Ford could be credited for the explosion of the SUV as the vehicle of choice beginning in the 1990's. Though SUVs wane in popularity now, Ford still maintains an extensive lineup of SUVs and crossover vehicles. Here's a brief rundown on the Ford SUV lineup, along with links to some reviews on About.com:
Edge
Introduced in the 2007 model year, the Edge broke the mold of Ford SUV design with its slightly bulbous, organic shape. Clever use of interior space lends an expansive feel to the cabin. Riding on the same platform as the Ford Fusion sedan, Edge truly does cross over from SUV to car. Available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, Edge gets a 3.5 liter 265 hp/250 lb-ft V6 hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimates 17 city/24 highway for the all-wheel drive and 18 city/25 highway for the front-wheel drive. Prices start at $25,735 and go up to $32,845 plus options.
2008 Ford Edge Test Drive & Review
2007 Ford Edge Test Drive & Review
Flex
New for the 2009 model year, the Flex is a seven-seater with Retrofuturist style. Sharing the three-bar grille design from the rest of the Ford SUV lineup and little else, Flex encases a flexible interior layout in a wagon-like exterior. Available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive and the familiar 3.5 liter V6 tuned to send 262 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque to a six-speed automatic transmission, Flex is rated by the EPA to travel 16 city/22 highway mpg in AWD; 17 city/24 highway in FWD trim. Prices start at $28,295 and go up to $34,070 plus options.
2009 Ford Flex Test Drive & Review
Escape
Redesigned for the 2008 model year, the Escape blends big SUV styling with car-based underpinnings. With unibody construction and bold, clean design, Escape manages to get some of the best of both worlds. Available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, Escape can be had as a 3.0 liter V6 gas-only, a 2.3 4-cylinder gas-only, or Hybrid 4-cylinder gas-electric vehicle. Fuel economy for the hybrid is estimated at 34 mpg city/30 mpg highway; for the V6 it's 17 city/22 highway; for the i4 it's 22 city/28 highway. Prices start at $19,140 and go up to $29,215 plus options.
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Test Drive & Review
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Photo Gallery
Taurus X
Renamed for the 2008 model year after a three-year run as "Freestyle," the Taurus X continues the tradition of Ford wagon-style crossover vehicles with a comfortable, stylish minivan alternative. Available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive and the familiar 3.5 liter V6 tuned to send 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque to a six-speed automatic transmission, Taurus X is rated by the EPA to get 16 city/22 highway mpg in AWD; 19 city/24 highway in FWD trim. Prices start at $28,295 and go up to $31,800 plus options.
2008 Ford Taurus X Test Drive & Review
2008 Ford Taurus X Photo Gallery
2007 Ford Freestyle Test Drive & Review
2007 Ford Freestyle Photo Gallery
Explorer
The iconic SUV. For many years, Explorer was the best-selling SUV in America; with the gas crunch, that position has been usurped by the Honda CR-V. Explorer has seen its ups and downs, from the rollover crisis of the late 1990s to vilification in recent years as a gas hog. In reality, Explorer can be efficient, fun to drive and quite stylish. Explorer can be equipped with a 4.0 liter V6 or a 4.6 liter V8 engine and an automatic transmission driving the rear wheels or all four wheels. Fuel economy ranges from 14 mpg city/20 highway for the V6 RWD to 13 mpg city/19 highway for the V8 4WD. Prices start at $26,010 and go up to $36,690 plus options.
2008 Ford Explorer Test Drive & Review
2008 Ford Explorer Photo Gallery
2007 Ford Explorer Test Drive & Review
2007 Ford Explorer Photo Gallery
Expedition
The Big Kahuna. Expedition stands as the largest SUV in Ford's current lineup. With styling that emphasizes its connection to the highly successful Ford truck line, Expedition is in no way subtle or understated. Yet there are times when the only tool for the job is the great big one, and that's when Expedition shines. Powered by a 5.4 liter V8 that cranks out 300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque, Expedition rolls with a six-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is estimated at 12 city/18 highway (RWD) or 12 city/17 highway (4WD). Prices start at $31,345 and go up to $43,590 plus options for the full zoot King Ranch edition.
