Used 2011 Ford Edge

By masterfully combining the best attributes of a responsive but comfortable sedan with those of a versatile and roomy SUV, the 2011 Ford Edge fulfills the promise of the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) like no other example to date. Its rapid rise and strong sales also demonstrate proof that the car-based CUV is becoming more desirable than its truck-based SUV counterparts. It’s even winning over the four-legged market, having been named Bark Buckle UP’s Pet Safe Vehicle of the Year. 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 2011 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 new interior more than lives up to the expectations set by its cutting-edge sheetmetal. A new instrument cluster and center console is awash in colorful LCD screens and touch-panel controls. 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 the dual-pane Vista Roof, 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. New for 2011 is Ford’s MyFord Touch, which displays customizable information on two 4.2-inch LCD screens on either side of the speedometer, as well as the center console’s 8-inch LCD monitor. Through MyFord Touch, the driver can control music, navigation, phone and even the climate controls, all via steering wheel touch pads. The system also includes Wi-Fi, which means it can now take advantage of apps such as Pandora and OpenBeak, as well as utilize a USB modem to create a hotspot for passenger laptops.

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. This year’s redesign removes some of the hard angles, replacing them with softer rounded edges and creating a more organic appearance. 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 18-, 20- or 22-inch aluminum wheels, depending on the trim. The front of the vehicle is dominated by an elongated version of Ford’s three-bar chrome grille with a big, unapologetic Ford oval placed smack dab in the center. The Edge’s backside is defined by four-inch dual exhaust outlets, and two-piece jewel 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. The Sport rides on massive 22-inch wheels and tires, a first in this segment.

MyFord Touch and SYNC
Unlike anything offered by the competition, Ford’s suite of high-tech multimedia electronics will forever change the way we interact with our cars.

Available "Vista Roof" Glass 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, MyFord controls, 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 Vista Roof, EasyFold trunk-mounted remote rear-seat release, hard drive-based voice-activated navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link, DVD rear-seat entertainment system, power rear liftgate, SYNC hands-free communication and entertainment system with 911 Assist, MyFord Touch customizable driver information system, reverse sensing system, Intelligent Access with push-button start, a 390-watt Sony 12-speaker audio system, leather seating, power and heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and fold-flat passenger seat.

In addition to Ford’s newest V6, the Edge’s powertrain features a cutting-edge SelectShift 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
285 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
253 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 (FWD), 18/26 (AWD)

3.7-liter V6 (Sport)
305 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
280 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 (FWD), 17/23 (AWD)