Send to a friendEddy Alvarez June 29th, 2007 11:04 AM Link
eh, i’m experienced the edge and the mkx and was thoroughly impressed. they seem solid and well built. comfy too. I think Ford did well with them. Once again, I don’t care what automotive journalists say.
Dogged By Poor Reviews, Ford’s Edge Prospers Regardless
Written By: Chris Paukert
Like seemingly every Hollywood blockbuster that’s been savaged by critics but still has moviegoers queued ‘round the block, some vehicles manage to get lukewarm reviews, yet go on to be unqualified sales successes.
Daniel Howes over at the Detroit News sees Ford’s new Edge crossover trending this way. Indeed, most reviews from automotive publications we’ve read have been a bit underwhelmed with its combination of sharp looks but middling performance and sub-par refinement (ditto that for its Lincoln MKX twin). And yet, the Edge has been named “most appealing new vehicle” in J.D. Power’s annual APEAL survey, and it has posted solid sales figures in the process.
Originally tipped to sell 100,000 units, Edge projections have been bumped to 120,000 (although the Blue Oval has been piling cash on the hood even as sales climb –Ed). Howes points out that last month, the Edge outsold the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano, and even General Motors’ larger Lamda-based GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. Of course, some of those sales could be from potential Explorer customers…
To be fair, the Edge certainly isn’t the first vehicle to get panned by pundits, only to go on to be a solid sales success—Chevrolet’s HHR is but one other recent example. More often than not, it’s the inverse that’s true—critics’ darlings that fail to move units. What do you think… is the Edge appealing to you as a consumer? Are automotive journalists all wet, or are they right? Have your say in ‘Comments.’
17 Comments
Eddy Alvarez June 29th, 2007 11:04 AM Link
*i’ve experienced
Jeb June 29th, 2007 12:09 PM Link
I prefer the Mazda CX-9, but I definitely can see how the Edge could pull buyers away from the Explorer.
MRX19 June 29th, 2007 12:14 PM Link
It’s all about product preception. The Edge is attractive, priced well and appears well built. U.S. consumers will buy American if the above critera is met, regardless of what the enthusiast press reports.
George June 29th, 2007 12:51 PM Link
I guess I am from the old School in that I will wait a year to see first if Ford is still living by then ie gone into Chapter 11!
I also will wait to see what problems it has in the long run! Its also made in Ontario, Canada and not in the USA!
detroit9000 June 29th, 2007 1:02 PM Link
In the truck world, Ford still moves mountains when they enter. It’s marketing and brand loyalty. Now that some of the cars don’t out and out suck, they could save themselves. Just don’t cut cost and make cars that out and out suck!
Juicy June 29th, 2007 1:22 PM Link
Matt Damon……
Don June 29th, 2007 2:04 PM Link
Except for it being too heavy (with attending crappy fuel economy), the Edge is a solid, good looking ute.
Bart June 29th, 2007 2:18 PM Link
It’s a competent, good-looking and practical vehicle. Most all vehicles have become so competent and reliable relative to 6 or 7 years ago, that it is tough to go wrong with a vehicle that’s not the top-ranked. My not-top rated ‘04 Jetta has almost perfectly met our needs over 85,000 miles. When you live in a more rural area like mine, the location and quality of service can easily put points on the hood of a good but not tops vehicle. The Ford dealer is hungry, friendly and 9 miles away. The closest Honda, Mazda or Toyota dealers are 25 and neither especially motivated or friendly.
AC June 29th, 2007 3:20 PM Link
The Ford Edge was brought up in discussion some weeks ago, where mileage, weight, and price came into the equation. The Edge’s selling point is on looks. A product can make money by just looking great, and being just above mediocre in other categories. I don’t expect Lincoln’s version to stay in the market a full cycle, however.
andre June 29th, 2007 8:36 PM Link
i for one, dont like the edge, it looks like its trying to hard, like the dodge nitro. those 12 cars are noticable, but not in a very good way. they scream “hey look at me, i bought a new car” a little too much.
Landcrusher June 30th, 2007 9:02 AM Link
Nope,
I know too many unhappy Escape and Explorer owners, including myself.
I loved my Explorer until about 25k when it started to fall to pieces. The worst part was picking it up at the dealer only to turn right around and take it back before getting home because they didn’t bother to test their work.
bruno June 30th, 2007 12:01 PM Link
Test drove it. Not impressed. Lousy mpg’s, too. I’ve only seen a couple on the road. Who’s buying it? Good luck with 120,000 units.
Larry June 30th, 2007 10:26 PM Link
I think it shows two things: 1, car buff mags don’t influence this market segment and 2., not everyone thinks Consumer Reports is always right. They act like they are testing kitchen stoves, not something with multiple thousands of parts.
I wonder if the early run has bad problems. Ford has traditionally been known for fit and finish and solid vehicles.
Jackson June 30th, 2007 11:26 PM Link
QUOTE “Ford has traditionally been known for fit and finish and solid vehicles.”
LOL Larry…come on… you been into the juice again?
How’s your Hydro bill from the grow-op in the basement.
Winding Road » Archive » Ford Goes South, Again January 16th, 2008 10:45 AM Link
[…] talking about the Ford Edge’s introduction to Brazil, of course, not Ford’s […]
Winding Road » Archive » Ford Goes South, Again January 16th, 2008 10:45 AM Link
[…] talking about the Ford Edge’s introduction to Brazil, of course, not Ford’s […]
Diesel with Attitude: The Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro
Report: Volkswagen Working on Driverless Self-Parking System for Production
More Spied Images of New Camaro Interior
Early Scoop on Volkswagen Tiguan's U.S. Launch, Diesel Delayed? Not Coming? 
Report: Mercedes-Benz to Leverage Aluminum for Next E-class
HTML Formatting Tips
- To make something bold: <strong>Text to bold</strong>
- To make something italic: <em>Text to italicize</em>
- To make a hyperlink: <a href="URL">Text to link</a>
- To quote something previously said, you can use <blockquote>text</blockquote>
Markdown Formatting Tips (advanced)This site also allows use of Markdown formatting in the comment section. This accomplishes the same formatting as HTML but is typically easy to use.
my code* Second item
• Second item
1. Second item
2. Second item
<email@add.com>