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Maybe that's what Ford had around to test? At the bottom of the first page of the article is this little blurb:
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
They did compare the Edge to at least six competing SUVs but I guess you are saying the loaded Edge isn't comparable to a base Santa Fe?
Maybe one of the editors will read this thread and shed some light on your question.
I understand why they tested a loaded Edge, but if they want to compare prices why not look at vehicles with comparable equipment levels? base vs. base, loaded vs. loaded, AWD vs AWD, etc.? Is that asking too much?
There was a reference to the Cadillac SRX as being 'comparable' to the Edge. The Edge and SRX are targeted at different buyers although you 'could' compare them as they are both CUV's. The Cadillac is considered a luxury CUV and the price noted ($37,665) is for the base car. If you add AWD and large sunroof option, which the Edge has, the SRX price ballons to $41,365. If you add navigation and heated seats that were also on the Edge, the price climbs even higher. Not sure why the reviewer lumped in the SRX but it is a much more expensive vehicle when optioned accordingly and MPG is lower w/AWD.
When the Edge starts appearing at dealerships in sufficient numbers, then potential buyers will let it be known whether they like the vehicle and are willing to pay what Ford is asking. Styling certainly helps to sell a vehicle, but quality and value are important components as well.
Regards -
M. J. McCloskey
The point of naming each of those vehicles was simply to illustrate the following hypothetical, "If you had $36,000 to spend on one vehicle -- besides this particular Edge -- you could also get (fill-in the blank) for about the same or less money." Some of those alternatives are available with three rows of seating, some with all-wheel drive, some with navigation, some with all of the above, and some with none of the above. My point is this: I don't know about you, but to me, $36K is a bunch of money. Before I were to spend that, I'd be sure to research what else is out there and to determine if those similarly priced alternatives were better suited or not to my needs. Would I need more or less seating, interior volume, towing capacity, or fun in the one vehicle on which I'm about to spend a huge chunk of change?
That's what I meant when I wrote, "Bottom Line: The price might be hard to foist on sophisticated buyers who know what else is out there, but the Edge offers a new and reasonably useful package." I'm sorry I couldn't write an absolutely sparkling review for this vehicle (which we all know is very important to the future health of FoMoCo), but every time I found something to like, I also found something to question.
I really do appreciate you all taking the time to read and comment. While I'm not insecure in my vehicle assessments, I usually check to see what the public is saying about the vehicle in general (e.g. It's ugly; it's now on my shopping list; MT got a better 0-60; whatever). I'm as into cars as you are. That's why I do this for a living.
Respectfully,
Chris Walton, Chief Road Test Editor
i'll go back read your review again. i'll probably have something to post after that.
chris,
jmo, it would have been better to point out it was a pre-production test vehicle. the brakes are a concern. how many miles were on your tester? maybe you let some other things slide because of that? highlander 3rd seat and caddy srx comparisons were a bit of a stretch. i didn't really like the 'foist' terminology.
load up a sienna xle awd. then compare the weight, price, and performance for the extra row of seats and more cargo capacity. :surprise:
given all the 'betters' of others, that's what i came up with for a comparison.
And please tell me you understand how lengthening the stroke of an engine increases the displacement.
Lucky you to be able to be an automotive journalist and drive/review cars for a living. The article was certainly well written and contained specifics about the Edge that many potential buyers might overlook. I had no intention of besmirching your review by stating the Cadillac SRX was not a far comparison to the Edge. As you know, that vehicle is in another class regardless of it's price point. Most that are shopping an SRX may not even consider a Ford product. I agree that 36K is a lot for a vehicle of any type and I, for one, think is a bit steep for a Ford. I bought a 2005 Freestyle in April 2005 which had a MSRP of nearly 34K - which I refused to pay. Needless to say I got it for 3K less and have been very pleased with it.
Keep up the good work - that's why people such as myself continue to reference Edmunds for it's information from reviewers and forum posters.
Regards -
M. J. McCloskey
The price comparisons weren't just mentioned in passing. They were THE lead and a central point to your review. You got there by the end of the first paragraph:
"So what's the problem?
"Our loaded Edge carried a $36,360 as-tested price. Granted our tester was packing the top-tier SEL Plus AWD trim level, but even staffers enamored by the Edge took one look at that number and spontaneously blurted out something like, 'Well that changes everything.'"
What changed???
In my opinion, the price category in which you viewed the vehicle. It was now seen as being at a higher price point than the Pilot/Highlander - more SRX-like in price. Note the very next paragraph:
"The fact is you get a comparable Honda Pilot EX-L AWD or Toyota Highlander Limited AWD (both with a third-row) for less than that. Even a Cadillac SRX V6 comes in at $37,665."
All the above price comparisons are wrong. The Edge is priced at or below the Pilot and the Highlander when comparably equipped. The SRX is at least $6K more. I agree that the Edge is probably not the class leader, but I think your flawed price comparisons and resulting wrong expectations drove an excessively negative tone to the review.
You didn't do your homework, and I don't think you can offer an acceptable excuse for that.
if you want to see a comparison of some overweight oinkers, check out the minivan story on the main page. :sick:
'02 comparison test: explorer 0-60 8.3, 15.7 mpg. damn slow, gas sucking suv. :P
I'm happy for the opportunity to have a dialogue with our readers (unlike some "buff" books who take a month to dream up a witty insult and hide behind the name "Ed." in the Backfires column.)
Instead, I merely wanted to raise some doubt in your minds as to what Ford was thinking with the Edge - Is it really the cure-all it's promoted to be? Is it the least bit sporty to drive? Is it a good deal? Does it have a fuel economy advantage over the SUVs it is supposed to replace? Do you realize it weighs as much as regular-cab F-150 V8 with 4wd? Don't you think the price is a little steep?
I'm not trying to kick Ford when they're down. I'm just trying to help you folks realize there are alternatives. That's all. I have no agenda other than to help you inform yourselves.
And for the record, I did write, "The base price for an Edge SEL Plus AWD like ours is $31,395. A base model SE with FWD starts at $25,995." That was in a photo caption, but it was there. Also, I understand that increasing the stroke also increases the overall cylinder displacement -- as well as torque output (if all else remains the same -- which it usually does not).
Okay, I'm signing off for now. I hope you all realize we're here for the information and the fun of it all. Let's not get carried away.
Chris Walton, Inside Line.
Some automotive reviewers just have to find something to gripe about with Ford.
i wish the edge had a rear hatch window that opened seperate from the liftgate. lack of that says minivan to me.
for example, i just bought some new tires for my wife's escape. they are the same size as the original tires, but a noticeably larger.
i replaced the tires on my explorer. the new ones are quiet and smooth riding, but they are below average in bad weather. the old tires were noisy, rough riding, but great in bad weather.
Yes, but Newton also says the braking force (i.e. friction) is proportional to the weight so the masses "cancel out." You are probably thinking of that James Joule fellow who tells us the brakes heat up in proportion to the weight of the vehicle, i.e. Akirby's point.
tidester, host
The brakes are probably str8 off of the Fusion which is why the prototypes had unvented rear roters...I hope they change that for production.
Mark.
How Much Will Ford Fix the Edge? (The Driving Woman)
So, cosmetics and ""two functional changes." One rear brake each would be "two functional changes" eh?
To me it felt like the Murano in ride quality.
The driving position was very comfortable. I agree with others in that the front seats have to be the most comfortable Ford has had in A LONG TIME! Very supportive and the right amount of cushion! I didn't want to get out!
Fit and finish was equal to Toyota and Honda. If not a bit more solid. Some of Toyota's latest models, are a bit thin in the doors. These doors had a nice "thud" when closing. I like that.
Engine was responsive and no throttle lag like Toyota has on some of their vehicles. Also, I commend Ford on this engine, I can see why it was in Ward's ten best engines for 2006. Very smooth, refined. Ford definitely has been doing their homework (about time)!
Transmission - 6 speed was smooth, but i felt that the shift points needed to be a bit more pronounced. I like to know when the car is shifting, it helps me know what gear I'm in.
I only wish Ford would get rid of that UGLY green illumination and go with something less "1980's" and get a nice blue or white. Other than that, I think Ford, if they keep on this type of engineering or better, should be good for the future.
Bet you can't wait!
Mark.
Hope they also are working on upgraded brakes as well. Would like them to be a little more sporty
Criticizing the RSC system because it limits the ability to push the vehicle to its limit is stupid.
Comparing the price points of a loaded EDGE to another's base vehicle is shortsighted.
The US car industry was bad for many years. It's ashame that writers are still to biased and fearfullnow to write an objective, even handed review.
Cheers,
I don't think Ford is recovering. It's the culture inside the company. And that's hard to change. Goodbye Ford.
With a FIXED volume "gear" type oil pump such as Toyota uses the capacity/volume MUST be minimized in order not to overheat the ATF at higher engine RPMs. Minimized volume results in the inability at idle to provide sufficient pressure/flow for two sequential gear changes.
The new (~98??) Toyota shift pattern/schedule might require an upshift with any lift-throttle event, especially a FULL lift-throttle event in order to prevent engine compression braking from interfering with ABS or even resulting in loss of directional control if the roadbed is slippery enough.
So if you happen to re-apply throttle just after this upshift sequence begins then with the engine now at idle there may not be enough ATF pressure/flow to complete the required downshift quickly.
Toyota's solution was to adopt DBW, e-throttle, to delay the onset of engine torque 1-2 seconds, "to protect the drive train", until the downshift can be completed.
If it helps, go take a look at the Ford Fusion problems/solutions board...OH WAIT THERE ISN'T ONE!
Mark.
Ford will turbo the 3.5L also, take a look at the Lincoln MKR concept. (CLICK HERE) for an article about this cars engine.
This engine is producing 118hp/L.
Mark.
Sorry.
From personal experience, the 3.0L Duratec is pretty bulletproof. I have one in my Lincoln LS. 80K and runs like new with $0 maintenance except oil changes.