I am looking for my son, who is graduating from college this year. Problem I am having trying to decided between a sportier 2004 Edge with the 3.0 and 4:10 rear or a 2005 XL with the 2.3. Both auto trannys.
I know he would want the sportier one, but he is also worried about gas millage. So, get the kid something a little nicer he would be really happy with or something more stripped but, a bit easier on his wallet since he is just starting out.
Any suggestions would be awesome! Thanks!

p.s. I have the 4.0 in my Sport Trac and love it! But, that is the worst on gas......

 

I get between 20 and 21 mpg's in my 4.0 4x4. I would say get the Edge model because it looks better.

 

I've never driven a 3.0, but I've heard the moddo 3.SLOW alot. So I assume they are gutless.

If I were him, and 4 wheel drive wasn't a concern, i'd get the 2.3 and drop it. If 4 wheel drive is a concern, i'd shoot for a 4.0 4x4. I wouldn't ever get the 3.0

 

I'm not sure of the milage for the 2.3 liters but my 4.0 is solid at 20mpg. Maybe have him do the math and decide? The difference between 20 and 25mpg is only 1 gallon per hundred miles. If he drives 10k per year he'll pay $275 extra in fuel.

 

personally i dont like the 3.slows. i would get the 2.3 and drop it

 

You are looking for yours son? He was missing? lol!

 

****ing the 2.3 and the 3.0. Get the 4.0 and you can lower it or lift it. Either way you will have the biggest engine you can get.

 

x2 get a 4.0 and lift it

 

Either 2.3 or 4.0. 3.0 shouldn't even be an option. If you live north of the Mason Dixon get him a 4x4. I drive a 4x2 Ranger in Northeast Ohio and I had to be pulled out by a tow truck twice last winter. Talk about hurting your wallet :/

 

considering they dropped the 3.0L after 2001 there isn't any other option.

 

uh.. they dropped it for 09. lol

and i vote the edge. 4.10's in the rear should help a tiny bit

 

go with the 2.3. if your son wants a little more power point him to this site and will teach him to put a turbo on it and run with some v8's.

Pretty much the 3.0 is an all iron motor (heads and block) its just reliable. While the 2.3 can get great mpgs. It all depends on what your son is looking for in particular. have him test drive both and let him figure out what meets his needs.

 

i vote 4 liter but i'm biased.... go big or go home.