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2011 Ford Edge

182 messages,  Last post on Mar 03, 2013 at 5:53 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Edge, Car Buying, Car Comparisons, SUV

Messages Page 6 of 19

#46 of 182 head rest trouble by rmazar

Sep 26, 2010 (5:44 pm)

I just test drove an 2011 Ford Edge today and my neck still hurts from having my head forced forward by the head rest. I am 5' 8'' and do not have neck problems. I could not position the seat and head rest to get this problem to go away. I had to sit with my back off the seat to avoid the head rest.

#47 of 182 Re: head rest trouble [rmazar] by m6user

Sep 26, 2010 (6:39 pm)

Replying to: rmazar (Sep 26, 2010 5:44 pm)
I read an auto writer's review that mentioned the same problem with the headrest. Who wants to drive long distance with their head bent forward? This is such a crucial item. How do others feel about their headrests?

#48 of 182 headrest by stickguy

Sep 26, 2010 (8:48 pm)

might be from the volvo lineage. But, not just them anymore that has seats with headrests that really jut forward.
 
It is part of the safety system (keeping you from getting whiplash), but you are correct that it can be uncomfortable for some people, since they are not normally adjustable

#49 of 182 Re: headrest [stickguy] by akirby

Sep 26, 2010 (9:45 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Sep 26, 2010 8:48 pm)
All new cars have similar headrests - it's a new safety requirement. Leaning the seat back usually helps. Some people reverse them or bend the posts back. I think the new Explorer will have adjustable headrests - might want to check them out.

#50 of 182 Re: headrest [akirby] by lateralg

Sep 27, 2010 (7:45 am)

Replying to: akirby (Sep 26, 2010 9:45 pm)
It takes about 1 minute to reverse the headrest to a more comfortable position. I don't see a downside to the change if the height is set appropriately.
 
There are two releases for the support rods. One is for vertical adjustment, the other for removal. Depress both releases to pull headrest up and out.
 
BTW, my 2007 Mazda CX-9 has similar headrest configuration & hasn't been a problem in 3-1/2 years of use.

#51 of 182 Re: headrest [lateralg] by m6user

Sep 27, 2010 (8:10 am)

Replying to: lateralg (Sep 27, 2010 7:45 am)
I am seriously considering the '11 Edge as my next vehicle and most of the reviews I've read where the seats were mentioned have given them rave reviews for comfort. However, I did read the one that mentioned the uncomfortable headrest and then this recent poster. I've sat in cars at auto shows that have the headrests slanted too far forward for my liking and it was very offputting.
 
That's why I'm interested in your reply. If it is easy to just reverse that would be great but how does it look. Have you done it? The headrests appear slanted on one side and to reverse them it seems that it would look a little strange. Plus I'm sure they were designed from a safety aspect so would reversing them affect the ability to protect materially?
 
I'm sure someone will say, "well, why don't you just go drive one and see" and that makes some sense but I just like to research as much as possible prior to a test drive to not waste everyone's time.

#52 of 182 Head Rests by robr2

Sep 27, 2010 (8:19 am)

Blame the IIHS. They came up with the whiplash test about 3 years ago and no automaker wants to fail their tests now.

#53 of 182 Re: Head Rests [robr2] by roho1

Sep 27, 2010 (1:31 pm)

Replying to: robr2 (Sep 27, 2010 8:19 am)
Well, I had to look up IIHS. Interesting to note the Edge didn't make their top safety picks for 2010. Is the Head rest a new design for 2011?

#54 of 182 Re: Head Rests [roho1] by m6user

Sep 27, 2010 (4:04 pm)

Replying to: roho1 (Sep 27, 2010 1:31 pm)
Well, I just got back from my local Ford dealer after sitting in a new '11 Edge. I found the headrest to be no problem at all. I adjusted the seat fairly straight up(straighter than I would normally have it) and didn't find a problem. When I put the seatback in the position that I think I would normally drive it was absolutely no problem.
 
The only thing I can think of is the people that find the headrest intrusive must drive with their necks bent back or with their heads constantly resting on the headrest. If that's the case they may not like it. But for the other 99.9% of us it is just fine. Much ado about nothing IMO.
 
As far as the '11 Edge. I liked it a lot and it has a lot of features going for it. However, there is still a vast difference in the feel of the materials and quality of the leather, soft surfaces and switches and such versus the old Infiniti SUV I drive now. I don't expect the Ford to be the same as the Infiniti but I was hoping that it would be a little closer. Still a very nice vehicle that I could get used to and is still on my short list.

#55 of 182 Re: Head Rests [m6user] by stickguy

Sep 27, 2010 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: m6user (Sep 27, 2010 4:04 pm)
first car I ever noticed this with was a Volvo XC90. I liked it (almost like having my head in a catchers mitt!), but I also like to rest my head on the headrest anyway (something you can't always do).
 
I found the XC comfy, but it hit my wife wrong, and she partly ruled it out for that reason.
 
Actually, the bigger drawback (to me) was the darn things are so big and obtrusive that you can't see past them to look behind you.

Messages Page 6 of 19

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