STONEHAM, Mass. -- When it comes to crash protection, Ford has an Edge in its lineup. The 2011 Ford Edge midsize crossover earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), thanks to a new roof design that met the challenge of stricter IIHS testing.
The Top Safety Pick designation applies to Edge models built after February 2011. The Edge is the sixth Ford to be named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The 2011 Explorer, Taurus, Fusion and Flex all previously received IIHS safety honors, as did 2011 Fiesta models built after July 2010.
The 2010 Edge missed out on a Top Safety Pick last year after receiving an “Acceptable” score in IIHS roof-strength tests. The old design could support 3.5 times its overall vehicle weight, which was shy of the highest possible “good” rating that requires the roof to withstand four times the vehicle’s weight. After coming up short in the test, Ford immediately improved the design and created a roof that withstands 4.7 times the vehicle’s weight, surpassing IIHS standards.
“Safety is a top priority for Ford, and the new Top Safety Pick for the Edge shows how hard the company works to meet the highest safety standards,” said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Massachusetts Ford dealer Stoneham Ford. “Some automakers would have said ‘Good enough’ and put off a redesign, but Ford put in the hours to make the Edge better in 2011. I think a lot of car buyers can appreciate that level of dedication to safety.”
With 18 percent of U.S. medium crossover sales in the first quarter of 2011, the Ford Edge was the sales leader in its segment during this period. New customers have been drawn to Ford dealers by the Edge’s roster of safety options, including adaptive cruise control, a collision-warning system that precharges the brakes for quicker stops in emergencies, blind-spot sensors and tire-pressure monitors. The Ford crossover also features the innovative MyKey system, which lets parents enable specialized settings for teen drivers that reduce distractions and limit speed.
Ford engineers did remember to pack some fun in with all the safety features. Edge SE, SEL and Limited models are powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Plus, the fuel-friendly Edge SE returns impressive fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the SEL and Limited trim models lead their segment at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. For power junkies, the 2011 Edge Sport delivers 305 horsepower from a 3.7 liter V6 that twists out 280 pound-feet of torque even as it still gets 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
“The Ford Edge is a model that offers the latest in design, fuel-efficiency, performance and technology,” Melkonian added. “Its sleek styling appeals to young buyers, but it’s also a superior family car that is prepared for the worst weather New England can deliver. As Ford continues to push innovation in the Edge, I fully expect it to maintain its place as a leading U.S. crossover.
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