What features did the Edsel have?
The Edsel blended bold styling with new technology for its era, most notably the Teletouch push-button transmission, plus upscale interiors and a range of V8 engines.
Exterior design and styling
Signature look and cues
The Edsel was marketed as a premium, forward-looking vehicle and its exterior reflected that ambition. Distinctive design cues aimed to set it apart from Ford’s other models and from contemporary rivals.
- Prominent grille styling that became one of the Edsel’s most recognizable identifiers, often described as a bold, “horse collar” motif.
- Extensive chrome trim and a careful use of color to emphasize a premium two-tone appearance on many trims.
- Sculpted body lines and a rounded, cohesive silhouette that stood apart from more conventional designs of the late 1950s.
In sum, the Edsel’s exterior aimed to signal luxury and modernity through a distinctive face, brightwork, and a smooth, rounded body language.
Interior design and technology
Comfort and control
Inside, Edsel interiors were designed to feel upscale, with attention to materials, color coordination, and new control layouts that reflected the era’s push toward premium comfort and convenience.
- Teletouch push-button transmission, mounted in the steering wheel hub, offering a novel way to shift gears for its time.
- Two-tone color schemes with vinyl or leather-like upholstery options intended to enhance interior ambiance and perceived quality.
- Available air conditioning and power accessories (such as windows or seats) on higher trims, contributing to a luxury-car experience.
- Dashboard and instrument layout designed for readability, with an emphasis on a prominent central display and clear gauges.
The interior presentation reflected Edsel’s position as a premium brand, combining distinctive styling with a focus on comfort and convenience features.
Power, performance and engineering
Engines and driving dynamics
Under the hood, the Edsel offered substantial V8 power typical of late-1950s full-size cars, with configurations geared toward providing strong highway performance for a family sedan or coupe.
- Large-displacement Ford V8 engines were available, with multiple carburetion options to balance power and efficiency for buyers seeking stronger performance.
- Automatic transmission paired with the Teletouch system (feature-wide for 1958–1959 models) aimed to deliver smooth, easy operation, though it encountered reliability challenges in some early units.
- Full-size, rear-wheel-drive platform with conventional suspension practices of the era, designed to deliver a comfortable, roomier ride for passengers.
Overall, Edsel powertrains and chassis were designed to deliver confident highway cruising with an emphasis on a premium driving experience, rather than sport-focused performance.
Market positioning and legacy
Beyond individual features, Edsel’s package represented Ford’s bold attempt to create a distinct premium brand. The features described above were part of a broader strategy that sought to combine cutting-edge styling with modern conveniences. The Edsel’s reception, however, was shaped by timing, marketing, and quality concerns that affected how these features were perceived in the market.
Summary
In summary, the Edsel’s feature set highlighted bold exterior styling, a premium interior with new control concepts like Teletouch, and substantial V8 power, all aimed at delivering a distinctive, luxury-oriented experience. While the brand ultimately faced market challenges, its features captured attention for their ambition and reflect a notable chapter in automotive design history.
Why did people hate the Edsel?
The Ford Edsel was unpopular due to a combination of poor styling, significant quality and reliability issues, bad timing with a recession, and confusing marketing. The car's over-hyped launch did not deliver on the promised revolutionary design, with its polarizing "horse collar" grille and other features leading to public backlash and disappointment.
- Poor and polarizing styling: The Edsel's design, especially the vertical "horse collar" grille, was not well-received by the public. Many found it unattractive, with comparisons to a horse collar or toilet seat.
- Quality and reliability problems: The Edsel was plagued by numerous issues, partly because it was built on shared assembly lines with Ford and Mercury models. This resulted in poor workmanship, missing parts, and faulty components, like the unreliable push-button Teletouch transmission.
- Bad timing: The car was released during a significant economic recession in 1958, which hurt sales of new, more expensive cars as consumers shifted toward smaller, more fuel-efficient models.
- Confusing market position and pricing: Ford's attempt to create a new mid-priced brand failed to carve out a clear identity. The pricing structure overlapped significantly with existing Ford and Mercury models, leading to customer confusion about the brand's value and intended market.
- Unfulfilled hype: Ford heavily marketed the Edsel as "the car of the future". When it was revealed, it didn't live up to this immense hype, leading to public disappointment.
Did the Edsel have any innovations?
Through technological advances, multiple features introduced by Edsel cars, including self-adjusting brakes, automatic climate control, steering wheel-mounted transmission controls, and childproof rear door locks are no longer impractical ideas, but included in many current production features as options or standard ...
What design flaws did the Edsel have?
Mistaking the shifter for the horn was common and resulted in transmission damage. Other problems plaguing the Edsel were trunk compartments notorious for leaks and faulty welds. Poor marketing also left dealers selling the new models with a reveal when the new Edsels were shipped.
What are the features of the Ford Edsel?
The E-car project was an ambitious one from the start with much planning and design. The Edsel would feature high-end features like self-adjusting brakes; automatic transmission with Teletouch Drive -- with push-buttons mounted on the steering wheel hub; air-conditioning; and Ford's newest "FE-series" V-8 engine.
