Used 2008 Ford Edge

By masterfully combining the best attributes of a responsive but comfortable sedan with those of a versatile and roomy SUV, the 2008 Ford Edge fulfills the promise of the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) like no other example to date. It also demonstrates impeccable timing, arriving just as many car-based CUV sales begin overtaking their truck-based SUV counterparts. The Ford Edge might not have the capability to impact the market in the same way as the automaker’s Taurus sedan of 1986 or the Explorer SUV of 1991, but the fact that it’s good enough to get mentioned in the same sentence as those milestones says quite a bit.

In the city and on the highway, the 2008 Ford Edge met or exceeded nearly all of our high expectations. More significant than how quickly the Edge was able to merge and pass was how pleasantly it did so, with none of the racket and drama we might have expected from such a vehicle only a few years ago. At cruising speeds, we were impressed by an appreciably quiet cabin and a notably comfortable ride. Only when the road began to wind and curve, and we began to push it harder, did the Edge reveal any noteworthy limitations, although we nonetheless consider the suspension, steering and brakes ideally balanced for the vehicle’s purpose in life.

The Edge’s more familiar interior styling doesn’t quite live up to the expectations set by its cutting-edge sheetmetal, but it’s nonetheless attractive, comfortable and spacious. Highlights include an especially roomy back seat with reclining seatbacks and a center console big enough to swallow a laptop or purse. Available niceties include a big panoramic sunroof, remote seat release buttons that let you fold the rear seatbacks flat from the cargo area and a fold-flat front passenger seat that allows for the transport of items up to eight feet in length.

By resisting the urge to add even a small, "just in case" third-row seat, Ford’s designers were able to give the Edge the sleeker, sportier profile that helps set it apart from the crowd. The view from the side is marked by a large but subtle rear spoiler, short front and rear overhangs and well-defined wheel arches framing 17-inch aluminum wheels. The front of the vehicle is dominated by a version of the three-bar chrome grille that debuted on the Ford Fusion sedan, while the back is defined by dual exhaust outlets, a big, unapologetic Ford oval and clear-lens taillamps. Edge SEL and Limited models are distinguished by 18-inch wheels, front fog lights, chrome exhaust tips plus body-color mirrors, door handles and spoiler.

Available Remote Seatback Release
For loading larger items, the split rear seatback folds flat at the push of two cargo area-mounted buttons.

Available Panoramic Sunroof
Open or closed, the Edge’s massive glass sunroof really livens up the passenger cabin. There’s even a second, fixed glass panel over the second row.

In addition to the 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission, a base Edge SE includes power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, single-disc CD/CD-MP3 sound system, auxiliary audio input jack, reclining rear seatbacks and 17-inch aluminum wheels, A comprehensive set of standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and two-row side-curtain airbags, plus electronic stability control with rollover mitigation.

Features not included on a base Edge include the two-panel panoramic sunroof, EasyFold trunk-mounted remote rear-seat release, DVD-based voice activated navigation system, DVD rear-seat entertainment system, power rear liftgate, SYNC hands-free communication and entertainment system, reverse sensing system, premium six-disc audio system, leather seating, power and heated front seats and fold-flat passenger seat.

In addition to Ford’s newest V6, the Edge’s powertrain features a cutting-edge six-speed automatic transmission that’s the product of a joint development program between Ford and GM. The available all-wheel-drive system functions in front-wheel-drive mode until a need for additional traction is detected. In true crossover fashion, the Edge is built upon the same platform as Ford’s Fusion sedan. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

3.5-liter V6
265 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
250 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 (FWD), 15/22 (AWD)