First Drive: Ford's Edge

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What's It Cost? I priced an entry-level front-drive SE model, which does not have the panoramic roof or navigation system, and added Sirius radio on Edmunds.com for $26,075, including destination charges. The top of the line SEL with all-wheel drive, panoramic roof, navigation, Sirius, and rear-seat entertainment system priced out at a wallet-bending $36,484 on Edmunds.com.

How Many Will Ford Sell? Privately, Ford execs say they think they should sell about 100,000 a year. But they are hoping to sell more like 130,000 a year, so they can crow about overshooting expectations. Honda will sell about that many Pilots this year.

Would I Buy One? The styling catches my eye. And it looks better on the street than I remember from the auto shows. A properly equipped Edge is going to run anyone at least $30,000, which seems like a good value relative to competing models. My own preference for sportier driving would probably lead me to a Mazda CX-7 in this category. But I would recommend it. And with more vehicles like the Edge, the Ford brand may stage a healthy comeback.

David Kiley is a senior correspondent in BusinessWeek's Detroit bureau.