As I drove the Edge, I couldn't stop thinking about how many crossovers/SUVs Ford has in their product lineup. There must be quite a bit of overlap. They've got the Escape, Taurus X (departing soon), Explorer, Edge, Expedition, and Flex plus the overlapping Mercury and Lincoln models. Given that, I think Ford could have gone a bit more aggressive with the Edge.

Marc Noordeloos, Road Test Editor

Every time I walk up to the Edge, I'm reminded by how striking the Lincoln MKX looks in comparison. I remember the first time I noticed the MKX on the highway, I maneuvered myself through traffic to get a front-side-rear view. Lovely!

The Edge never quite stood out like its Lincoln twin-under-the-skin, as it also doesn't stand out to drive. But this interior is pretty darn nice, an area in which Ford suddenly stands out.

Jean Jennings, President & Editor-in-Chief

I wrote last week that I thought I'd like the Lincoln MKX better in its Ford guise. Having now driven the Edge, I'm glad to say I won't be eating my hat today. Perhaps it's just me, but an abundance of hard, black plastics across the interior is perhaps slightly easier to swallow at $31,000 than it is at the $45,000 price tag our last MKX carried.

I, too, wish Ford pushed the envelope with the Edge's exterior, but the result isn't unattractive. I found myself admiring the "Sport Blue" hue on our tester. The color looks smart on the Edge, but I think it looks even better on Edge Sport models. With a monochromatic paint treatment, 22-inch wheels, and a lowered stance, the Sport makes the Edge's styling look more aggressive than our SEL model.

0902_04_z 2009_ford_edge_2WD front_passenger_interior

I'd argue that this package drives as inoffensively as the Edge looks. The 3.5-liter V-6 feels well-matched to the Edge's heft, and I can't sing enough praise for Ford's six-speed automatic: it's smooth, and doesn't seem to second-guess itself when trying to execute an upshift. Exciting it isn't, however, and that's only accentuated by the Edge's propensity to float - a great feature when cruising broken Michigan roads, but uninspiring once thrown into a corner.

It's all too easy to bump the $29,545 base price for a front-wheel-drive Edge SEL to more than $36,000 with options, but I would consider springing for the $1995 navigation package. Ford's latest navigation package is not only visually stunning and easy to use, but it also simplifies the setup and use of the SYNC multimedia connection system (a $395 option).

Evan McCausland, Web Producer

Like Jean, the main thing that strikes me about the Edge is how much better the MKX looks. The Lincoln's LED taillights, blingy grille, and interior charm (even in spite of some lackluster plastics here and there) significantly transform the MKX from its inoffensive but unimpressive Ford twin. I do, however, like the bright blue highlights in the Edge's seats and the pinstriped, aluminum-look trim that frames its center stack.

I also agree that the Edge's driving experience is fairly anodyne, although I did notice a fair bit of torque steer during hard acceleration. Also, the 1-2 wide-open-throttle upshift was quite harsh on more than one occasion; the 2-3 shift was always nice and smooth, though.

Rusty Blackwell, Copy Editor

Put me in the category of those who like the way the Ford Edge looks. Its styling is clean and modern, and the Edge is distinctive enough that it's instantly recognizable amid the sea of lookalike vehicles on today's roads. The 265-hp V-6 and six-speed transmission work well together, providing smooth acceleration and plenty of power to move this two-ton vehicle down the road.

The interior is very nicely laid out, with big, easy-to-decipher controls and a nice dashboard layout. The seats are fairly comfortable, but I'm still waiting for the day when Ford takes advantage of its ownership in Volvo and imports that division's terrific seats into its Ford products.

One more thing: the blind spot mirrors attached to the Edge's sideview mirrors may smack a little of the aftermarket, but they're very effective. No matter how I had the mirrors adjusted, there was no losing a car in the blind spot.

Amy Skogstrom, Managing Editor

I agree with Marc that Ford should have done something a little bit different with the Edge instead of producing another middle-of-the-road crossover, of which they have several in their very own stable. In its defense, the Edge - with its rounded, pill-bug shape - does at least stand out among the multitude of crossovers on the market. Although, the Lincoln MKX definitely got the looks in this pair and it has aged better also.

The interior plastics are fine but the striped, silver-colored material on the central dash seems out of place, like an afterthought. The controls are neatly arranged and easy to find. The seat bottoms are bit hard and flat but the suede-blue inserts soften them up, if only a little. Like Amy, when I first noticed the blind-spot mirrors mounted to the side mirrors, I thought "aftermarket." But the first time I needed to change lanes on a busy road or reverse into a parking spot in a crowded lot, I was hooked. They would be a nice addition on any mid-size or large vehicle

Jennifer Misaros, Production Editor

2009 Ford EdgeSEL (FWD)

Base Price (with destination): $29,810Price as tested: $31,855

Options: SYNC Voice Activated System - $395Blue Suede Interior Appearance Pkg. - $525Leather Comfort Pkg. - $1,125

Fuel Economy: 17/24/19 mpg (city/hwy/combined)

Engine: Size: 3.5L V-6 Horsepower: 265 hp @ 6250 rpmTorque: 250 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Safety Ratings (in stars, 1-5): Frontal Crash Driver: 5Frontal Crash Passenger: 4Side Crash Front Seat: 5Side Crash Rear Seat: 5Rollover: 4

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission

Weight: 4098 lb