2006 Lincoln Zephyr

The dictionary definition of Zephyr is "a soft, gentle wind." Ford's luxury marque Lincoln used that name on a series of sleekly styled V-12-powered sedans, coupes and convertibles from 1936 to 1942, and Mercury borrowed it for a compact sedan from 1978 to 1983. Now the name is back, albeit briefly, on a plush and polished Lincoln version of Ford's very likeable (Mazda6-based) Fusion midsize sedan.


Briefly because, soon after introduction, Ford announced that the Zephyr's name would change to "MKZ" (read: "Mark Z") for 2007 to conform to a new Lincoln naming convention that only the long-running Town Car and Navigator will escape. Does that make the 2006 Zephyr an instant collectible before its revived historic moniker blows away on a soft, gentle wind? The more important question: how well does this first new Lincoln sedan since the rear-drive Jaguar-based LS measure up to its once-proud luxury Lincoln marque heritage? Pretty well, we believe, despite its relatively modest mechanicals and affordable price. Already fans of Fusion and its mid-range Mercury Milan cousin, we were impressed by how far this further-upscale Zephyr raises the appeal of its increasingly common platform and powertrain.

Style

With its bold waterfall grille, jewel-like quad projector beam (or optional High Intensity Discharge) headlamps, generous chrome trim and low-profile tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, Zephyr does look the part of an American semi-sporty entry-lux sedan. Around back, below and behind its swooping roofline, are large wraparound taillamps and twin chrome exhausts. Inside the leather-lined, quality-fit cabin are generous portions of real wood, satin nickel and chrome trim accents. One nice touch is a horizontal band of contrasting trim across the instrument panel that can be ordered in one of three different combinations of color and natural surface: Ebony wood with Dark Charcoal, Ebony wood with Light Stone or Sand with Figured Maple. "We were able to establish three completely different ambient settings through use of these materials," says Interior Design Director Mark Reichman.


With both width and wheelbase stretched two inches over the platform-donor Mazda6, the Zephyr gets generous rear passenger room, including more than three feet of rear legroom. The trunk is a best-in-class 15.8 cu. ft. with a flat floor and low liftover height for easy access, and the compact decklid hinges won't crush or interfere with your cargo. The class-exclusive standard 60/40 rear seats fold flat, with a convenient pop-down spring assist, for easy storage access or to expand the cargo floor straight through from rear deck to front seats.


We loved the handy audio and climate controls on the steering spokes and the perfect position of the console-mounted park brake lever. But the fact that we couldn't stop the interior lights from lighting when we pulled the key or opened a door and didn't want them to was continuously annoying. Come on, Ford, and include a manual switch like most everyone else.