2006 Lincoln Zephyr

Interior

There's just one engine, Ford's DOHC 24-valve Duratec 30 3.0-liter V-6. Perhaps befitting Zephyr's luxo Lincoln badge, the Fusion/Milan's base 2.3-liter four is not available, and there's no higher-performance choice. Partly thanks to Intake Variable Cam Timing (I-VCT), it generates 221 hp and 205 lb.-ft. of torque and a respectable 20 mpg city and 28 highway EPA economy (and ULEV II emissions) through its smooth-shifting wide-ratio 6-speed automatic. It's not the smoothest engine around, and the gearbox doesn't offer manu-matic shift control, but the electronically controlled combination acquits itself well and feels strong at all speeds in the 3400-lb. sedan. Our test car breezed from rest to 60 mph in a tick over seven seconds and delivered 18.5 real-world mpg.


Because that's what Lincolns do, we expected the Zephyr's specially tuned, fully independent suspension to ride somewhat softer than the Fusion and Milan, and it does. Yet it somehow does not lose much, if any, of the fun-to-drive Fusion's responsiveness or agility. Like the Fusion, Milan (and, for that matter, the Mazda6)—and partly due to its stiff structure—the Zephyr's rack-and-pinion steering feels precise with good on-center feel, yet transmits little vibration back to the steering wheel due to its mounting on the isolated front sub-frame.

Power

Zephyr features Ford's Personal Safety System and a body structure designed to manage energy in a collision. Besides dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, this system includes seat-mounted side airbags, a full-length safety air curtain, front belt pretensioners and 3-point belts at all seating positions. The air curtain deploys using "roll-fold" technology to keep it between occupants' heads and windows even if they're out of position. Traction assist is standard, and the 4-wheel disc brakes are governed by a 4-sensor, 3-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution. EBD monitors brake force and traction at all four wheels and directs braking to those with the best grip to achieve the shortest possible stopping distances under any conditions.


With only one Zephyr model for 2006, its standard equipment load is impressive. Included are dual-zone electronic climate control, 6-speaker audio with MP3 and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, heated 10-way power front seats, heated power outside mirrors with memory and "security approach lamps" and much more. Our test car added heated/cooled front seats and HID headlamps at $495 each, a $2,495 navigation system and a $665 destination and delivery charge, which boosted its sticker to $33,145 from the $28,995 base. Surprisingly, it also boasted perforated leather seating and an awesome supposedly optional THX II-Certified 14-speaker, 600-watt surround-sound audiophile system at no extra charge.


Like its handsomely styled but moderately priced 1936 namesake, this likeable, pleasant-driving, midsize, 5-passenger entry-level Lincoln is assigned the awesome task of bringing new and younger buyers to the marque to help restore its image and volume. And it has to compete effectively with a vast array of excellent domestic and import choices in the $30,000 "entry-luxury" range. Despite the questionable name change coming for 2007, we think it's well suited to that task. (www.lincoln.com)