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2006 Lincoln Zephyr Road Test

More Than a Jazzed-Up Fusion?

Lincoln, the aristocrat of domestic luxury car brands, is tapping into new markets with the introduction of its mid-size, front-wheel drive, V6-powered sedan. Readers familiar with Fords product family will note the similarity between the Fusion and the Lincoln Zephyr. Why? Well, in root-form they are the same vehicle, arising from a shared chassis architecture and drivetrain (V6-equipped Fusion) - but thats where the similarities end. Once the two vehicles diverge conceptually, the Zephyr morphs into a sophisticated luxury car while the Fusion goes on to fulfill automotive needs more mundane.

I have a lot of time for premium mid-size rides

Lincoln wants us to change the way we think of American luxury. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

such as the Zephyr. They provide comfort, refinement and quiet solitude while remaining agile and easy to maneuver, unlike the land-yachts of yesteryear. The smaller luxo-cruisers - many of which are V6-powered - are also easier on fuel, the golden nectar of the industrial age. It was with such preconceived notions that I eagerly accepted the keys to this weeks tester, which interestingly enough follows on

Definitely not a land-yacht of yesteryear. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

the heals of a Ford Fusion I recently road tested (see Sundays review). Putting the two buggies side by side is somewhat of an "apples to oranges" comparison, yet I cant help but do so given that my Fusion test unit was a top-of-the-line version, bringing its MSRP within striking distance of the Zephyrs opening bid.

A loaded V6 Fusion will top-out in the range of $25,795. The entry-level Zephyr, which is similarly stacked with goodies, starts at $28,995. Thats a difference of $3,200. So, this in mind

Thats a lot of style and sophistication for $36,999. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

is the Lincolns cachet and its more polished performance worth the extra three large that separate the price tags? You be the judge. Having thoroughly evaluated each vehicle during my road tests, I would dumpster-dive for returnable bottles and tins to come up with the extra currency needed to hang a Lincoln key on my ring rather than that of a Fusion. In addition to its considerably more attractive interior and exterior styling, at least to my taste, Lincolns smallest offering dishes-up a more supple and refined ride than the Fusion without sacrificing the worthy handling dynamics of its shared

The Zephyr offers midsize buyers considerably more attractive interior and exterior styling than the Fusion, at least to my taste. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

chassis architecture.

I was more than pleased with the smoothness found in the Zephyrs ride and drivetrain. Parent company, Ford, has worked hard to bring the venerable 3.0-liter (182 cu in) V6 into the refinement ballpark of engines supplied by premium marques such as Lexus and Acura. No, theyre not in the dugout yet, but they play in a park nearby. The spry, variable cam-timing-equipped Duratec 30 conjures-up 221 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 205 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. Its punch flows through a smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, sans a manual-mode feature. Although the absence of a manual-mode may disappoint some,

The Zephyrs ride is extremely comfortable, yet its handling and braking prowess is surprisingly deft. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

its really not necessary in this class of vehicle. Driving the Zephyr is all about comfortable, carefree motoring; not hot-footed speed-mongering through curves and up hills; not that the Zephyr isnt capable of such.
Rather, the road-adhesion ability of the softly-sprung Zephyr and its predictable handling characteristics really impressed me. Although its 4-wheel independent suspension setup is a bit on the spongy side, favoring ride comfort over taut handling, the vehicle remains composed and sure-footed throughout high-speed corners and when forced into abrupt lane changes; despite the accompaniment of moderate body roll. As a middle-aged car guy, I would have no problem living with the ride-versus-handling formula Ford has applied to the entry-level

Interior detailing is impressive. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Lincoln. In my view, the car exhibits handling competency sufficient to meet or surpass the expectations of typical luxury car buyers. The same can be said for the Zephyrs braking ability. Its ventilated, 4-wheel antilock disc arrangement imparts confidence while easily pulling the 3,406 pound sedan to a rapid halt, free of fanfare and tumult. Some nosedive is generated by a snap of the binders, but again its not beyond expectation and doesnt seem to compromise the vehicles stability during emergency braking maneuvers.

Also beyond compromise is the full-array of standard equipment Lincoln has dressed the Zephyr with. In issuing their least expensive ride, Lincoln didnt water-down the "marque" by sending the Zephyr forth with less content than the prestigious brand, known best for its limousines, deserves. In addition to its many comfort and convenience amenities, the Zephyr

Love that rich wood trim. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

features Fords Personal Safety System as standard equipment. This technology uses a network of sensors to analyze various data - such as the front-seat passengers weight, whether seatbelts are in use and the overall severity of the crash - to customize the deployment of its dual-stage frontal airbags. Further augmenting occupant protection is a set of side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as full-length safety curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Regrettably, I note that electronic stability control is not currently available to assist in avoiding a loss of control, precipitated crash. I hope this deficit is overcome shortly. Partially filling the control-gap, though, is a very advanced, engine- and ABS-managed traction control system - again supplied as standard equipment.

Although there isnt additional Zephyr safety gear to opt for, there are several standalone options buyers may select from to fulfill their "Lincoln" vision,

Lincolns new design direction suits my tastes perfectly. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

such as a navigation system, moonroof, premium surround-sound audio and heated/cooled perforated leather front seats. And vision is what Ford is exercising in creating the value-priced, reasonably accessible Lincoln.

The Zephyr offers the prestige and luxury of the famous "Lincoln" marque without sending its price tag through the roof - and I admire that. The 2006 Zephyr is much more than a jazzed-up Fusion, and the 2007 model, with its new 265 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, all-new 6-speed automatic transmission, more acceptable all-wheel drivetrain and all-new name, MKZ, should make an excellent car even better. But even in its current form its a far more refined sedan than the Fusion or some others in this category, one that spoils its occupants with a genteel ride quality in a serenely quiet cabin filled with quality, soft touch materials and numerous comfort and convenience amenities. Is it worth the three-grand mentioned earlier to rise above the loaded Fusion SEL? I say, "you bet," and encourage others to take the challenge.

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