When I was growing up I used to be impressed by the newfangled numeric security keypads on the driver doors of Ford Tauruses and the like. They seemed so high-tech.
In 1986.
Of course, that was before the widespread availability of remote-transmitter key fobs...
Nowadays, every new car comes with one of these key fobs -- including our long-term Ford Edge. Yet the Edge nonetheless soldiers on with its '80s-chic keypad.
I'm told the keypad is useful when you want to lock your keys in the carâ¦but do you ever really want to lock your keys in the car? And does this marginal added flexibility really justify the aesthetic cost of having that unsightly keypad on the door? Karl vouched for the keypad in a previous post , but I personally think it's pretty cheesy.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com @ 17,721 miles
I'm told the keypad is useful when you want to lock your keys in the carâ¦but do you ever really want to lock your keys in the car? And does this marginal added flexibility really justify the aesthetic cost of having that unsightly keypad on the door? Karl vouched for the keypad in a previous post , but I personally think it's pretty cheesy.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com @ 17,721 miles
gearhead1977 says:
01:23 PM, 01/29/09
I had a 96 Mercury Cougar with the keypad. I loved that I could drive my bike to the nearest trail, throw everything I didn't need inside and lock the keys in car.
I agree it's not elegant and a bit antiquated, but it's still a useful idea.
cbd22186 says:
11:41 AM, 04/18/09
The look isn't that bad, and besides it completely functional for surfing. with my 91' prelude I could just tie the key to the pocket in my board shorts, but I would never do that with my S2000 key. This offers a perfect solution. I would prefer not to lock my keys in the car, but its better than trying to hide them somewhere on the periphery of the car (IE above a tire, on top of the muffler). It maybe not be the prettiest solution, but its functional and that is important.
dieselone says:
05:16 AM, 05/ 5/09
I use the keypad on my 07 Expedition quite often. I like being able to lock my stuff and keys in the vehicle.
We go boating a lot in the summer. I like being able to lock my keys in the car w/o risking loosing the keys while boating. It may look antiquated, but if you lock your keys and cell phone in your car in the middle of no where, your screwed. If you know the access code, your 5 presses of the buttons to get in.
It's not a deal maker or breaker for me, but I have found many uses for the key pad.
dubaizen says:
01:15 AM, 06/ 5/09
Since the probability of finding the car keys in such cars are high, all that a thief would have to do is break the window, find the keys (probably in the center console ;) ) and take off with the car :D
COOL.
wjtinatl says:
01:06 PM, 08/27/09
Seems like the Edge has gone into witness protection.
Having several Fords, I love the keypad entry. Lock the keys in the car at the beach, or bike trail and not worry about losing them. Also, on the real hot days leave it running, AC on max, locked up safely with perhaps the dogs in the car at a rest stop. Latest Fords have the keypad integrated into the B-pillar and behind a black panel, invisable until you press a button. Hope Ford keeps 'em.