family car

I believe these cars are mechanically identical. Same drivetrain. Same interior/exterior dimensions, etc.... The main difference was that the MKX had a nicer interior, more luxury features, and more sound deadening. Will all of these bells and whistles, there is also possibly more that could go wrong, so pay attention to condition with either option.

Agree with Dnslater. Some more details about 2008 - the Ford Edge that year was not paricularly reliable. Consumer Reports notes many transmission and drivetrain issues that model year. 2010 was a much better model year for that car with fewer problems overall everywhere.

For the Lincoln MKX it is one of the worst cars as far as reliablity goes. For that car they compare models, and the Lincoln takes fourth from last with a score of 19% (just above the Tesla Model X which took dead last at 7%). Best in this catagory was the Audi Q7 at 78%.

So neither car is particularly reliable according to CU, but if you get two years younger with a 2010 Edge you might get a decent one that does not give you too much trouble.

The Edge and MKX are exactly the same car. Like everyone else has said so far, the 2007-2008 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX were very unreliable. The engine was known for stalling, the $3,200 transmission is prone to failing, and the funniest issue is that the tailights and turn signal bulbs are known to melt and some have caught fire. Many people buy this car because it had cool styling for the time. Don't fall for it for these years.

However, the 2009-2010 Edge and MKX were reliable. 2011-2013 had door sensor malfunctions, which is very annoying, but not a safety problem.

My top alternative would be a Toyota Highlander, though it may be hard to find one in your price range. They are the most reliable. Every year.

The Mazda CX-9s were reliable during 2008-2015. The CX-9 is based on the Edge, but as Consumer Reports says, "Overall, it is a bit of a hidden gem. Based on a stretched version of the platform of the Ford Edge, the Mazda is quieter, more agile, and has a nicer interior with attractive trim." In 2007, Mazda used the engine and powertrain from the Ford and instantly had problems. The next year, Mazda used their own V6 powertrain and the problems vanished. The #1 problem is a brake booster failure, but it only costs $500 and Mazda extended the warranty coverage for it.

All Honda Pilots 2006 and newer are reliable, too. Don't go earlier or you'll have a failing transmission.