is the active AWD something that can malfunction and never go into it? This might be a little off topic but does the 06 Explorer have full time or active as the AWD option? Thanks for your help.
If you read the Subaru's webpage, there's a description of all the different types of AWD. It's really interesting and a lot more complicated that I thought.
Let me be specific. Is the Edge getting a Haldex AWD unit and if so, is it the current generation, or the previous generation which is on the 500/Freestyle.
I only had one complaint - a skunky smell (literally) from the HVAC which I think is just that - some skunk got under my car during shipping and sprayed it. You can also smell it under the hood when the engine is hot.
That smell you smelled is a petrolium product put on the exhaust manifold to prevent rust. It burns off in a couple days. My Mazda6 had it as well. And, I'm sure you know, the Fusion and Mazda6 share the same engines. The 2.3L is a Mazda, and the 3.0L is a Ford engine
Then they've put on an extra 10 or 12 coats on mine - I've had the smell for 3 months. I'll have it checked at the dealer or check it myself. Thanks for the info.
Sometimes such systems are bragged about more in some vehicles, over another. The publicity itself of the supplier tempts them to raise their prices, therefore, things are mentioned quietly.
And sometimes when you take an existing system and upgrade it with a few other items on your own, then their name isn't carried or bragged about either....
Ford now has the build and price on the Edge on its website, but it is very hard to get to. You have to go to fordvehicles.com/autoshow, then select the Edge under Up and Coming, and then at the bottom/middle of the page is the link to build it. Starts at 25K but pricing its changing everyday. They are guaging where to price just like they did the Fusion.
The vehicle starts at $25,940 Wwith destination. Not bad at all. My first attempt came up to $26,010 for an SE when completely done but was bar bones must haves. They have a creme color that is beautiful. Then I went to the SEL for the would like vehicle and it can get pricey but is HIGHLY equiped for around 28K. I priced one with leather, power passenger seat, etc. for around that price. The vista roof was only $1,400 more so I could have that for under $30K! Absolutely beautiful.
After building one I think this may have taken over the first pick on my list of possible replacements for my Explorer. It came out just a shade cheaper than the Tribeca with same/similar selections which is great. I still like the Tribeca dash better but the Edge is pretty COOL looking!
The is no reason for a CUV to have 8 inches of ground clearance. It just makes it harder to step in and out of. CUV's are NOT supposed to be pretending to go off-road like SUVs, so why make them as high and therfore as tippy as SUVs. I think ford got it right with the 500/Freestyle when it comes to ride height. More comfortable to get in and out of and more stable on the road. Why didn't they just copy that idea with this CUV, instead of making it SUV in height? There is such a thing as right height, not too low and not too high. I think that is the future trend and the 500/freestyle got it right. It looks like the edge is several inches taller than the freestyle. I have test driven a freestyle and found it more than adequately high, so why make the edge higher? I can think of no good reason unless they are still hung up on the SUV concept. If you want to sit up high? rent a UPS truck. There is a point of diminishing returns where the better view of the road provided by a taller vehicle is negated by poorer road performance and less safety, and ultimately less fun to drive. Just my opinion.
Well I think the price of my Edge came to be more than the cost of our loaded Freestyle. I'm shocked - I don't think that should be right. At that price I would probably go for the 3.5l AWD Lincoln Zephyr instead (well optioned of course). I would like the crossover but would also me more than happy with an AWD sedan.
Here was my specs.
2007 Edge SEL AWD
Total Price: $33,470.00
Package: SEL Drivetrain:: AWD
Exterior Color & Interior Trim - Pewter Met - Med Light Stone
Special Packages - Seating Flexibility Package + Premium Package - Safety Package - Convenience Group
Wheels - 18 inch Painted Aluminum Wheels
Radio - Audiophile AM/FM In-dash CDX6/MP3 with Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Options/Upgrades - SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio with 6 month prepaid subscription - AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control - Reverse Sensing System - Roof Rack Side Rails - Black
Future Options (not included in Total Price) - Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone Integration
It is interesting that they are also asking for input on options beyond the 2007 model year. Very clever! What would your build be?
I'm surprised at the cost of the Edge. For the size of the vehicle compared to the Freestyle, I'd have thought that the Edge would start at about $20K, not $25K where the Freestyle starts. It's sort of like having the Ford 500 cost the same as the Ford Fusion, or the Explorer and the Expedition costing the same...doesn't make sense to me.
To me, the Edge is a sportier looking and smaller version of the Freestyle, much like the Escape is a sportier and smaller version of the Explorer, but I wouldn't pay the same price for both!
I have a Freestyle right now, and I think the ride height is perfect. No climbing up or dropping down into the seat.
Does anyone know if it will have tire pressure sensors? Somewhere I read that all cars are supposed to have them soon. If not then that is something I would certainly like to see if they would work. I have heard of many problems with these on other cars. I would also like to see a plug-in hybrid and an automatic shift to air recirculation when in reverse.
I am glad to see the 8". Although I don't go off road I often use dirt roads which don't get plowed when it snows and I like the extra height when I can get it.
There are some reasons to have the ground clearance. To be classified as a LDT "Light Duty Truck" (which I assume is how ford has this classified to take advantage of looser crash and mileage standards) they need to meet 4/5 basic dimensions on the vehicle. These are front departure,ground clearance, axle clearance, centerline angle, and rear departure. You sometimes need to give one one to get the others in spec...plus if they are using an already developed platform they could be stuck with it.
They should offer adjustable ride height or air suspension as an option to meet your requirements as you are probably not alone in this complaint.
I knew it wouldn't cme in around $20K. I mean come on that is Rav4 territory. The Nissan Murano starts at $27,600 and the Ford is bigger with much much more standard features! The Highlander starts at $25,135 for the 4c without the third row!!! It also has, again, less standard equipment. And the third row seat has been defined as unusable. Sorta like the old Camaros that supposedly fit four but that was only if the back seat people were 4 feet tall and sat indian style. I think $25K entry is completely reasonable. I mean come on people, let's not try to make them sell a car and dig a grave at the same time. The Freestyle has been labeled as a station wagon basically and is not a direct competitor. The closest competitor has always been the Pacifica, not the Highlander which starts at the same price with 2 less seats.
Mine came in at 32k. I built an SEL AWD, but not quite as any options a yours. Not sure how I feel about 32k, I'd really have to see one in person to decide if its worth that much. Wonder where the MKX comes in if an Edge can run you into the low 30's?
I'm sure you're talking style...keeping people from liking it. It takes a while to grow on you in pictures but in person it's a whole other story. I only test drove it for a few minutes but it seemed pretty comfortable. I like what the Tribeca offers at the price it is offered compared to others in the same category such as Murano and RX330. Everything is standard pretty much depending on whether limited or regular, 5 passenger/7 passenger is chosen. The only other options are DVD or nav. All the safety features are standard which is the way it should be when you're talking safety, but the Edge offers them plus you get a couple not offered on Tribeca like the keypad entry and reverse sensing system. With them the price is a bit below MSRP on Tribeca with most of the same features.
I think for what the Edge is it is priced below competitors so I'm not sure why people are thinking it's expensive. Go price out a Lexus RX330 and then get back to us. Even the Murano with the same options because you have to get them all to get the safety features is several thousand higher than the Edge. I think Ford's done a great job with it!!
I was in a Lincoln dealer just yesterday looking at the Zephyr during my lunch break. Its a nice looking car - better than in the photos. Anyway, you can get that car for about 32K with some very nice options. That is about 6K over a loaded Fusion.
So my guess is that the MarkX (I hear that is now the new name after Acura sued them over MKX being too close to MDX) will be about 6K over a loaded Edge, say about $39K. Thats a lot of money, but its comparable to Acura's MDX and undercuts (i think by some margin) BMW's X3.
Of course I could be totally wrong....
At that money I am beginning to think the Zephyr AWD will be a better choice at about $33-34K as we already have the Freestyle for our utility...
I think for what the Edge is it is priced below competitors so I'm not sure why people are thinking it's expensive. Go price out a Lexus RX330 and then get back to us. Even the Murano with the same options because you have to get them all to get the safety features is several thousand higher than the Edge. I think Ford's done a great job with it!!
I state the edge is expensive as its top end models will be about the same cost as the top end models of the Freestyle. I am fine with it starting at about $25k but what was annoying was the fact the adding basic safety features like ABS (its not standard!) and side air bags start to bump up the price considerably. If its topped out just under $30k I would be happy but at $33-34k its beginning to look like Ford will be needing incentives to move these...
As for comparing the Edge in price against the Lexus RX330 you are totally missing the target demographic for this car. This car will be up against the likes of the Murano and Equinox, and it will be up to the Lincoln MarkX to take on vehicles like the RX330 - totally different price points.
I hear that is now the new name after Acura sued them over MKX being too close to MDX
The name was ALWAYS Mark X - that hasn't changed. But it was written MK X (just like the MK VII, MK VIII, etc.). The lawsuit is still pending. They might be able to settle it by spelling out Mark like they do on the Mark LT.
My point is that comparable to looks or shape of the Edge would be the RX330, Murano and several others. The Freestyle while it is considered to be a CUV looks like a station wagon or a flattened Explorer to me and I don't consider it to be competition or comparable to the Edge.
The "rounder" CUVs are the hot ticket right now in my opinion and the price will reflect the trend somewhat. This is just my opinion.
I think the Freestyle is a great vehicle for moderately big families because it has more room, but I think the Edge will catch the attention of singles (unless they all go after the Mazda CX7), couples and families with only one kid maybe. The Freestyle isn't going to be high on the list of any single young childless twenty-somethings though. Again this is just an opinion.
The Freestyle isn't going to be high on the list of any single young childless twenty-somethings though. Again this is just an opinion.
May be an opinion but it is probably fact as well... If it was not for the fact that my family has one toddler and we were planning on getting another, we would never have bought a Freestyle. My wife would have liked to have stayed in her Audi A4 wagon, but it was just too small. For a people hauler that is not a van or a cumbersome full size SUV the Freestyle is a wonderful car. It one major failing is its lackluster styling. To this day I still have buyers doubt wondering if we would have done better with a Pacifica. I know the Freestyle is the better car (that's why we bought it) but the Pacifica just looks so much nicer!
The Rav4 is a good equal to the Edge, so they should start at about the same price. If Ford wants to make a luxury version of the Edge, then up the price and send it over to Mercury or Lincoln. Just like the Fusion & Lincoln Zephyr.
As far as the 3rd row being "useless" in the Highlander and some other similar types of vehicles, maybe useless for adults, but works for kids, and I've said before the I'd like to have the option of taking a couple of extra kids with me than driving two vehicles someplace.
And as far as comparing the Edge to RX330 or Murano, just because the outside style is the same, doesn't mean that they're in the same class for handling, quality, etc. That's like saying that if a Kia has the same outside "looks & shape" of a BMW, then they're both in the same class.
I just think that if you have the Escape, Edge, Explorer & Freestyle all sitting on the Ford lot and if they're all about the same price, you can expect them to compete against each other.
Seeing that got be thinking (a dangerous thing...)
We can not call the Edge a crossover. Its is clearly an SUV! Why? Well its name begins with an E. Its in the E company, Escape and Explorer, definately an SUV. Perhaps that is why it will ride higher that the FreeStyle, which is clearly a car as it starts with an F. Its in the F company, Fusion, Five Hundred....
Perhaps the crossover should start with another letter? G perhaps. The Freestyle should be the Ford Galaxy... Can't use that, it may get confused with Ford's minivan from Europe. Anyway I'm rambling, I'll stop now
Sometimes wonder who should be suing who. If anything, I think Ford should tell Acura where to go. MK, S-type, etc all come from Jaguar (now Ford) lines back into the sixties. So we see Acura MDX and Acura 'type s' - I am sure Acura came up with that one on their own .
The Freestyle isn't going to be high on the list of any single young childless twenty-somethings
I'd agree there for the most part. But if you look at an Escape & Edge and the Edge costs $5K more, then that's a lot to pay for the styling. Plus the only way Ford is going to get back into the market is to keep prices low.
And if they made the Freestyle a little sportier, they could market it to single young childless twenty-somethings as a vehicle to haul a bunch of your friends around in. It's not that much bigger than the Edge, but a lot more practical.
I think the Edge nicely fills out the line with Escape, Freestyle and Explorer. Those are all different categories. The Edge is the Ford Murano.
Now, ford needs an entry level suv/cuv below the Escape. A smaller 4cyl that bases for about 15k. Ford had a good run raking in the profits on those big SUVs but the party's over. Now the action is smaller, more economical and slimmer profits per vehicle.
To me the Escape, Explorer & Expedition are in the same category...small, medium, & large SUVs.
I look at the same relationship between the Edge & Freestyle, which are both crossovers, with the Edge being like the Fusion wagon-crossover-CUV and the Freestyle being the Ford 500 wagon-crossover-CUV.
That's why when I look at the cost of the Escape, Explorer & Expedition being from low to high, but then the Edge & Freestyle cost being the same, that's where it gets confusing to me.
Comments
I heard pricing will start at around $27k to around $35k.
I also heard that the CX-7 is not off of the same platform but rather off of the Mazda6 platform. True?
I also heard that the 4x4 system in the Mazda will be different. True?
Mark.
I've addressed this discussion before where there's no set amount of modifications/tailoring/engineering done to a platform, that allows it to be called "all new", so all depends upon how the manufacturer states it. And itself, there's no "Yes or No" answer to it because again, there's no industry standard as to what is required to call it, "different".
Months ago, Honda stated the Ridgeline was designed upon totally new platform. IN reality, it's derived from the Pilot/Oddysey which itself stems from the U.S. Accord, but don't tell that that because it upsets them, but then again, it's understandable since there's no set criteria.
It's not like someone can say "Well if the wheelbase is increase" or "if the mounting points of the suspension" or "if the firewall width or height is altered" etc... Such criteria would allow everyone to have a clear understand of what is really redesigned, and what is really "all new".
Ironically, there's numerous asian competitors which state "All new", yet, only the wheelbase, increased tracks f/r, and thicker steel used in some structural points, and they deem it all new. So, you be the jury.
In retrospect, is the CX-7 built upon a new platform, I would say 90% of it is, but uses the "philosophy" of the C1 platform (at least in it's frontal structure), for the end result.
Will we see other vehicles stem from this sort of platform, Yes... It might LAND her at any moment. Is it 626 derived? Not at all. Does it share anything with the CD3 (Edge and MKX) Various things, but not enough to call them twins (A'la Tribute/Escape/Mariner).
The 4x4 system in the Mazda is suited differently because of the drivetrain associated with it.
I'll see if I can find you a link that explains/describes 6-Sigma, and what their role is specifically.
I'd say this is a positive step on the road to recovery. Late? Maybe, but its a start.
In a nutshell - 6 Sigma is a quality assurance initiative to reduce defects to zero. Sigma is the standard deviation of the processes variation. 6 Sigma means the variation is so minute that you will have plus & minus 6 standard deviations (of process variation) within the tolerance established for the process.
There's cost reduction also, from reduced scrap, and better material flow. I'm a quality engineer for bearing manufacturer that is tier one to the OEM's. We don't have any 6 Sigma Black Belts at our plant. They're certified experts in implementing 6 Sigma systems and can make upwards of $150K/annually.
Hope this helps.
I actually like the Freestyle a lot. It is a quite practical car, and during the Employee Pricing Fire Sale the prices were very good. But Ford is going to move the Freestyle over to Mercury, so I guess the price will go up.
Not anymore. Automotive News announced this week that Ford has decided to keep the Freestyle. I don't know if Mercury will get a version, but the Freestyle will be in the lineup for years to come.
I'd like to see it stay with Ford. That means a lower price tag
As far as the argument about the Freestyle & Edge in competition, that's like saying the Corolla & Camry are in competetion because they both seat 5. The Camry is bigger & more expensive and can seat 5 a whole lot more comfortably than the Corolla. Similarly, an Edge with 3 rows may be able to seat 7, but then the Freestyle could seat 7 a whole lot more comfortably since it's bigger, and it would cost more.
In my opinion, any SUV, CUV, crossover, etc that doesn't offer a 3rd row will be in the minority, and I think that's great. It's good to have the option (especially with a fore/aft sliding 2nd row) of fitting in a couple of extra people/kids, particularly on these types of vehicles.
What does this mean?
Mark.
Thanks
However I do agree that the FreeStyle should get the Edge nose job and some tiding up on its side flanks. Then with the five seat Edge and the six/seven seat FreeStyle (with the 3.5l) Ford will have a good combination os CUVs.
Incidently I own a Freestyle and I am interested in the Edge/MKX just so you know my point of view.
-------------------------------
I think you're exactly right. Ford has decided to keep the Freestyle...maybe for the reason you mention. The Freestyle will be the more "practical" family vehicle and the Edge will be the sportier vehicle for small families or couples. Sporty vehicles usually don't haul seven.
Think of a super large wagon on steriods, with three captain chairs in the middle and a split 2/1 three row bench in the third row. Also add AWD, a 4.4 or 5.3l V8 with cylinder deactivation and a bunch of other fun stuff and it would be a very interesting vehicle. The styling would have to be right as well.
There for the majority of us who do not want the truck like SUVs we could opt for:
5 seat Edge
6/7 seat Freestyle
7/8 seat Gladiator Wagon (TM)
Could be fun...
I can attest to that. When I bought my Fusion a few months ago I got the normal Ford quality survey, but then I got a survey from an outside agency that I was able to complete online. The amount of detail was staggering. Instead of asking about squeaks and rattles they asked specifically what type of squeak or rattle and from what area of the car. That one question had 30-40 potential answers.
I only had one complaint - a skunky smell (literally) from the HVAC which I think is just that - some skunk got under my car during shipping and sprayed it. You can also smell it under the hood when the engine is hot.
A couple of weeks later I received a phone call from the survey company and spent 15 minutes describing every aspect of the problem.
Ford does seem to be serious about quality.
Thanks for your help.
http://www.subaru.com/allwheeldrive/ver2005/index.jsp
Let me be specific. Is the Edge getting a Haldex AWD unit and if so, is it the current generation, or the previous generation which is on the 500/Freestyle.
Mark.
That smell you smelled is a petrolium product put on the exhaust manifold to prevent rust. It burns off in a couple days. My Mazda6 had it as well. And, I'm sure you know, the Fusion and Mazda6 share the same engines. The 2.3L is a Mazda, and the 3.0L is a Ford engine
And sometimes when you take an existing system and upgrade it with a few other items on your own, then their name isn't carried or bragged about either....
Everything else about the car seems super.
Here was my specs.
2007 Edge SEL AWD
Total Price: $33,470.00
Package: SEL
Drivetrain:: AWD
Exterior Color & Interior Trim
- Pewter Met
- Med Light Stone
Special Packages
- Seating Flexibility Package + Premium Package
- Safety Package
- Convenience Group
Wheels
- 18 inch Painted Aluminum Wheels
Radio
- Audiophile AM/FM In-dash CDX6/MP3 with Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Options/Upgrades
- SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio with 6 month prepaid subscription
- AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control
- Reverse Sensing System
- Roof Rack Side Rails - Black
Future Options (not included in Total Price)
- Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone Integration
It is interesting that they are also asking for input on options beyond the 2007 model year. Very clever! What would your build be?
To me, the Edge is a sportier looking and smaller version of the Freestyle, much like the Escape is a sportier and smaller version of the Explorer, but I wouldn't pay the same price for both!
I have a Freestyle right now, and I think the ride height is perfect. No climbing up or dropping down into the seat.
I am glad to see the 8". Although I don't go off road I often use dirt roads which don't get plowed when it snows and I like the extra height when I can get it.
They should offer adjustable ride height or air suspension as an option to meet your requirements as you are probably not alone in this complaint.
I think for what the Edge is it is priced below competitors so I'm not sure why people are thinking it's expensive. Go price out a Lexus RX330 and then get back to us.
So my guess is that the MarkX (I hear that is now the new name after Acura sued them over MKX being too close to MDX) will be about 6K over a loaded Edge, say about $39K. Thats a lot of money, but its comparable to Acura's MDX and undercuts (i think by some margin) BMW's X3.
Of course I could be totally wrong....
At that money I am beginning to think the Zephyr AWD will be a better choice at about $33-34K as we already have the Freestyle for our utility...
I state the edge is expensive as its top end models will be about the same cost as the top end models of the Freestyle. I am fine with it starting at about $25k but what was annoying was the fact the adding basic safety features like ABS (its not standard!) and side air bags start to bump up the price considerably. If its topped out just under $30k I would be happy but at $33-34k its beginning to look like Ford will be needing incentives to move these...
As for comparing the Edge in price against the Lexus RX330 you are totally missing the target demographic for this car. This car will be up against the likes of the Murano and Equinox, and it will be up to the Lincoln MarkX to take on vehicles like the RX330 - totally different price points.
K.
The name was ALWAYS Mark X - that hasn't changed. But it was written MK X (just like the MK VII, MK VIII, etc.). The lawsuit is still pending. They might be able to settle it by spelling out Mark like they do on the Mark LT.
The "rounder" CUVs are the hot ticket right now in my opinion and the price will reflect the trend somewhat. This is just my opinion.
I think the Freestyle is a great vehicle for moderately big families because it has more room, but I think the Edge will catch the attention of singles (unless they all go after the Mazda CX7), couples and families with only one kid maybe. The Freestyle isn't going to be high on the list of any single young childless twenty-somethings though. Again this is just an opinion.
May be an opinion but it is probably fact as well... If it was not for the fact that my family has one toddler and we were planning on getting another, we would never have bought a Freestyle. My wife would have liked to have stayed in her Audi A4 wagon, but it was just too small. For a people hauler that is not a van or a cumbersome full size SUV the Freestyle is a wonderful car. It one major failing is its lackluster styling. To this day I still have buyers doubt wondering if we would have done better with a Pacifica. I know the Freestyle is the better car (that's why we bought it) but the Pacifica just looks so much nicer!
Anyway back to Edge discussions...
As far as the 3rd row being "useless" in the Highlander and some other similar types of vehicles, maybe useless for adults, but works for kids, and I've said before the I'd like to have the option of taking a couple of extra kids with me than driving two vehicles someplace.
And as far as comparing the Edge to RX330 or Murano, just because the outside style is the same, doesn't mean that they're in the same class for handling, quality, etc. That's like saying that if a Kia has the same outside "looks & shape" of a BMW, then they're both in the same class.
I just think that if you have the Escape, Edge, Explorer & Freestyle all sitting on the Ford lot and if they're all about the same price, you can expect them to compete against each other.
Seeing that got be thinking (a dangerous thing...)
We can not call the Edge a crossover. Its is clearly an SUV! Why? Well its name begins with an E. Its in the E company, Escape and Explorer, definately an SUV. Perhaps that is why it will ride higher that the FreeStyle, which is clearly a car as it starts with an F. Its in the F company, Fusion, Five Hundred....
Perhaps the crossover should start with another letter? G perhaps. The Freestyle should be the Ford Galaxy...
They already did - it's called the Mark X (for now).
I'd agree there for the most part. But if you look at an Escape & Edge and the Edge costs $5K more, then that's a lot to pay for the styling. Plus the only way Ford is going to get back into the market is to keep prices low.
And if they made the Freestyle a little sportier, they could market it to single young childless twenty-somethings as a vehicle to haul a bunch of your friends around in. It's not that much bigger than the Edge, but a lot more practical.
Now, ford needs an entry level suv/cuv below the Escape. A smaller 4cyl that bases for about 15k. Ford had a good run raking in the profits on those big SUVs but the party's over. Now the action is smaller, more economical and slimmer profits per vehicle.
I look at the same relationship between the Edge & Freestyle, which are both crossovers, with the Edge being like the Fusion wagon-crossover-CUV and the Freestyle being the Ford 500 wagon-crossover-CUV.
That's why when I look at the cost of the Escape, Explorer & Expedition being from low to high, but then the Edge & Freestyle cost being the same, that's where it gets confusing to me.
But maybe I'm just looking at it wrong.