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Ford Edge Too Heavy? How's the Handling?

80 messages,  Last post on Jan 23, 2007 at 11:59 AM

You are in the Ford Edge Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Edge, Suspension, SUV

Messages Page 5 of 8

#41 of 80 Re: Edge Overweight [akirby] by rcf8000

Nov 06, 2006 (7:21 am)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 06, 2006 6:38 am)
Quote Csaba Csere in Dec. C&D: "But why does (the Edge) weigh 600 more pounds than a Toyota Highlander and even more than Ford's bigger and roomier Freestyle? That excess poundage compromises the fuel efficiency and performance we expected from the Duratec 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic. And that's what crossovers are all about."

#42 of 80 Re: Edge Overweight [rcf8000] by akirby

Nov 06, 2006 (7:33 am)

Replying to: rcf8000 (Nov 06, 2006 7:21 am)
They didn't do any instrumented testing - it was just a preview. And other reviewers who have done the same test drive had a different opinion.
 
I'm not saying it's not heavy - it is. But the question is how does it perform, and we haven't seen a thorough test yet. Wait and see. If it doesn't perform adequately for it's class then you can complain.

#43 of 80 Re: Edge Overweight [akirby] by rcf8000

Nov 06, 2006 (7:38 am)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 06, 2006 7:33 am)
They certainly did do instrumented testing. It is a five page article, not a "preview".

#44 of 80 Edge Overweight by walterquint

Nov 06, 2006 (8:34 am)

Yes, CarandDriver's Edge test was a full instrumented test, not a preview.....for a vehicle based on the nimble Mazda6, I was expecting a curb weight at 3900-4100 lbs.......akirby is right--not many people consider curb weight when purchasing a car. But they DO consider the EFFECTS of a curb weight, namely in driving dynamics, acceleration, and fuel economy. The Edge performs well on its own; but add passengers and cargo and it might be a different story. That's why people are complaining about the 500/Montego's engine--it works fine on paper, with only the driver. But load it up and the thing wheezes for breath.......CarandDriver only got 15-16mpg in its Edge test (sole driver, full gas tank). Real-world mileage (with passengers and cargo) will likely be worse.

#45 of 80 Re: Edge Overweight [walterquint] by driverdm

Nov 06, 2006 (9:03 am)

Replying to: walterquint (Nov 06, 2006 8:34 am)
"driving dynamics, acceleration, and fuel economy":
From the article at Edmunds:
"Driving dynamics should be considered a strong point for the Edge. It has standard Ford steering, meaning accurate and communicative, and the ride/handling balance is about perfect for the target customer (I'd personally prefer a bit stiffer suspension settings, but most buyers will like the tuning). Acceleration is also strong, if not class leading."
 
So what in the world are you talking about? Several publications have shown that the acceleration is quite brisk. The other Edmunds review said that acceleration should be in the high 7s which is near the front of CUVs. Also said that the Edge handles like the Murano. THE ONLY REVIEW, that has said something starkly different is from MT. And as I have said before are they God now where though they say something different to everyone else, they should be listened to and everyone else rejected?
 
CarandDriver only got 15-16mpg in its Edge test (sole driver, full gas tank). Real-world mileage (with passengers and cargo) will likely be worse.
 
You've got that backwards. MANY MANY MANY reviewers even state in their test drives that fuel mileage improves in the real world because in the real world, people aren't seeing how fast the car can accelerate 0 - 60, over and over again. Or seeing what it feels like and sounds like at excessive speeds. These things decrease mpg and the real world should be much better.

#46 of 80 Re: Edge Too Heavy -- A FreeStyle is Lighter & Bigger [coldcranker] by bruneau1

Nov 06, 2006 (11:50 am)

Replying to: coldcranker (Oct 25, 2006 11:12 pm)
I don't know what the mileage figures are for the FWD EDge, but they should be better than for the AWD. of course, real world figures are always lower. I am sure the EDge is a bit sturdier feeling than the Freestyle as the weight might indicate. Also, the Edge has better tires than the Freestyle which is a bit under-rubbered. The FWD Edge is a few hundred pounds lighter than the AWD and doesn't have the additional power robbing friction of the AWD elements. A well-equipped FWD Edge can be had for under $30,000. Unless you "need" AWD to climb snowy slops, go with FWD- it's less expensive, peppier, has better mileage, and probably will be more reliable. But i doubt that you'll find many on lots. A factory order will be necessary like we did for our FWD Limited Freestyle.

#47 of 80 Re: Edge Too Heavy -- A FreeStyle is Lighter & Bigger [bruneau1] by bobw3

Nov 06, 2006 (12:39 pm)

Replying to: bruneau1 (Nov 06, 2006 11:50 am)
I own a Freestyle, but to me, the Edge and Freestyle are not in competition with eachother. The Edge is more sporty and designed to go in competition with something like the Honda CRV, and before you say that's the job of the Escape, the Escape is more known for off-road, while the Edge is not. If people want off-road SUV, they can go with the Escape or Explorer, and if they want an on-road CUV, they can go with the Edge or Freestyle.
 
People buying the Freestyle are those who have a real need for carrying people in the 3rd row...more an alternative to a minivan, while those who are looking for a 5 passenger CUV are looking for something roomy and practical but sporty. The fact that the Edge is pretty big for a 5 passenger CUV doesn't matter as long as the performance, safety, handling and MPG are all competitive.

#48 of 80 Pay Attention to C&D's Csaba Csere by coldcranker

Nov 06, 2006 (6:43 pm)

"Quote Csaba Csere in Dec. C&D: "But why does (the Edge) weigh 600 more pounds than a Toyota Highlander and even more than Ford's bigger and roomier Freestyle? That excess poundage compromises the fuel efficiency and performance we expected from the Duratec 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic. And that's what crossovers are all about."
 
Csaba is right. He is saying what I've tried. The Edge is not quite great engineering. Engineering goals:
  1. Minimize weight.
  2. Maximize stiffness and crash protection.
  3. Maximize fuel economy.
  4. Maximize ride comfort.
  5. Maximize roll stiffness (handling, skidpad values).
  6. Minimize noise.
  7. Maximize acceleration.
  8. Maximize roominess.
When you shop for vehicles, rank each of the 8 for every vehicle compared. Then, reflect your own interests by weighting each as "I care" or "I don't care", a number from 1 to 10, you get the idea, since, for example, some people don't care a hoot about fuel economy.
A great vehicle body will show structural optimization by beating the competition in #1 and #2 above. Thats why the Edge is suspect, as its heavy without benefit.

#49 of 80 Re: Pay Attention to C&D's Csaba Csere [coldcranker] by akirby

Nov 06, 2006 (9:05 pm)

Replying to: coldcranker (Nov 06, 2006 6:43 pm)
Csaba is not omnipotent. Everything is a tradeoff. The tradeoff for the extra weight is probably increased crash protection and a smoother ride. It's not a sports car and the ride and handling and acceleration seem quite balanced and adequate according to other reports.

#50 of 80 Re: Pay Attention to C&D's Csaba Csere [akirby] by coldcranker

Nov 07, 2006 (8:21 pm)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 06, 2006 9:05 pm)
I didn't know Csaba wasn't omnipotent. I had better get his statue out of my living room... Good thing you mentioned that. Its true if the crash protection is high, it may be worth the extra weight, but probably not. Does the lighter Freestyle's weight ruin its crash tests? No. There might be a way to explain (partially) why some vehicles are oddly heavy for their size, like the Edge. I've made observations of the structure of extra-heavy vehicles containing mostly simple shapes and constant thickness sheet metal in many places. By constructing part sections with optimal ripples, stiffness and strength go up for the same mass. This requires extra effort in engineering and also drives up the cost of manufacturing.

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