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Long-Term Road Tests

2007 Ford Edge SEL

May 23, 2009

Would I Buy One?

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Would I buy one? It's a question I ask myself whenever I slide behind the wheel of a car. Would I drop my hard earned money on one of these? Would I want to own it? Drive it for years? Look at it in my driveway? Tell people it's mine?

It's also the question you the reader ask me the most. So I've decided to go through all the cars we now have in our fleet and decide whether or not I would buy one. I also included a few recently departed vehicles. Seems appropriate since they just left us. 

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May 1, 2009

Big List of Fuel Economy - April Edition

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Here are the fuel economy figures for April 2009. As usual, we've listed the best and worst tanks and the average over the entire life of the vehicle.

We're missing a couple of cars that were out of town or unavailable at the time we took the readings.

Car
Best
Worst
Average
2009 Audi A4 Avant
26.8
17.5
22.3
2008 BMW 135i
27.7
9.5
19.8
2009 BMW 750i
21.8
14.6
19.1
2002 BMW M3
23.5
12.3
17.5
2009 BMW M3
16.8
9.6
14.8
2008 Cadillac CTS
32.5
9.9
19.2
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
18.1
10.3
16.3
2009 Ford Flex Limited
26.7
13.7
19.6
2008 Ford Focus SES
40.6
16.6
26.7
2007 Honda Civic GX
47.3
12.7
31.7
2009 Honda Fit Sport
39.0
26.0
32.0
2009 Hyundai Genesis
24.8
15.5
20.7
2009 Infiniti FX50
21.8
10.7
17.1
2009 Mazda 6
29.1
19.5
23.5
2008 Mitsubishi Evo X GSR
22.6
11.0
17.2
2008 Mitsubishi Evo X MR
21.3
11.7
16.8
2009 Nissan GT-R
21.8
11.5
16.5
2008 Pontiac G8 GT
19.4
14.1
17.3
2008 Smart Fortwo Passion
43.4
23.5
33.7
2009 Suzuki SX4
25.0
18.6
22.5
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
43.0
28.7
35.3
2005 Volkswagen Jetta on Biodiesel
49.1
26.2
38.8

After the jump you can see the list sorted by best average MPG.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

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April 14, 2009

Where's the Clipboard Damn It, I Need a Car!

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What's it like working at Inside Line?

I get this question almost daily from somebody, and my answer usually blows their mind. I say, "Well, everyday this guy Mike walks up to me with a clipboard that contains a list of 15 to 30 cars ranging from a Smart to a GT-R and he says, 'Scott, what do you want to drive home tonight.'"

It's true.   

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September 24, 2008

The Big List of Fuel Economy

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I was thinking the other day (always a dangerous proposition, I know) and wondering how all the current (or really, really recently departed) Edmunds/Inside Line long-term vehicles stack up against each other in fuel economy, at least the fuel economy we've been recording during their time with us. So I made a list. For you and for me. In case we were both wondering.

The only current vehicles missing from my list are the Audi R8 and the Dodge Grand Caravan, and that's because no one has entered any fuel data into the tracking spreadsheet for those vehicles yet. The very top and the very bottom of the list aren't going to surprise anybody (I don't think), but the middle is kinda interesting. Seeing the Rondo and the WRX so close to each other made me raise my eyebrows. Ditto the Ford GT's spot above the Veracruz. Ready to check it all out? Follow the jump with me.

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July 3, 2008

What's our Most American Car?

A Buffet of Americana. Pity about that Caravan.

On the eve of Independence Day, I thought I'd peruse our garage for the most American metal. Amongst the many long-termers presently in the long-term fleet, we have quite the selection of cars built by domestic makers. Some are excellent representives of this great land, others ... not so much. And that's not counting the pretty cool American cars that reside in our editors' own garages: Trans Ams, Challengers, Corvettes and Schmidt's big ol' F-150.

Of course, what constitutes an American car these days is up for debate given the Focus is hecho en Mexico and our Hyundai Veracruz is hecho en Alabama. But I'll leave those determinations up to you. And the nominees for our Most American Car are...

Buick Enclave

Cadillac CTS

Chevy Silverado

Dodge Caravan (oh dear god, I hope not)

Ford Edge

Ford Focus

Ford GT

Pontiac G8 GT

Saturn Aura

James Riswick, Automotive Editor

May 27, 2008

2007 Ford Edge: On Crack

A sorta artsy picture of the Ford Edge at Griffith Park

Oops, did I say the Ford Edge was on crack? I meant, the Ford Edge has a crack in its windshield. My mistake. Anyway, while driving along the La Cienega Quasi-Highway toward the airport Friday, I heard a sharp impact and then looked over to see this crack (photo below is actual size) in the left center portion of the windshield...

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May 19, 2008

2007 Ford Edge SEL -- Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

I've been reading with interest some of the other blog entries on the Ford Edge. It seems to be growing on the staff, as it is on the general public. Yet at the same time, there's not a lot of enthusiasm for this vehicle. Yes, it's got good acceleration, nice amenities, smooth ride, and nice style...

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April 25, 2008

2007 Ford Edge SEL: Old School



When I was growing up I used to be impressed by the newfangled numeric security keypads on the driver doors of Ford Tauruses and the like. They seemed so high-tech.

In 1986.

Of course, that was before the widespread availability of remote-transmitter key fobs...

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April 21, 2008

2007 Ford Edge: Partial Power Seats

Photo by Caroline Pardilla

OK, I didn't really get to take our 2007 Ford Edge SEL out this weekend since I had gone roadtripping with Erin Riches, Inside Line Senior Editor, in the Mini. But when I got into the Edge the couple of times I did, I noticed this. Our particular Edge is equipped with the Seating Flexibility Package ($985) which means leather-trimmed seats, six-way power driver and passenger seats and a fold-flat second-row seat with a rear EasyFold remote release. But even then, lumbar and recline functions (the levers to the left and right of the power button in the above picture) are manual...

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April 16, 2008

2007 Ford Edge SEL: Back in the Shop.



Remember two weeks ago when our 2007 Ford Edge came back from the dealership?
It had gone in for a check engine light and an odd noise from the front end. While the mystery noise wasn't repeatable (Customers love being told they're delusional) the check engine light was reset. Not fixed. Reset. Why? Because that's Ford's policy.

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April 2, 2008

2007 Ford Edge: Check Engine Light Turned Off, Mystery Noise Not Solved

Photo by Caroline Pardilla

So we got the 2007 Ford Edge back from the shop yesterday after it was sent there for a couple of issues: 1) the "Check Engine" light wouldn't turn off and 2) one of the editors reported that the car vibrates when coming to a stop and that she heard a knocking noise coming from the front brakes.

The dealership erased the code to reset the "Check Engine" light and "performed a visual multi point inspection." No charge for that since it's covered under warranty. But to test the car and find out where the knocking noise was coming from was $45. They drove the car around and were never able to duplicate the sound...

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March 31, 2008

2007 Ford Edge: Tighten Until Clicks

Ford Edge Fuel Cap

The Ford Edge goes into the dealership today to get its "check engine" light looked after. As some of you may know, the "check engine" light usually signifies "check gas cap" or "check some part of the emissions" system. After the light came on, we discovered the cap was indeed not "tightened until clicks" as the cap above suggests. So we did tighten until clicks and hoped the light would go off over the weekend...

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February 19, 2008

2007 Ford Edge SEL: On the Brakes



The Edge has been spanked repeatedly for its poor performance in braking tests, and justifiably so, since relative to others in its class, its achievement in this area is less than impressive. (Bad Edge - go to your room!) But when it comes to matters such as this, there's nothing like a real-life emergency situation to add a sense of perspective. This morning, just such a situation presented itself.

I was coming in to work...

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February 13, 2008

2007 Ford Edge: Up Close and Personal

I was supposed to head out of town this last weekend, but last minutes changes of plan prevented me from doing so. Never the less, I had the Ford Edge for my days off.

I haven't been in it for a while, and by a "while" I mean since we bought the thing. I know the Edge hasn't been getting a lot of praise so I don't want to jump on the party train. Except for one small fact...

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February 12, 2008

2007 Ford Edge: Sharpening the Edge

Ford Edge -- Photo by James Riswick

As Magrath wrote yesterday, the Ford Edge is a pretty good car. Last summer, there was a stretch where it seemed like I was driving nothing but Ford's hit crossover and then my Edge supply ran dry for several months. I finally got back into its comfy, well-positioned driver seat last night and found it to be as pleasant as ever to drive. I also like that it's built 10 minutes from my hometown near Toronto.

Judging by its solid sales performance last year (fifth-best-selling SUV), the Edge is resonating with the car-buying public as well. But there are a few key areas Ford should (and probably will) address with the eventual midlife freshening to make it resonate even more.

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February 11, 2008

2007 Ford Edge SEL: Gets a bad rap


These, friends, are vanilla pods. What're they doing in a Ford Edge SEL post? What's the connection between vanilla and the Ford Edge? (Hint: you think you know but you don't.)

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January 28, 2008

2007 Ford Edge SEL: Fuel Mileage Update

Note how the title doesn't say "Fuel Economy Update".   I couldn't bear to use that word, given how inappropriate it was...Since we haven't done an update on the Edge's fuel usage in roughly six months, I felt it was overdue.  Sad to say, it's gone downhill since then.  In the last update, the Edge's average was a decent 18.6 mpg.  I say decent because that number nearly matches the EPA's more realistic 2008-style rating of 19 mpg combined average (with 16 city and 23 highway being the other numbers). 

Since then, our Edge's average has slipped to 16.9, a 1.7 mpg difference.  Granted, most of the miles have been gathered in the city of L.A., with the patience- and fuel-sucking ritual of stop-and-go traffic being the norm.  The best tank thus far has been an EPA-beating 25.1, while the worst tank would make a Hummer H2 proud: 9.6 mpg.  BTW, the pic shows the trip computer -- the current tank was averaging 14.7 thus far.

John DiPietro, Automotive Editor @ 15,311 miles.  

January 2, 2008

2007 Ford Edge: Weekend Getaway



I took the Ford Edge hiking in Franklin Canyon on New Years. It was a nice Escape from the city, and the Edge's "crème brule" exterior that has been the butt of so many criticisms actually blended nicely into the foliage.

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Specialist @ 14,500 miles.

December 17, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Blind Spots


 

I know this is a common complaint with larger model cars and SUV’s, but I’ve noticed a larger than normal blind spot in the driver’s side of the Edge. This is especially alarming when making left turns as it skews the driver’s ability to see what’s around the bend.

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Specialist @ 14,248 miles.

December 10, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Fuel Suggestions


 

In a world saturated by advertising with no surface left “uncovered”, I was the least bit surprised to see an ad of sorts for BP with a suggestion to use their fuel on the Edge’s fuel cap. On my most recent visit to the pump I noticed the tagline, “Ford Recommends BP” inscribed on the black fuel cover cap. I wonder what kind of deal Ford got out of selling the fuel cover as ad space. Even more interesting would be the data on whether it actually made an impact on consumer fuel choices?

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator @ 14,062 miles.

December 3, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Under the Hood


 

Yesterday, while driving down a street with safety bumps designed to slow down drivers in a school zone, I not only noticed how poorly the Edge’s undercarriage handled the bumps at the designated speed, but was surprised to see the hood of the vehicle pop up ever so slightly. I thought this was my imagination as it’s hard to tell from the vantage point of the driver’s seat. However my concerns were confirmed when I pulled into a parking structure where the attendant checked to make sure I knew the hood was ajar. Of course a firm nudge closed to hood easily, but there’s little excuse for such poor workmanship.

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator @ 13,900 miles.

November 19, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Home From the Body Shop

Following its recent parking lot scrape, our long-term 2007 Ford Edge emerged from the body shop on Friday with a repaired rear bumper and lower valance. 

Due our close, personal relationship with the local shop, it cost just $689.16 including parts, paint and labor, to bring the Edge back to our garage.

Kelly Toepke, News Editor @ 13,583 miles

November 13, 2007

2007 Ford Edge SEL: Aftermarket Nav System

I had a big road trip ahead of me.  I mean really big, as in two-thirds of the way across the country  big.  We're talking nearly 2,000 miles from Memphis to L.A.  My mission was to fly out to attend the '08 Chevy Malibu introduction and then drive a Malibu back here to Edmunds so we'd be among the first to fully test the car (including getting performance figures at the test track).  

So I plucked the Magellan nav system out of the Edge.  I'd be on interstate 40 West for virtually the whole trip, as it would take me from Memphis to just outside of L.A. and because I had to make it in four days, side trips were out of the question,.  But I knew the nav system would come in handy for locating hotels, restaurants and the like.  My thoughts:

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November 4, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Bumper Debacle

Pulling out of a parking spot in a large multi-leveled structure in the Ford Edge I collided with a much larger 2006 Range Rover coming speedily around the bend from the lower level. While the impact was negligible and the Edge felt sturdy and tough the damage tells another story.

There's not only damage to the upper and lower bumpers, but a gash straight through the bumper's exterior in the dead center of the vehicle. I found this surprising given the low speed at which I was pulling out of the spot, but assume that the other vehicle's velocity allowed for the extensive damage...

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October 29, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Radio Ledge?


 

Overall, I’ve been pretty complementary of the Ford Edge’s styling. It looks like the Ford Motor Company did some thinking before coming out with this model and many of its’ design details are logical and useful. However, one of the details I can’t figure out is the way the radio is inset in the dashboard with a small one inch ledge. Perhaps the purpose here was to protect the radio from unnecessary harm, but the unfortunate result is making it harder for the front passenger to reach while also providing a spot for dust to collect. I’d say it’s hard enough to keep cars clean these days.

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator @ 13,165 miles.

 

October 22, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Bugged?


 

Last night I reached up to turn on one of the front passenger lights inside the cabin of the Ford Edge and was surprised to see what looks like to fossil of a long deceased bee trapped inside the bulb (check out the bottom right corner of the picture). I spent some time trying to figure out how the bee could have entered the bulb in the first place, and couldn’t come up with any plausible ideas as there does not seem to be any entry or exit path? It seems that someone has bugged the Edge. I wonder what state secrets have been compromised!

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator @ 13,801 miles.

October 16, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Navigation To Go

We've outfitted our Ford Edge with an aftermarket Magellan Maestro 4050 navigation unit. While we were thrilled with the cost savings over a factory installed unit (about $1200), we've discovered another reason to like the portable unit - portability.

Our PR Manager Chintan was taking a trip to Seattle and since it was his first time, I suggested he take the Edge's nav system. Here are some of his comments:

"Super easy to use - never needed the manual." "I was able to skip the expensive gas plan at the rental car counter knowing I could use the Magellan to help  me find a gas station on the way back." "Unfortunately, I had to hit the recalculate button several times on one trip b/c the unit never seemed to be able to connect to a satellite."

We later discovered that Chintan did not mount the Magellan to his car's windshield (that's a no-no in Calif) and out of habit stuck it down in a small bin below the center stack.  That could account for the poor reception...

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October 15, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: They Might Be Giants


 

Built as a Crossover with hopes of dominating the market, the Ford Edge firmly fits into the Midsize category with other similar cars in its class the Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-9. But once inside this vehicle it gives an impression far from “Mid-size.’ Everything is designed on an oversized scale. I was noting the passenger handles above the back seats, they look like they are made for giants. Even the buttons on the dashboard are all unnecessarily large and commanding. I suppose that supports our reputation as American consumers, bigger is better- or is it?

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator @ 12,925 miles.

October 8, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Center Console Home Office or Cluttered Space?


For those readers who argue that I love everything about the Edge, I do have my criticisms.  Rather than repeating what others have written, I like to focus on smaller details and design choices that impact my use of the vehicle.  They may not be related to horsepower and engine configuration, but are essential for satisfactory vehicle ownership nonetheless. 

Ford brags about the versatile center console on the Ford Edge website claiming that it’s convenient moveable dividers can be configured 12 different ways providing, “more possible storage configurations than any other vehicle in its class.” I’m not doubting the validity of this, but do doubt that this really gives the vehicle any real “Edge” over its competitors. In my opinion, the moveable dividers get in my way if I want to reach into the console for larger items. I’ve found that you either use the top tray and waste all the generous space below or have to remove the tray all together to access anything underneath. It’s not exactly easy to remove the tray if I’m reaching in to grab something on the go. While I understand Ford is trying to appeal to every facet of people’s busy lives I think this accessory is a waste of time.

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator @ 12,850 miles.

October 2, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: A Solid Breeze


 

As summer nears its end I’ve been extremely impressed with the Ford Edge’s powerful Air Conditioning. The settings are easy to use and accessible. The air vents are spread around nicely to get the driver, front and back passengers from every angle. On max A/C the cabin cools down very quickly. It’ll be interesting to note the impact of A/C use on the gas mileage, but I’m hoping the 3.5-liter V6 engine is strong enough to compensate.

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator @ 12,800 miles.

September 24, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Ford Challenge

Ford has rolled out a new challenge they call "Swap Your Ride" in which they give regular drivers a Ford vehicle to test against their cars for one week.  The Ford Edge is a centerpiece of this test and has been featured in recent TV ads over the last few weeks.  Ford claims that the people driving their vehicles don't know that they are getting the offer from Ford, but think its' part of a larger market research model. 

Just as in the Head to Head comparisons Ford paired the Edge against it's top competitor the Nissan Murano.  While I think the idea is great, Ford misses the mark in the ad as the key difference they focus on is the Vista Sun Roof, an optional feature vs. standard equipment.  I myself can't speak to the greatness of the double sun roof, as our model is not equipped, but I think Ford would have made its' point more effective by calling attention to some of the standard features that distinguish the Edge from the Murano, unless of course the Swap Your Ride test didn't highlight any?

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator @ 12736 miles.

September 17, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Made for Machos


 

Early blog entries on the Ford Edge have commented on the Edge’s surprising agility and reflexes despite its’ 4,300 pound body weight. While I agree that the ride is agile, the heaviness is certainly felt in the doors and trunk hatchback. Closing the trunk requires a deep breath and a lot of effort. It’s a two step process in which you have to grip the inside handles to get the door low enough to slam from the outside. It’s great for daily exercising.


Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator @ 12672 miles.

 

September 5, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Packing a Punch

There had been some complaints about the Edge’s cargo space as compared to other crossovers in its’ class. Modeled somewhat after Nissan’s Murano, the Edge doesn’t have quite the same capacity with its’ 69.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. 
However, in my experiences with the Edge it’s sufficiently roomy and a great car for lugging cargo. I spent yesterday stocking up on home goods and had no problem fitting them all into the roomy trunk area while still being able to see out the back of my car. Despite all the heavy boxes the Edge didn’t feel weighted down or overburdened and I got everything home with ease.

Alison Steinlauf Anziska, Marketing Coordinator @ 12,525 miles.
 

August 27, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: No Crossover Comparison.

I've read a number of mixed reviews on the Edge, everything from complimentary of its horsepower to critical of its clunky build and design. However after my first experiences driving the Edge around over the last week, I have been won over by it's smooth ride and overall driving comfort.

I can't even begin to list the differences between my last road test car, the Jeep Compass and the Edge. Granted they are in different automotive classes, the Compass being a Compact at $10k less than the Edge (Compass starts at $15,000 while the Edge base models go for $25,000), but I'd say that's $10,000 well spent...

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August 21, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Easy Around Town

This past weekend I logged 150 miles on our long-term 2007 Ford Edge, and can't even remember where I went.

After consulting the stack of receipts in my wallet, I'm reminded of a trip to the Gap, Home Goods, Target, Vons grocery store and The Olive Garden. (Sorry to offend my Italian friends. It was a birthday dinner, not my choice)...

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August 3, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: It Grows on You

The last two nights, I have driven our 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT and our 2007 Ford Edge. I hadn't driven the Tahoe in a long time, primarily intimidated by its ridiculous size and weight. But I figured that since I'd driven the Edge, and the Silverado, and the R500, I would be better able to cope with its enormity. Nope...

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2007 Ford Edge: We Add Magellan Navigation

We recently added a portable navigation device to our Long Term Ford Edge. We could have opted for a factory installed unit when we purchased the car but that would have added $2,380 to the bottom line. That price includes an upgraded stereo too.

Retail price for the Magellan Maestro 4050 is $699...

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July 26, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Fuel Economy Improvements

Edge fuel economy numbers have slowly improved over our 10,000-miles of ownership. Its average is up to 18.6 mpg with its best tank recorded only recently, 23.8 mpg.

The 4,195-pounder isn't exactly breaking any records here, but it is taking baby steps in the right direction.

Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Coordinator - 10,777 miles

July 18, 2007

2007 Ford Edge SEL -- Glaring Mistake

There are certain things that matter to me as a driver. One, that you blog readers may have noticed, is sight lines. If you're piloting a couple tons of steel around at substantial velocities, seeing what's around and behind you is always a good thing. Seems pretty common sense, actually...

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July 9, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Sirius Lack of Tunes

The introductory Sirius subscrition that came with our Ford Edge has run out. Dang! I need my daily Octane. Well, actually, I don't really neeeed it, as such.

This article from 2006 shows that only 54% of the folks that bought a car with Sirius or XM planned to renew their subscription. Of those who bought a retail XM or Sirius unit, 78% reported that they would renew.

This article is a little newer and shows, among other things, how renewals differ between Sirius and XM. In the first quarter of 2007, XM had a 67% net subscriber attrition rate. Sirius at only 43%, did much better. Scroll down to Section V of the article to see how Sirius has gained a lot of ground in the minds of potential consumers.

I guess the low retention rates aren't surprising. Here are a few of my theories:

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June 29, 2007

2007 Ford Edge SEL: Comfort for Tall People

The 2007 Ford Edge is a completely sensible vehicle.  I had driven it one time before last night and found it clunky that time.  This time around, with expectations muted, I liked it more.  The thing I really noticed this time as how tall-person friendly, or at least this-tall-person-friendly, it was.  I was able to sit in a comfortable driving position  and had somewhere to put my elbows easily, which is pretty uncommon for me.



A negative thing that I noticed is that for a pretty new car, the build quality seemed a little sketchy.  When I went to close the rear tailgate, the plastic around the interior handle had a whole lot of give, making it look like a potential future repair issue.  Not a huge deal, but it contributed to a little bit of a cheap feel.  Overall, though, my opinion this time around was more positive, with a more "it is what it is" feel.



June 28, 2007

Ford Edge's Automatic Fold-Flats

I have not been shy about my dislike for the Ford Edge. But I suppose I'm a victim of Stockholm syndrome, because I'm finding more things to like about it. Last night, when trying to decide what to drive, I had to factor in my need to carry gear to rehearsal. Mike Schmidt, maintainer and provider of four-wheeled wonders, said "The Edge has fold-flat seats." Deal was sealed...

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June 20, 2007

Ford Edge -- What's in a name?

I have spent a certain amount of time pondering the Ford Edge. This may seem obvious, but NOTHING about it makes me feel "Edge." It's not cutting-edge, it's not edgy, it doesn't even remind me of U2's eponymous guitarist. So I walk around it a few times. With its rounded roof lines, it brings to mind some sort of large African beast, like a hippo or an elephant...

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June 18, 2007

Ford Edge: That's a Ford?

I've never really thought much of our Edge SEL. It's not that I disliked it, I just didn't think about it.

After a weekend with Ford's newest crossover, I've grown to like, if not love it. It's attractive and capable - also, several neighbors asked about it and expressed disbelief when I said it was a Ford...

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June 11, 2007

2007 Ford Edge SEL

I took the Edge in for scheduled maintenance last Friday. Ford of Orange performed its 10,000 mile service at bit early at 9,137 miles. The cost? Less than our Maintenance Schedule Calculator estimated at $38.38...

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May 21, 2007

2007 Ford Edge to Santa Barbara Wine Country

Ford Edge at Gainey Vineyards near Solvang, Calif. - Photo by James Riswick

It's not quite a red Saab 900 convertible, but our Ford Edge proved quite the comfortable companion on my weekend trip up to Santa Barbara wine country around Solvang and Buellton, Calif., where the film "Sideways" took place. I must admit that my expectations for the Edge were not very high, but I can't find anything bad to say about how the Edge drives and it proved to be a great road trip car. I love the driving position -- it's lanky dude friendly -- while the seats are both comfy and supportive...

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May 15, 2007

Ford Edge: Carpeting makes a break for freedom

Ford Edge - photo by Warren Clarke
As I was getting into the Ford Edge this morning, a flash of black plastic in the passenger-side footwell caught my eye. I took a closer look and realized that the carpeting in that area of Edge's cabin has started to liberate itself from its attachments, revealing the dark plastic beneath.
Ford Edge Carpeting - phot by Warren Clarke
I tried to stick it back into place but my efforts weren't that successful. We've had the Edge for a mere four months, and it has just under 8,000 miles on its odometer...

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May 9, 2007

2007 Ford Edge Doesn't Grab Me

I never realized how often I use front seat grab handles until I recently drove the Ford Edge and found them suspiciously absent. There aren't any in the rear, either, so it's only a matter of time before my dear daughter starts to complain about climbing in and out of the back seat.

Also, after thoroughly perusing the owner's manual, I still can't find evidence of an ambient temperature gauge.

How am I supposed to torment the fam back east with a "70 degrees and sunny" phone call if I don't know the current So Cal temp?..

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May 4, 2007

2007 Ford Edge SEL: Seems Like Something's Missing

Took a good look at the window sticker of our 2007 Ford Edge SEL this morning. With destination and delivery the car stickered for $30,110. Not bad I remember thinking when we bought the SUV a few months back. The price got us a big V6, a 6-speed automatic, 18-inch wheels and tires, an upgraded sound system and Sirius satellite radio...

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May 3, 2007

2007 Ford Edge SEL: Allow Me To Vent

Spent the last few days in our Ford Edge, and I've realized that the Ford Motor Company still needs to learn a few basics. Air conditioning vents for example. After 50 years you'd think they'd have a/c vents perfected. Every car and truck has them...

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April 25, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Under Pressure

Our Ford Edge got another flat tire - the second one for the right rear. This time we picked up a wayward roof tack that penetrated the tread just enough to give the tire a slow leak.

The good news is that the tire pressure monitor works well and let us know there was a problem long before the car was unsafe to drive. Pressure was down to 16.5 lbs before we aired it up and headed straight for Big O tires in Bellflower, CA...

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April 23, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: The modern day blind spot

2007 Ford Edge -- Brent RomansBack in January, we blogged about the small size of the Ford Edge's rear window and the difficulty of seeing out of it, especially if the rear seat's center headrest is in the raised position. Related to that is the Edge's poor outward rear three-quarter view and subsequent blind spot.

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March 27, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Handles, Good

At first the Edge seems somewhat boring. Maybe it's the trim level we have or maybe it's that rental car shade of gold.

After spending some time with the Edge, I'm warming up to it - the grab handles for the rear hatch are a perfect example. They're grooved so it has a very nice feel - you know, like they really thought about it...

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March 23, 2007

Ford Edge: Look Sharp!

After spending a few days in our 2007 Ford Edge, I've made a few observations:

I'm glad to see that the automotive industry is phasing-out the fold-and-tumble seat. Due to our kitchen re-model project, I had to buy a dorm-style fridge for use during construction. So off we went to the local home improvement store. The new icebox isn't very big, but the articulated fold-flat seat in our Edge worked well -- as it should in this type of vehicle. Even though I drive with the seat nearly all the way back, I didn't have to inch it forward to fold the seat behind, nor did I have to remove any headrests. Sometimes, when things work well you hardly notice them...

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March 19, 2007

Ford Edge: Bin daddy

I tend to notice door storage bins. It has to do with the fuel logs we keep to record mileage regarding our test vehicles. The most convenient place to store these logs (which take the form of note pads) is in the storage bin on the driver-side door. If this bin is shallow or short, the pad doesn't fit...

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March 16, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Ow, My Eye

2007 Ford Edge SEL -- Edmunds.com

The center stack on our 2007 Ford Edge SEL is trimmed with a metallic-look panel. It's fine for dressing up the interior but Ford make the mistake of having the panel rise too far up on the dash in my opinion.

2007 Ford Edge -- Brent Romans

On more than one occasion, I've encountered pretty significant glare reflecting off the panel and into my eyes. Most of the time there's no problem, but certain positions of the sun cause distracting -- and therefore potentially hazardous -- glare...

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March 12, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: MP3 Player/Charger Port

2007 Ford Edge -- Brent Romans

The Ford Edge, as well as many other 2007 vehicles, has a regular 12-volt power point and an auxiliary audio jack port in its center console. Thankfully, Ford remembered to cut a notch out of the console side so that cords can pass through easily. I'm often surprised when a new vehicle I drive doesn't have this simple feature. Without it, a center console lid won't properly close as you have to drape MP3 player/cell phone/radar detector cords over the lip...

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March 1, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Poor Cargo Management

2007 Ford Edge -- Brent Romans

For a vehicle that's supposed to be the modern replacement for the traditional family wagon, the new Ford Edge is surprisingly lacking in thoughtful utility. Open up the rear hatch and you won't find any cargo tie-down points or hooks for grocery bags. (To be fair, I can't say that I ever recall having to use a tie-down point in a vehicle, but still, I'm sure some potential Edge owner would find them useful.) Really, how much extra would it have cost Ford to design either of these items in?

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February 26, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Highway Driving and MPG

2007 Ford Edge -- Edmunds.com

I put about 500 miles on our 2007 Ford Edge this past weekend. The vast majority of that was highway driving in two, four-hour stints. As one might expect, the Edge's strengths lend themselves well to this type of driving. Wind noise is muted at speed, and the 265-hp V6 provides enough oomph for reasonably easy passing...

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February 20, 2007

Ford Edge: Cruise Control Needs a Rethink

I have to wonder if anyone at Ford ever bothered to actually use the Edge's cruise control during its development before signing off on it.

First gripe is the on/off button. Let’s do away with this button altogether. If I want to cruise, I'll set the cruise...

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February 16, 2007

Ford Edge: Accents on Style

I am not alone in my dislike of the grille on our long-term Edge. Or, I suppose, any Edge. It's not as toothy as, for example, an '07 Lincoln Navigator, which looks like Jaws from the '80s Roger Moore James Bond movies. Maybe it looks more like the rapper Li'l John...

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February 15, 2007

Our Ford Edge Has Sirius?!

Photo by Caroline Pardilla
When I took the Ford Edge on a looong road trip to Sacramento, I couldn't tell if it had satellite radio since there weren't any buttons on the console to indicate that it had. There was a button for CD, AM/FM and aux but no "SAT." That was OK, though, since I had my iPod and 1,930 songs to burn through during the journey.

The other night, however, I noticed a "Media" button on the steering wheel under the volume control buttons and pressed it to see what would happen. Suddenly "SIRIUS" popped up on the stereo screen and "90S ALT" sounded throughout the cabin...

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February 7, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Less Humiliating than an OnStar call...

   In the "Why don't more companies offer this feature?" department I'm going to list the Edge's exterior keypad that allows you to lock/unlock the vehicle without a key. I'm constantly barraged by these radio ads for OnStar where some brainiac has locked his/her keys in the car, and OnStar saves the day!! I guess if you have that problem (and don't mind letting other people know about it...) the OnStar solution works. But the keypad seems like a much simpler and more useful solution...

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February 6, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Notes on Hidden Tracks and Brakes

2007 Ford Edge SEL stereo display - Erin Riches

I put an old CD in our long-term Edge SEL's in-dash changer recently and discovered something interesting about MP3-compatible players. The CD was Tool's Undertow, one of the first albums to have a hidden track -- track 69. On older CD players, track 9 would end and then your player would settle into silence, counting up through the empty tracks one by one until it reached track 69. The effect was eerie, because you'd think the CD had ended and then the music would suddenly start playing again...

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January 29, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Seeing is Believing



Try finding a blog entry on our Toyota FJ Cruiser that doesn't mention its poor rearward visibility. Now take a look at the view you get in our new Ford Edge. Not exactly a sweeping panorama of the pavement behind you.

For all of its faults, the FJ is designed for twenty something males who are far more concerned about the way they look than what they are about to back into...

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January 22, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: Hey, it's the 21st-century Taurus

Hardly anybody is making a big deal about the Ford Edge. Somebody should.

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January 18, 2007

Postcards from the Ford Edge

I've said it before and I'll say it again. iPod use, for me, has gone from zero to can't-do-without in mere months. Today, I'm working on my foreign language skills with my favorite new iTunes free podcast, Coffee Break Spanish. The presenters, who speak english in a thick Scottish accent, make this one really enjoyable...

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January 16, 2007

2007 Ford Edge on the Long Road to Sac Town

Photo by Caroline Pardilla
For MLK Weekend, I planned to visit my parents in Sacramento and therefore needed a Iarge car to borrow from our long-term fleet since I'd be hauling an old PC with its tower, monitor and paraphernalia as well as two passengers (one of whom is 6 feet tall and over 250 pounds, the other 5 feet 11 and 160 pounds), all our luggage and various knickknacks over 800 miles. I was given our brand-new Ford Edge which hadn't even broken 1,000 miles yet.

Admittedly, at first I was a little bummed. I always want to drive up something that will impress and/or perplex my parents, like either the Lexus RX 400h or the FJ Cruiser. But then I remembered that my dad is a longtime American SUV fan and he loooves his 2006 Ford Explorer. The Edge isn't as big as the cars he usually goes for but I figured he'd appreciate that it's Ford's brand-spanking-new crossover-utility vehicle.

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January 12, 2007

2007 Ford Edge: A Second Look

2007 Ford Edge SEL - Eric de los Prados

This is our very first blog entry on our 2007 Ford Edge SEL. You can get full details on which options it has in the long-term intro, but the total sticker is $30,110.

I wrote the first drive on the Edge, but last night was my first chance to drive one on the roads of my choosing. I'd like to say I stand behind all my initial positive impressions about its driving dynamics, but I'm just not as enthusiastic about it the second time around...

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