beasley21800

I just purchased and receive my '08 Edge AWD and, so far, so very, very good. Both my wife and I are very impressed with the car. Quiet, tight, nice ride and excellent performance.

 

But, how is the Edge over the longer term ? Is it still nice and tight ? No rattles ? Some observations from owners with older Edge's out there would be appreciated.

My black 2008 limited has been trouble free for 15 months. Took about 500 miles or so to break in, but i have had no problems except for a defective battery. It was replaced under warranty.

my gf wanted to buy a new 2008 Highlander. then she said, hey I think I'll buy that Hybrid version, since they offer it and gas prices are killer.

 

then I did the math, even on 15,000 miles a year at $3.50 a gallon and with good financing (I think I assumed 5% which is what she ended up getting), she'd have to have the car 11+ years for it to pay for the extra expense). thanks but no thanks!

You also must factor in the cost of replacing the batttries. I know the cost to replace them on the Escape is around $5,800 plus labor.

Anyone else have an after-market remote start on an Edge? Can you unlock the doors or open tailgate with buttons on key after the car is started remotely?

you can do this with the ford remote start. once the car is started you just have to hold down the unlock door button for three seconds and the tailgate opens.

Has anyone been able to define what the "Sport Suspension" entails? Different shocks, springs, sway bar, etc? The question was asked early on, but as far as I can tell in searching the forums it has not been answered. I am trying to determine if I want to go with the 20" wheels and sport suspension that Ford offers or go with and aftermarket wheel and springs kit.

 

Any information that can be provided will be greatly appreciated.

 

Clayton

Driven edge's both with 20's and 18's for extended periods of time and IMO and found handling not that much different. The edge is not intended to be a sports car by any means and handling is what it is. IMO it's more about looks than anything else. What stood out for me with 20's was that the car did not handle bumps and rough road surfaces as well as the 18's did. Is most likely the low profile of the tires.

Thanks for all the info everyone.

 

I went with cheapo aftermarket remote start for my Accord. It works, but here's a few complaints. The remote start is only a one-way system. If I can see my car, I can tell that it started because the lights turn on. However, if I can not see my car, I have no idea whether it started or not. I really want to put a two-way system onto my Edge.

 

My other complaint with my cheapo remote start on the Accord is that the buttons on the key do not work when the car is started remotely. So I have to unluck the doors or open the trunk manually. I want to be able to do these things with a remote start.

 

My 2008 Edge Limited should arrive any day now. As I understand, the Ford remote start products are one-way systems only. As I mentioned before, I really want a two-way system.

 

So, Ford pulled out the accessory binder and offered me the following aftermarket models:

 

1) AstroStart 2205A - Cost is $469.50. However, I think they will need to add a transponder bypass for another $85 or so. This unit is a 5 button device. Sounds like it can also be used for door locks, power lift gate, and anything else you want it to do.

 

2) Audiovox 1 Button Confirming Remote Start (AUD93250) - Cost is $339 and will also require the $85 transponder bypass.

 

So here's my question.....

 

If I start my Edge remotely, will the buttons on the key work? If they do, I could go with the Audiovox option and save some coin, while still having all of the features that I want by using the key.

i have the ford remote start and you can open the doors and power lift gate with the remote after the car is started remotely. once you start the car the doors lock and you have to unlock them before entering the car and i do it wih the remote. I think is was $249 installed back in Dec. As far as knowing if the car is started it sounds like the same thing, you can only tell if you can see it and the lights are on.

Yes, $25 for my peace of mind it is worth it. Oil refining and processing has come a long ways since the good ol days (I am NOT making a jab here). Most oil brands take longer to break down than before and offer more protection along the way.

 

I change (will change) every 7500 miles per the warranty - this oil does not break down in that time (per my Mazda and other lab reports from various conditions). I also do stop n go as well as highway (which alot of the time IS stop n go).

 

Lets do the math for the number of oil changes for 15000 miles. I assume your price has the oil filter. My oil filter is Mobil1 10.68 locally.

 

At 3000 miles:

3000 25.99

6000 25.99

9000 25.99

12000 25.99

15000 25.99

 

Total $129.95

 

 

At 7500 Miles (In warranty and my particular brand is Amsoil - I would think the Ford would NOT break down at 7500 miles either)

 

$27.78 for the oil 5.5 qts (bought in cases though) - does the edge have 5 or 5.5 qts - i forget - did only 1 oil change. Lets assume it is 5.5.

$10.68 for filter.

$0.00 for labor - will always do it myself - have a heated garage which helps

$0.00 for disposal

 

7500 35.93

7500 35.93

 

Total $79.91.

 

 

That is a large difference imo. NOTE: this is my opinion and only MY practices. If your peace of mind comes at 3000 miles that is your benefit. In the end, it is your car not mine.

 

I will have even more savings when I am out of warranty - usually two years with the amount of miles we put on vehicles. I will switch to the longer life Amsoil oil 25K miles and do changes every 20K miles. I have seen the lab reports in person and know the drivers. It does not break down.

 

For reference, i need this car to last 8 years (or 192K miles) to recoup the costs. Any extra protection I get the better.

 

Just my $0.01 and you can toss that into a well if you need.

 

Solas

i see your point and it is a good one. I guess it's my father in the back of my head saying to me "oil has to be changed every 3000 miles". Childhood memories we all have them. Although, if i were to change to the the ford schedule the price does become less.

I am not trying to start an arguement please don't take it that way. You also need to factor in your time, unless you enjoy working on cars. Than it's a hobby and that's great. Some tell me i am crazy because i wax my car every week (April - October), only have been able to do it 3 times the winter, but i enjoy doing it.

I am luckey my wife works as a warranty admistrator for a ford dealer so the car is serviced while she is working so no time issues for me going to the dealer and we only get charged for the filter. Parts are at cost and no labor charges. The $25.99 is for regular customers. I think the filter cost us about $7.50 plus tax.

I guess there is no price for piece of mind.

beasley21800

Since there is a consensus around here that the optional navigation system really isn't worth the money, (I definitely don't think it is) what kind of aftermarket nav. system is everyone using, if any. What brand, model, etc... I personally have a Garmin 340 that I bought for my wife, but I seem to use it more than she does. I like the simplicity of it, and so far its been really accurate. One thing I don't like is if you want to use the 12v plug, you have to have it mounted to the suction cup mount. Kind of a pain, but I have to say that the lithium battery lasts a long time.

I have a Magellian 4050. It's very easy to use and has a 4.3 inch screen and has pinpoint accuracy. I don't use half the featurs it has. No need for bluetooth since i have sync and i use the radio for traffic updates. I don't know how long the battery lasts since i always plug it in when i use it. I have to try next time.

If you don't like the suction cup mount, you could purchase the beanbag that sits on the dashboard. It works great and does not leave maks on the windshield. I purchased it at Target online for $19.99. The same one was in Bestbuy for $40.00 and Walmart for $30.00.

Every one here seems to have a different opion on oil and change interval. I know ford says 7500 miles. but i change mine every 3000 and use motorcraft oil and oil filter(I work at a ford dealership, so i have easy access to the ford product). My personal opion though is that as long as you us oil that meets fords standards and change it at regular intervals you should be fine.

I still use the old 3 months or 3000 mile standard. We do alot of start and stop and drive in stop and go traffic. I use what ever the Ford dealer puts in the car. Not worth changing myself for $25.99. I would have to work on my back in my driveway in the cold or in the heat. Not for me anymore. That was fine when i was 19 making $6.00 an hour.

Wow $5 bucks a quart! That's $25 for a simple oil change for the oil alone. Do you really think that the oil is that much better for engine? My '00 Honda CR-V is 7 1/2 years old and it uses whatever the honda dealer puts in and has never had any engine issues. Same thing with my 99 Pontiac Grand AM had that car 10 years and no engine issues only mufflers and alternators.

Gas mileage - I am not seeing it - at least on my vehicle (now 50/50 city/hgwy) - I am getting 20 MPG and this is with my wife driving (no cruise control, not braking/accelerating logically etc).

 

When I drive it, I get about 23 Mpg (again 50/50). Now, the way I drive is RPM driving - I drive to keep it under 2000-2500 RPM unless I need to (ie on ramps). I also focus on the car in front of the car in front of me (does that make sense?)

 

As for the engine reving - I believe this to be due to the 6 speed transmission. 6th gear is the "granny" gear, when you go up a hill and depress the gas pedal, the "granny" gear (used for MPG and not acceleration) is not enough to accelerate up the hill so it down shifts. This is not seen as much on 5 speed transmissions.

 

As for the hard materials - I am happy. However, this is my first $30K+ vehicle so I am comparing to <$20K cars and it is good. But this is only my opinion. What I like is the hard material does not scuff with my wedding ring (rough surface), which it does on my Mazda. Wood would have been nice - but imo does not "go" with the car.

 

A driver side dimming mirror would be nice, but again, I am used to this.

 

Factory Nav POI - this is why i will always go aftermarket. Even though my Garmin uses NavTeq too - I did a few compares and mine has more POI than Ford. Plus another thing I dont like about factory Nav is you cant take it with you. Yes it looks more integrated, but I can use it in my Mazda.

 

 

To add to the list:

1) Cruise Control Cancel. I know you can use the brake, but I hate doing this. My 3 has it, why not the Edge.

2) Mute Button - Still want it. I hate using VOL Down

3) Removable seats (I think I saw the seats bolted down) - this would be nice but only used so little for me. The Santa Fe I believe has it.

4) Increase the hitch size to 1 7/8" or 2" - while the 1.25" does work - it is not as common.

5) Cup holders in the rear seats (not in the arm rest). If you have 5 ppl, they have no cup holders in the back.

 

 

 

Just my few thoughts.

 

Solas

Solas,

I think removable seats would be great too, but i don't think it could work with where the spare tire is located. The cargo area would not be flat when the seats are removed, which would defeat the purpose and make removing the seats almost impossible. i think you would than have to put the spare under the car which would in turn not allow us to have dual exhust. That would change the look of the rear end. Also the rear cargo mgmt system should be standard. How much more could it cost to get rid of the styrofoam around the spare tire and replace with the plastic storage unit. After all it is only a $65 dollar option at the time of purchase, but almost $200 if you want to add it later. Anyone buying an Edge i would suggest they get that option as there is no storage in or under the cargo area.

beasley21800

I have seen this referenced before, that the hard surface materials need to be upgraded. Can you elaborate on this? I presume you are referring to items such as dash, doors, arm rests, etc. I think that these items are all molded plastic. I know that some are a little softer such as the arm rest. I am not sure how these would upgraded?

 

 

 

 

Are you wanting this for looks or is there a more practical reason, saftey, awareness, etc? Are you referring to the type that actually has an arrow on the mirror part, or more like the Mercedes design which is actually an amber light on the side of the mirror?

 

Clayton

Clayton,

Yes, i am referring to the mainly to the materials used interior door panels, armrests and center armrest. These materials could be softer. Although the look of the dash may be compomised if softer materials were used, i just don't know. It may not look so edgy or bold, but the the other areas could be upgraded. Look at the interior on the MKX and yes i understand it is a different price point. Maybe more brushed alumimum or wood would add something extra, allthough too much might be over the top. Take a look at the interior of the 09 Nissan Murrano and new Toyota Venza. They just look like better quality. IMO this is the area where all domestic automakers are lacking. As far as the mirrors go, i was referring to the type like the mercedes, not the arrow. I know those can be had aftermarket. It's not for saftey i just like the way it looks and it seems to be offered as an option or standard on many different models and it is not offered by Ford. Don't get me wrong i love my Edge, but these are the things i would like to see.

I had to write this,

 

1, You can't vent the Vista roof without fully opening the sun shade.. SUCKS

2. mpg...HORRIBLE..I drive very easy too.

3. Navigation - NO POI's hardly, I had to find a big school in Ann Arbor MI, not there and they are next to a large well known Church - not there either. THEY WERE THERE IN MY CHEAP MIO NAVI - THANK GOD

and the GUI is very confussing, I found several mistakes in screens too. I am a programmer and a developer.

 

Maybe Ford will read this. If this does not change, this is my last FORD!!!

 

What are you top 3 gripes.

I have a black 08 limited that of picked up Dec 07. IMO Ford hit a home run with the outside and interior design of the Edge. I also think the engine is fine fine what it is intended to do. What i think is inferior to other autos is the price range is the quality of the interior materials. The hard surface materials need to be upgraded, although i think the layout and look is great. Simple yet very appealing. Seats IMO are very comfortable so no upgrade here. Gas milage to me is not an issue since you know what it is going in and you just have to accept it. I do find that i get an increase in gas milage when i use a higher grade of gas. Just don't know if it is worth the extra money. Don't have Nav so i can't comment and have not had a chance to open Vista roof since i live in Northeast and it's been cold. I would also like to see indicator lights intergrated into the side mirrors similar to the Madza CX9 GT. Another feature i would like added is an autodimming driverside mirror, so i don't get blinded by bright lights from autos in the lane next to me. One of the things i would really like to have is adjustable gas and brake pedals. Had both on 2004 Pacifica and really miss. Overall i am really enjoying the Edge and have had no issues to date.

Here is an article about Sync and Ford.

 

BusinessWeek Sync Article

 

Clayton

I guess after Fords 18 month exclusive agreement with Microsoft ends and they start putting Sync in Toyota, Lexis, Honda, Acura, Nissan and Infinity the chips used in the sync system will no longer be considered cheap. Sync or some othe name given to the system will become "a must have, first of it's kind and a difinite improvement over the current Ford hands free system." Can anyone see this written somewhere in an Edmunds review? And yes, I am being sarcastic.

Guys, thanks for the info. Just talked with my friend at the dealership. Its either a low optioned 07 SEL (dune pearl, no Vista roof, sirius, cloth) for 22K

 

Or a 07 MKX leather, heated seats, vista, etc for 27K

No navigation, but it has sync.

 

Looks like Im gonna get a MKX!!!!!!!!

I thought sync was a new feature for 2008.

With Ford of Canada's recent deal of 0% financing, I'm considering making the jump from my Fusion to an 2008 Edge Limited.

 

I live in Windsor, ON...

 

I've got a several questions, that I hope some of you "seasoned" Edge owners might be able to answer.

1) Not sure if I need to go with AWD or just FWD, with the cost of gas going up and up... I'm wondering if there is any appreciable difference in gas mileage between the two?

2) I'm wondering about the chrome clad wheels, how well do they hold up to curb rash?

3) If I go with AWD, I'm wondering if the 20's will handle as well as the 18" aluminums?

4) How does the Vista roof handle an all-black interior in the summer? I know my black interior in my Fusion gets crazy hot if the sun roof is left open. Does the shade keep the black leather seats (in the Edge) cool?

5) I've read up on the problems with red Edges when they first came out... are they still a problem with the 08's? The reason I'm asking is I was thinking of getting a red limited with 20's and the interior package. (does anyone have pics of this setup?)

 

Sorry for the mulitple questions, but I thought it would be better to post one message than multiple ones.

 

thanks in advance folks...

IMO I would go with the AWD in Canada. The gas milage is not much different and the first time it snows you will ask yourself why you did not get AWD. I personally like the clad wheels. They are easy to clean and look and fit the style of the car IMO. As far as curb rash goes don't worry about it. If you rub any rim you get damage. I had real chrome on my 2004 Pacifica and was forever cleaning the rims hopeing the would not rust or pit. The painted rims are nice but the chrome adds a little something extra. :shades: I have 18's because i did not like the profile on the 20's, but thats a matter of preference. Also there are a lot of potholes and rough road surface here on long island, NY. Black interior will always be hotter in the summer, although i had it in my 2004 Pacifica and it was not much of a problem. I have leather camel now and love the look. First year production cars always have some issues, but this car seems to have done well in its first year. I know some don't want to look at consumer reports, but the Edge is a recommended car after its first year. Buy what you like :shades: it's your car.

Hi beasley. :D The fix, if the Dealer/Ford determine the chrome clad wheel is defective, is a simple replacement with a new wheel.

 

Some just have squeaky/ill fitting chrome cladding, most don't. Just another sometimes defective part from a supplier. I would assume that Ford is having the supplier address the quality control concerns on current production runs.

 

Good luck! :beerchug:

Thanks. So there is no real fix (TSB). It's like any other part that is found to be defective while the car is under warranty.

BAMR = Bad A$$ Moon Roof. I love the moon roof - especially since I dont have to wax and polish and seal the roof - YEEE HAAAWWWW!!!. Havent been able to open it yet - it is a wee bit cold here still - 10-25F. Closed it does not make noise :shades:

 

I like leather - easier to clean and maintain - plus heated.

 

If you like the chrome wheels - Edges built Jan 2008 and after fix issues - i think. But here is my logic. There is a lot of chrome on the car. The wheels help complete the chrome lines down the side. Further, it is MUCH easier to maintain plastic chrome than metal chrome - BY A LOT. I have them - I like them. They still "creak" a little in cold weather. I would not worry too much about it. if you like them, go for them. However if you dislike the looks, avoid them. I just would not avoid them due to other issues.

 

I thought I could care less about the Power Lift Gate (PLG). However, it is really convenient and glad we got it. Great for grocery shopping in 15 below weather. I just thought it would be a whooptie dooo - i was wrong.

 

Our Edge is an Orange Limited and it really does not show dirt a lot - which I like because there is less washing. But it sure shows salt - ick. I just hope we dont get annoyed with the color. Beware with the Dark Ink Blue (if you go that route) - it really looks black unless in DIRECT sunlight.

 

The interior is Camel. We looked at the Stone - but it was TOO boring and overwhelming. Black was not an option for us - too many furry critters traveling with us.

 

Sync is a REALLY nice feature - it plays all but our playlist on iRiver Clix Gen 2. It even recognizes underground names like Zoorupa and odd punctuation like T.a.T.u.

 

Ours has the reverse sensor - have not seen the whole benefit yet because every time we back out of our garage, it beeps at us because of the garage wall - creates a false sense (like crying wolf). Will be installing rear camera due to high lift gate and it is really hard to see when backing.

 

Ours has the Rear cargo mgmt system - havent used it yet.

 

I wish the gas mileage was better - but this IS a suv by all means. Ours is averaging about 17.2 MPG - all 100% city with max speed 45MPH per the computer - still breaking in with 698 miles on it thus far. It does have lots of giddy up and go imo.

 

I like the fact that is has a Can oil filter on the BOTTOM of the engine. First, this means JUST changing the oil filter is easy - drop in go with minimal spill (I hope - not change oil yet). Second, this means that the engine will not starve of oil (the Hyundai Sante Fe has the top mounted oil filter which can cause oil starvation at startup - a flawed design imo). Finally, I have a canister on my Mazda - while it is still easy to change - there is not much for aftermarket oil filtration - unless I convert it. And it spills more oil too.

 

 

Good luck and show us pics when you get it.

 

Solas

What was the fix for the chrome wheels?

I have a 2008 black limited 18 inch wheels and love it although it is hard to keep clean. I don't have an issue with the crome clad wheels they clean up real easy, i don't see break dust and IMO look real good. I chose black because i IMO it looks best with the vista roof (BAMR). I think the BAMR is a must have. I do not have nav or dvd since i have the portable versions of both and chose to spend the money on BAMR instead. I have all other options except the rear cargo mgmt system which is something i wish i ordered for $65. Just gives you storage around the spare tire. I have the car 3 months and have had no issues at all. Wife works for Ford dealer so we got D plan pricing.

You say the one you bought from Ford came with Velcro for keeping it in place? I didn't get any Velcro. Mine stays in place because it has no place to go, it fits perfect. Maybe I left something in the box and threw it out with the Trash.

Got mine from Ford also. Wife is a warrantary administrator for ford dealer so we get parts for cost. Fits perfect and has no where to move. Did not get velcro with cargo mat either.