Could the all-new Ford Edge be just the "edge" that Ford needs?

Ford's design team has turned a page, and it's a pretty good page at that.

The all-new Edge crossover is one of the more exciting designs to come from Ford in recent years. It's a watershed achievement and a sign that Ford has just placed itself firmly on the comeback trail.

First, the Edge has distinctive, contemporary styling. Most people who've been following the auto industry will tell you that Ford's biggest challenge is to get rid of its ho-hum styling and inject some pizzazz into its auto lineup.

	The 2007 Ford Edge. Click photo for larger image.

If the Edge is any indication, Ford may be turning a styling corner. The Edge has a smooth, modern, aggressive look with character lines and a profile that will remind many of Infiniti's highly acclaimed FX crossover series. The three bar, bold chrome grille has "Ford" written all over it. With its understated modern lines and chrome accents, the Edge makes quite a statement.

Another plus for the Edge is its equipment. It comes with a 265 horsepower V-6 and a six speed automatic -- a rarity in any American product but a desirable feature because it increases performance and fuel economy.

Among its standard features are AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, a flexible center console that can store a laptop computer, full power accessories, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and AM/FM stereo and CD player with MP3 capability. It also has Ford's "Safety Canopy" and Personal Safety System features.

Prices and fuel economy information were not available.

For 2007, Ford's Expedition also is brand new and comes in an extended wheelbase model to compete with Chevy's Suburban and similar models.

Power is provided by a 300 horsepower, 5.4 liter V-8 backed by the full-size SUV class segment's first six-speed automatic transmission.

The interior is much better designed than previous models and it looks as though it has been better assembled, too. The new Expedition comes equipped with an all-new chassis and a new independent rear suspension, which means a much better ride and better handling than its competitors.

There's also a bit more room in the new Expedition, more adjustments for the driver's seat and a "Centerslide" section that can be moved forward up to 11 inches to give more room to a young child sitting in the second row of seats. A big selling point will continue to be the optional "Powerfold" third row seat that folds flat with a touch of a button.

The Expedition looks much the same as it did before, though the grille has Ford's new chrome three bar look. That "sameness" may be a problem for Ford, given Chevy's totally new look for its Suburban and American consumers' increasing tendency to overlook products that don't change from year to year.

Seat-mounted front side air bags, the three row "Safety Canopy" rollover detection system, Roll Stability Control and other features enhance the safety of the new Expedition.

Prices for the 2007 Expedition range from $29.995 to $40,745. Fuel mileage rating is unavailable.

Ford's popular Fusion intermediate size sedan remains pretty much as is with a notable exception: All-wheel drive will be available on the SE and SEL model lines. Other changes to Fusion include adding a standard fold-down rear seat for SE and SEL models. In addition, front seat side air bags and side-impact curtain air bags also are standard for the first time. Prices for the Fusion range from $17,995 to $21,275. Fuel mileage ratings are 23 mpg city and 31 highway.

Meanwhile for 2007, Mustang gets a new GT California special package, which features a unique front end and GT/CS door stripes. Prices for the Mustang range from $19,995 to $31,175. Fuel mileage is 19 city and 28 highway.