2008 Ford Edge Review
|
Walkaround |
|
|
 |
|
The Edge is bigger than it looks in photos. The reason is that it has a wide track and a long wheelbase with short overhangs. Checking the specs you'll find the Edge is eight inches shorter than the Ford Explorer yet its wheelbase is barely two inches shorter. Perhaps more important, the track on the Edge is over four inches greater while the overall width is just one inch greater. What does all this mean? (The track is the distance between the left and right wheels. Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheels.)The wide track and long wheelbase relative to the body make the Edge look solid: The four wheels are near each corner, making it appear firmly planted on the road. The long wheelbase and wide track are not just about looks; they make for a more stable vehicle because the majority of the mass is inside the wheels. A go-kart is the ultimate expression of this look. We're not suggesting the Edge looks like a go-kart, but its aggressive stance makes it stand apart from the tippy look of traditional SUVs with relatively narrow track measurements and massive front and rear overhangs. The Edge features Ford's newly rediscovered bold, American design. The big chrome grille is placed well forward and has wide chrome slats that merge into the relatively small headlights at each side. The high hood is short as the windshield rakes forward more like a sports car or modern minivan. Despite having a relatively high waist line with shallow side windows, the Edge does not appear as stubby as photographs sometimes suggest. The sporty look is helped by pronounced fender flares and large wheels. The rear tailgate slopes quite significantly and is nicely rounded, avoiding the truck-like rear tailgates found on many SUVs. We found the rear design to be a cross between a Lexus RX and a BMW X3, which cannot be a bad thing. The Vista Roof adds expansive twin glass moonroofs that cover the whole roof, providing all passengers with a clear view of the sky. There is only a foot-wide panel between the front and rear panels that is not transparent.
|
|
|
|
| |
| ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
| |
|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
|
| |
|
|
