2006 Lincoln Zephyr Test Drive

Zephyr, we hardly knew ye

The elegant Lincoln Zephyr looks, rides, feels and even drives differently from the less expensive Ford Fusion with which it shares not only a platform and drivetrain but also most body panels. A lot of the pleasure in driving the front-drive Zephyr derives from the near perfect matching of the venerable 3.0L Duratec engine with a new 6-speed automatic. The luxurious interior features handy 60/40 folding rear seatbacks and immense trunk. MSRP: $29,660; EPA mileage 20 MPG city/28 highway.

First Glance: History recalled

I first saw the Zephyr at the 2005 Toronto International Auto Show; I was impressed. I was especially pleased Ford had seen fit to bring back the grand old Zephyr name, which last appeared on the exquisite Zephyr 4-door sedans and 2-door “business coupes” produced from 1935-48. I still think they were among the most beautiful automobiles ever to grace the American road.

The front wheel drive Zephyr shares its platform and drivetrain with the less expensive Ford Fusion. It also looks a lot like the Fusion. Closer examination reveals key differences, however. The biggest difference between the two is the rich detailing of the interior and exterior trim bits of the Zephyr. In comparison, the Fusion seems far more utilitarian. The Zephyr has chrome-plated housings for the side view mirrors while the Fusion’s are body-colored; the Zephyr has optional 17” eight-spoke alloy wheels while the Fusion’s optional wheels are uninspired 16” five-spokes. Inside, the Zephyr has real wood dash trim and an optional navigation system with ear-splitting 600 watt sound system. In general, the Zephyr looks and feels a heck of a lot more like a rich person’s wheels.

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In the Driver’s Seat: No comfort for Colin

Even with the Zephyr’s multi adjustable power driver’s seat and telescopic (and tilt) steering column, I couldn’t seem to get comfortable. This had something to do with the driver’s seat cushion. It seemed to be too soft or maybe too thin for my backside. Driving this car long distances left me with a sore butt. My wife, on the other hand, pronounced the power operated front passenger seat quite comfortable. Different strokes, I guess.

The rear seats are roomy enough but the cushions are not high enough to allow rear seat passengers a good forward view, which is essential for avoiding carsickness. Someone just moderately long of torso will look directly into the front seat headrests. Again, this is not uniquely a Ford characteristic; many otherwise fine vehicles, such as the Acura TL, are just as guilty.

The folding rear seatbacks split 60/40 allowing access to the truly immense trunk – a cavern that’ll hold at least four PGA bags. The hearing impaired will love the (optional) aforementioned 600W THX sound system with 14 speakers including two subwoofers.

On the Road: Five-star powertrain

The Zephyr’s drivetrain particularly pleased me. The combination of the 221hp 3-liter variable valve timing Duratec V6 engine and 6-speed automatic could have been lifted from a BMW, so well matched are they. Press lightly on the gas pedal at any speed and acceleration comes almost instantaneously. If a gear change is deemed to be necessary, the transmission selects the appropriate gear without fuss or delay.

The Zephyr’s mid-range flexibility is one of the best I’ve experienced in an American car. It doesn’t overwhelm as does, for example, the big honkin’ Mustang GT or even the cranked up Chevy Impala LTZ. Rather it seamlessly moves this surprisingly svelte 3406 lb vehicle to the speed you request and holds it there.

Deceleration from higher speeds is uneventful thanks to the 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. If you manage to really screw up, the Zephyr’s standard six air bag protection system will help mitigate damage to the occupants. Oddly, electronic stability control does not seem to be available on the Zephyr even as an option -- odd, because this important safety feature is standard on many less expensive ’06 cars.

My biggest complaint? The turning circle. The Zephyr needs way too much road to turn around.

Journey’s End: A car that does the Zephyr name proud

Does the Zephyr live up to its vaunted heritage? That depends on what your perception of Lincoln is. With the exception of recent rear wheel drive LS sedans (and, of course, the ’35 – ‘48 Zephyrs) the brand has had few performance pretensions over the years. This new Zephyr, however, shows an unexpectedly pleasing level of athleticism and willingness to run. I chalk this up to the sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension and to the well-matched engine/transmission combo.

For ’07 the Zephyr will get a more powerful 3.5L V-6. Good idea marketing-wise but a bad idea from the point of view of conserving fuel. The last thing the Zephyr needs is more power. It’s got plenty already. All-wheel-drive (AWD) will also be offered. Some people like the additional traction, but I think AWD is a fuel waster and completely unnecessary in a family sedan.

But what really gets my goat is that even though the Zephyr nameplate has only been back for a year, Lincoln plans to drop it in and rename the car "MKZ" -- more appropriate, in my opinion, to new version of the X-Box. Shame -- the Zephyr name is rich in history, and the 2006 Zephyr really does it proud.