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2008 Ford Edge
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Comments
Here's that same item at the Ford accessory site. Search for part # 7T4Z-7845440-AA (the ebony colored shade).
So it is the non-retractable, fold and store, version. That is a travesty IMO. The retractable cargo shade was really nice and this thing just screams cheap to me. Plus the retractable version used to be like $75. Now this thing is $115 and not as convenient.
Me too. Although I guess we shouldn't pass judgement without having used one yet.
The order guide says something like "pre-installed" IIRC. I took that to mean it is a genuine accessory installed at the factory rather than at the dealer. That would probably account for the $10 difference in price if you order it from the factory rather than from he dealer or their site.
Install & Fit:
The cover is constructed of a (thicker, but not exactly 'heavy-duty') vinyl material, cut to shape and hem-stitched around its perimeter. It's a "tool-less" install except for the two pilot holes that are drilled into the plastic trim near the hatch opening on the right and left sides, about level with the height of the top of the rear seats. These are used for mounting the two-pronged plastic hooks (they look like miniature versions of the ties used as mooring points on a boat dock), where the two short elastic bands on the rear of the cover attach. Once installed, the cover is then suspended over the cargo area at about seat-top level, held in place from the front (3 headrest bands), sides (trim hooks at base of each rear side window, with sewn-in weighted inserts), and the aforementioned rear hooks and bands. The cover is cut to take the shape of the top of the cargo opening (includes the inside shape of the hatch when closed), and does fit well in this regard, with minimal "flap" during travel (windows closed). Curious to see if this holds true once the elastic bands age some, and hot weather returns to soften the vinyl/elastic and back windows may be opened to allow air wash over the cover (flapping & noise?).
Use:
Since the cover has no retracting mechanism, once in place, it can not easily be "opened" or moved out of the way to provide good access to the cargo space, other than the very back edge (no pun intended..) closest to the back lip of the opening. Without detaching any of the rear or side anchoring points (not easily done one-handed or when carrying packages), one is forced to simply bend down and reach under the cover to place or retrieve objects, and when this is done, the cover's rear side ends up just about in your face. Releasing the two rear bands off of their hooks allows about 1/3 of the cover to "droop" down to expose a bit more of the cargo area, but then is in the way of placing/picking up your parcels. This back 1/3 of the cover will not stay in place when folded up and over toward the front (at least in my vehicle), which would make it somewhat more workable. It just falls back down in the way. If you need even more access to items stored further forward toward the rear seats, you will likely need to lean in and release the two side hooks in addition to the rear ones. These two plastic hooks are attached to the cover via flat elastic bands, are "fish hook" shaped, and are not easily manuevered into/out of the small gap between the plastic cargo area trim and the glass of the rear side windows while leaning into the cargo area with your knees pressed against the car's rear (and dirty..?) bumper. They are thin plastic and don't seem very robust, and so may be suseptible to breakage if overly exerted upon during this exersize. Once these hooks are removed, the cover can then be flipped up and forward toward the rear seats (if you can reach in far enough to do this, shorter folks may have trouble here), and will stay folded over there. All of the above would then need to be done in reverse order of course to button things back up.
Overall, this item does accomplish the basic task it is designed for, that is, to keep items in the cargo area out of sight of prying eyes and maybe out of a bright sun at times, but (IMHO) would not be described as a "convenience" to use. Unknown at this time how it will hold up to continued use. Also, as stated earlier above, the cost at ~$115 does not seem to balance against the actual construction and lack of ease in using this product.
Ford's not the only guilty party when it comes to cost-cutting. Anyone driven a Toyota lately? I swear I could hear birds, because all I could think was "cheep cheep cheep!"
The dealer gets a spiff check from Ford on each sale to make up the profit, but it's still 100% voluntary - the dealer doesn't have to accept X plan on any vehicle if they don't want to. But most will - just make sure you tell the dealer up front if you plan to use it.
Yes, they need your personal info to generate a PIN - name, address, last 4 of SSN. This goes into the computer and the dealer must validate this when you purchase the vehicle.
Is X-plan a good deal on Fords? Sure but its not so great that a diligent buyer couldn't get there anyway on most models. The beauty of X-plan IS THE CONVENIENCE of walking in and getting a great price right off of the bat and KNOWING it is a great price.
Make your life easier isn't that worth something? You know if you are getting X-plan because the dealer is suppose to show you the invoice. If you have a dealer that refuses to show you invoice, run, don't walk to the door and make a hasty retreat.
Mark
A lot has changed since '04 actually. Ford did drop the price of all trim levels a year or two ago and right now I see a $3500 rebate on the '08 Explorer in my neck of the woods.
We have a V6 model and consistently averaged 22 mpg on our 3 long highway trips this past Summer. City is 13-14 all the time but we were more than pleased with the highway mileage. Of course YMMV.
I'm not trying to say the Explorer and Mountaineer are the end all, be all for you. But they might be worth a look. I'm pretty sure the captain chairs recline too but I know our split bench 2nd row definitely does.
I do like the Edge a lot and it's still on the short list. But I'm not sure the size is right for us just yet unfortunately.
Its sorely lacking refinement. The interior quality was pretty lousy compared to other CUVs in this segment (Acura RDX, Lexus RX350, Mazda CX-7). Lots of hard plastic on the doors and dash. Leather finish seemed very vinyl like, and cheap, although the seats were quite comfortable.Engine seemed harsh, and the transmission often hunted for gears. No manual shifting available. With just a little more refinement, this would be a very competitive CUV.
Now..the dealer did say originall that the 07 and 08 were the same. I've seen the "sync" system before, and I know that rocks. Is the interior quality any better?
I'm glad you mention that hardhawk as I've had a really hard time finding pictures of that new trim. It's supposed to be real brushed aluminum IIRC. Is it a lot nicer than the aluminum looking trim in the other trims or is it jus a little nicer in your opinion. If you have or can point me to some pics I'd be very appreciative too.
The Saturn Vue Redline. Interior plastics are soft touch, and lightyears ahead in quality versus the ford. Switchgear is chrome metal, not coated plastic, and properly damped. In short, its the price of a Ford, but has the interior of an Audi or Lexus (well, close anyway). The manumatic 6-speed is pretty nice too. One thing it doesn't have is Sync...alas.
Still, nice to see domestic manufacturers finally doing quality interiors. Too bad Ford can't seem to get it right.
I wouldn't exactly call it a domestic - it's derived from the European Opel Antara. Not that it's a bad thing, but most of the credit goes to Opel.
The one exception that I make is if the buyer can't afford a large repair bill and wants to finance the warranty in with the car so they're only paying a few dollars per month.
If you do get one make sure it's a factory warranty (Ford ESP e.g.) - 3rd party warrantys are notorious for problems.
Correct. However I'm betting they will be much cheaper from the factory.
I am curious why the side roof rails are not available with the vista panoramic roof.
Is it a weight issue, or does it have to do with the opening and closing of the roof?
Going skiing and putting skis on top of the ski rack is a major reason why I'm interested in an AWD crossover and it seems silly to me that Ford would create such a design incompatibility.
I'm 6'3" and have always found that a moon roof takes away just enough inches to make me not fit in a car so I'm ok with not getting the vista roof.
I sat in the back of the Acadia with captains seats and it seemed quite roomy (I'm 6'3"). I too considered the Acadia but I'm leaning to the Edge for the following reasons:
1) Comparably equipped Acadia is much pricier (event though it has the 3rd row)
2) I was scared by the quality issues regarding the Acadia discussed on the Acadia forum
3) Lack of meaningful incentives by GM (paltry $500 cash back)
If your son's 15 won't he be driving soon? Maybe it's time to consider getting him his own set of wheels so he won't have to sit in the backseat anymore :-) ?
Of course, I've never abused the priveledge, either. No tickets (never even been pulled over for a violation), and I've never been at fault in the accidents I've been involved in (rear-ended twice, clipped once, and run into a guardrail).
First off, my parents are doing the shopping. They have a Civic, and want a second, bigger vehicle for highway trips. Their priorities are:
Comfort - Smooth Ride, Roomy and Comfortable Seating
Power - This vehicle will be the trip car, used at 70 + MPH and they want plenty of oomph for passing, although they don't have a problem with the Civic (140hp) in this regard they'd like more.
Price - Lux features for under $28k.
Any thoughts on how the ride of the Edge is compared to others in the class? Compared to other sedans? I have an Accord; I'd assume Edge rides smoother than that? I'd LOVE input from people who have both a sedan and an Edge on the noticeable driving differences (besides size).
I'd also love to hear from people who compared the Edge to a Taurus or Taurus X (my folks are really interested in the Taurus Sedan as well).
Thanks for any input!
All in all we love our Edge. It is without a doubt the best vehicle we have owned and it's fun to drive.
Nice rave review! Keep 'em coming folks!
Mark