Ford Edge 2008: "Fun To Drive"

In 2005, Ford introduced the Ford Freestyle. It was supposed to be the ultimate in crossover vehicles, combining the positive aspects of a minivan, station wagon and sport utility vehicle.  It could seat 7 passengers and seemed destined for success. However, its weak 6-cylinder engine was its downfall and after 3 years of mediocre success, Ford re-tooled and re-labelled the vehicle as the Taurus X in 2008. 

In 2007, Ford also unveiled the "Edge," a slightly smaller crossover vehicle.  While the Freestyle exuded a definite conservative feel, the impression of the Edge is that of a classy and attractive vehicle that is "fun to drive," according to Edge owners. As a CUV (crossover utility vehicle), it has the functionality that many families need, in a sporty package. There are only 2 rows of seats, but there is plenty of room for its 5 passenger spaces. The Edge is an inch taller and wider but about 14" shorter than the Freestyle. For those of us needing as much cargo space as possible, this loss of space could mean the difference between fitting 2, 3 or 4 crates in the vehicle.

The 2008 Edge has several improvements over its debut in 2007, including Ford’s SYNC hands-free phone and entertainment system, a power rear hatch and optional voice-activated navigation. All passengers can enjoy the unique “Vista” moonroof, which opens above the front and rear seats. This could provide valuable ventilation towards the rear of the vehicle while crating in the car, but one must park in the shade in order to take advantage of the ventilation.

The Edge rated very well in crash tests. All safety equipment is standard in a solidly built vehicle but with the rear window set high, visibility is somewhat limited. The Edge is also rated very high in consumer reviews, with the occasional comment about poor gas mileage and some lack of braking power. The Edge is based on the Mazda 6 platform, which gives it more of a sedan ride. It is a fairly pricey vehicle with the upgraded models which rival its luxury competition, but there are a lot of pluses with that upgrade. There are controls in the steering wheel, extra cupholders in the rear console, button in cargo area to lower the back seats, dividers and storage in the front console, etc. The technology options include Sirius radio, MP3 and USB jacks. Another great feature is the front passenger seat that folds flat.  Although it is not at the same level as the cargo floor, it could allow space for longer items. And then, of course, there is Ford's standard keypad entry, which can come in VERY handy!  However, with a base price only $1295 more than the Edge, if more cargo space is preferred, one might want to consider the Taurus X, instead. 

As for how well the Edge accommodates dogs, it would be worth checking into slant-front crates to utilize the very back of the cargo area which is angled. In fact, the whole cargo floor slants, but it follows the ceiling line, so the height is fairly consistent. Slant front crates are available through manufacturers such as General Cage, but one must consider that the space might be too small for dogs who normally fit in crates that are 24x36. The clearance between the wheelwells of the Edge is 42", which should fit the special SUV crates. They are available in 21x36 with one or two doors. However, those crates are 26" tall, so your vertical space then becomes limited. Bottom line is that the SUV crates will fit, but they'll need to recess beyond the rear slope which limits what will fit behind the front seats. Slated crates might fit closer to the rear door, but they'd need to be placed ABOVE the wheel wells.  Any arrangement would require very careful planning to be sure your specific crates will fit.  Another thing to consider is that the spare tire is located under the cargo floor, so the crate configuration will need to be removable in the event of a flat tire. For me, that is unfortunately a deal breaker for an otherwise potentially decent dogmobile.

More Information

Edmunds Profile

Ford Vehicles

Yahoo Autos

Road Fly

Measurements
Depth from back door to front seats (2nd/3rd row folded) = maximum depth (D1)	67-75"
Depth from back door to second row seats (D2)	30"
Dept from back door to third row seats (D3)	n/a
Height from cargo floor to ceiling behind front seats (H1)	31"
Height from cargo floor to ceiling behind 2 nd row seats (H2)	31.5"
Height of wheel arches (H4)	Left=6.5" Right=6.5"
Height from ground to top of bumper (not pictured)	28"
Width of cargo area at ceiling (W1)	40"
Width of cargo area maximum (approx. at 2nd row seats (W2)	55.25"
Width of cargo area between wheel arches (W3)	42"
Illustrated dimensions 1 (W1, W2, W3, D2, D3) Illustrated dimensions 2 (H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, D1)

Ventilation

Air vents in the backseat area

Rear windows do not open

Double moonroof's, called the "Vista"

Miscellaneous
DC outlets	Cargo and back seat areas
Cargo light?	Yes
Cup holders	Lots!
Spare tire location	Under cargo floor
Rear entry	Hatch
Rear seats fold flat?	Yes, mostly

Cargo Volume (cu. Ft.)
2nd-row seats down	70 cu.ft.
2nd-row seats up	32.1 cu.ft.
Behind 3rd-row seats	n/a
Notes: Cargo floor slopes, moonroof above 2nd row seats