...what is your evidence that it was a "technological marvel" and/or better made than average?
The Edsel offered several innovative features, among which were its "rolling dome" speedometer and its
Push-button Teletouch transmission shifting system in the center of the steering wheel. Other Edsel design innovations included ergonomically designed controls for the driver and self-adjusting brakes (often claimed as a first for the industry, even though
Studebaker had pioneered them earlier in the decade).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edsel
The Edsel was mostly a failure of marketing and planning for Ford rather then design or build quality. They built a car with a funny looking grill that competed directly with their other models.