Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Lincoln
2006 Lincoln Zephyr in the Autoblog Garage: Day 1-2
Lincoln is looking to jack up its street cred with the younger crowd, which for this company means anyone born after WWII, and it’s hoping the 2006 Zephyr with its sporty chassis, 221-hp 3.0L V6 and six-speed slushbox will bring more of that fresh blood to the fold. Problem is that Lincoln has already announced that the 2007 Zephyr will be renamed the MKZ and get Ford’s spankin’ new 3.5L V6 with more power, a newer six-speed transmission, AWD and a nip-tuck on the car’s nose. So where does that leave the 2006 Zephyr?
The Zephyr already had an uphill battle to fight with the buying public who knows a similar Mercury Milan or Ford Fusion can be had for thousands less, and the unveiling of the MKZ and its upgraded internals at the Chicago Auto Show this year signals to consumers that the Zephyr was only half-baked when it launched late last year. Did Lincoln need to keep this one in the oven a little longer or can owners of the 2006 Zephyr feel good about their purchase in the face of impending obsolescence?
In its current state the Zephyr is a tough sedan to cross-shop against similar vehicles. Buyers interested in the Zephyr, which carries a base price of $28,995, may also look at other similarly priced FWD entry-level luxury sedans like the Acura TSX, Buick Lucerne and Hyundai Azera.
While Acura stubbornly refuses to put anything larger than a 2.4L four-cylinder in the TSX, it manages to get away with it by infusing the sedan with RSX-like handling. The Lucerne in V6 trim has less power than the Zephyr but a lot more room inside thanks to 12.5-inches of extra length and 8.2 inches more room between the wheels. Then there’s the Azera that pulls the old Hyundai trick of offering more of everything (power, room and safety features) for thousands less. Some may cry, “What about the Chrysler 300C and Cadillac CTS?” We think comparing the Zephyr to these RWD sedans is an unlikely match up in the marketplace for anyone except those trying to shop strictly domestic. A vehicle’s drivetrain is often a fundamental feature that’s decided on early in the buying process, so vehicles that send power to opposing ends don’t usually end up on the same short list.
It seems that in every category of comparison the Zephyr gives up something to one or another of its competitors, so it’s clear the area in which Lincoln expects it to make up ground is style. While the Fusion and Milan are about as similar as a Taurus and Sable, the Lincoln is bedazzled with polished 17-inch aluminum wheels, a chrome waterfall grille and additional bits of shiny metallic on the rearview mirrors and dual exhaust tips. Whereas the Milan shares many visual cues with the Fusion, the Zephyr shares only a basic proportioning and doors with its two platform mates.
The Zephyr also offers an upgraded light show outside with available high intensity discharge headlamps and accompanying fog lamps, as well as LED taillamps within its oversized rear taillights. Unfortunately, those rear stop lamps go a long way in mucking up what might otherwise be an attractive derriere. Their grandiose size suggests they were meant for a rear end with a lot more surface area, like the tailgate of a Navigator. On the Zephyr they dominate the sheetmetal and reach too far inwards making the car look thinner than it actually is. We’re curious as to why Lincoln decided to refresh the Zephyr’s front end for 2007 and chose to leave this, its worst angle, alone.
Each of Ford’s trio of sedans offers up a different feast for the eyes, and while one of the bunch won’t please everyone’s aesthetic taste, as a group they’re managing to attract a good amount of clientele. The Lincoln’s exterior stands out with its totally unique front and rear ends, uplevel lighting and additional chrome trim. While no one’s directly accusing the 2006 Zephyr of simply being a rebadged Ford Fusion, it’s still not clear whether Lincoln has stuffed the sedan with enough differentiating content to make it a truly unique vehicle.
One part of the Zephyr that will carry over into the 2007 model year will be its interior. Stay tuned as we punch the code on Ford’s trademark keyless entry pad and venture into the quarters of Lincoln’s little sport sedan.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Michael Karesh 12:20PM (3/20/2006)
I found it very instructive to drive the Lincoln Zephyr and Mercury Milan back-to-back. The two cars feel quite different, with the Lincoln feeling smoother, quieter, cushier, and generally more like a luxury car should. It's not just a matter of different front and rear styling. The Zephyr is as different from the Milan as the ES 330 is from the Camry.
Now if they'd just get the new 3.5 into both cars. The 3.0 produces enough power for most people, but it sounds quite gruff compared to competitors' engines.
My reviews:
Zephyr: http://www.epinions.com/content_208166555268
Milan: http://www.epinions.com/content_208597061252
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G. Snyder 12:22PM (3/20/2006)
I think you give the average consumer WAY too much credit. I am sure there are many many buyers out there that have no clue which wheels are driven or care one way or the other. So many buy on looks alone. I am sure this car would be cross-shopped with the 300 and CTS.
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KT 12:37PM (3/20/2006)
I used to hate the rearend of this vehicle but the more you see it on the road the less obtrusive it becomes (same with the Milan rear for me). They tend to blend in more.
I drove one recently and the power is not an issue IMO. The 3.5 will be a great addition but I think the current powertrain is fine. Most of the buying public aren't looking for a car that does 0-60 in 6 seconds. If the car "feels" quick enough to get into traffic safely, then their needs are met. And this car does that effortlessly.
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Steve S 12:51PM (3/20/2006)
You could probably make the test alot shorter by just saying its the same as the Fusion/Milan you tested except for: and just list the different items.
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DJ 12:52PM (3/20/2006)
Six to eight months from now would be the time to buy this car. Once the upgraded MKZ hits the streets, any leftover Zephyr's should go for the low 20's. That's one helluva buy if you compare it to similar size, V-6 engined cars that you could purchase for the same amount, Accord, Camry, Altima, G6, LaCrosse/Lucerne, Passat, etc. This is especially true if you compare content and option levels. Better yet, find a dealer's demo or exec car with an extended warranty.
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james f. 1:15PM (3/20/2006)
why is lincoln going alphanumeric? Zephyr is far more distinct and interesting MKZ(which sounds like the abreviated name for the next Mortal Kombatgame). Maybe they want the names to be as bland as the cars. Zephyr is easily one of the best car names in a long time and they're ditching it?
This vehicle makes my head hurt with a question of what it could have been. Why doesn't ford crank out a CTS/300 fighter and put that new v6 on a four doorified mustang? Would this be overly hard? I'm quite certain it would be success and it wouldn't steal sales from the milan as this vehicle will. And then you would really have a car thats as interesting as the zephyr name.
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Richard 1:19PM (3/20/2006)
"Problem is that Lincoln has already announced that the 2007 Zephyr will be renamed the MKZ and get Fords spankin new 3.5L V6 with more power, a newer six-speed transmission, AWD and a nip-tuck on the cars nose. So where does that leave the 2006 Zephyr?"
Is this brilliant brand management, or what?
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Michael Karesh 1:34PM (3/20/2006)
Alphanumeric only works if you sell the same three or four models that are the same basic car in different sizes year after year after year. It worked fairly well for BMW and Mercedes back when they only offered the 3/5/7 and C/E/S, respectively. Maybe for Audi as well, though Audi changed their names three times (4000/5000, 80/90/1000, A4/A6) trying to get rid of a bad rep.
When you have a dozen models that can be quite different, I don't think it works even for BMW and Mercedes. When you have a M, R, G, GL, SLK, SL, CLK, CLS, C, E, S I think people start to get confused.
Cadillac wasn't right to go in this direction, and for Lincoln it will be even worse.
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Steve 1:44PM (3/20/2006)
I agree with G. Snyder, most consumers have no idea about mechanicals. Ever do an online search for BMWs for sale? I guarantee you will find at least a couple advertising front wheel drive as a feature. Some from dealers who don't have a clue, and some from people who don't have a clue as to which wheels were driving the car they just owned for 5 years.
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Gunnar Heinrich 1:51PM (3/20/2006)
I like the Zephyr more than I did the Chrysler 300 (six cylinder). It just drove so much better thanks to the sporting Mazda 6 platform. That said, if it were a toss up between the Zephyr and the Lexus ES or IS, there would be no competition - Lexus would win hands down.
Lincoln has some fine tuning to do here.
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com
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John S 2:42PM (3/20/2006)
I work at a dealership that has both a Chrysler and Lincoln dealership next to each other. The Zephyr and the 300C are often compared to each other as both are seen as luxury sedans, which for the average consumer is more than enough to warrant a comparison.
Although once you compare the two, there really is no comparison. This is simply an under-equipped over-priced car that cannot compete with most other sedans in its segment.
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cardudeATL 2:51PM (3/20/2006)
"Fine-tuning" is probably a mild way to put it. As Car and Driver put it in their April issue, this is just not a very compelling package. Especially considering that they once had the rwd LS in their lineup. Lincoln needs to take a page out the Cadillac book and do something drastic to turn their fortunes around. The MkZ and MkS (concept) do nothing for me. The new MkX looks okay, and the new Navigator will certainly have an audience, and the Town Car needs to be euthanized and replaced with something...something...ANYTHING! I know they still want to cater to the fleet and livery companies, but good GOD - it's time to move out of the 70's and get with it!
Just my $0.02
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bert 3:12PM (3/20/2006)
#6- Lincoln did have a "four doorified mustang". It was called the LS.
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guyincognito 3:16PM (3/20/2006)
Where, how, and why would anyone buy or lease this car???? I did a quick check and found examples for $30-$34,000 at local dealerships. As an entry luxury vehicle, this brings the Zephyr squarely in line with the BMW 325i, Lexus IS 250, Cadillac CTS. Even if you compare it to the suggested competitors what does this vehicle offer???? At least with AWD and a more powerful engine it would make some sense, assuming the cost doesn't go up.
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iQuack 3:36PM (3/20/2006)
Too bad that the Zephyr name will be replaced by MKZ. I'm sure that the buying public will be fully confused by these silly 3 letter names instead of something distinctive.
The Zephyr (or whatever) is a decent-looking car. I've seen several of them--all with rental company bar codes on their rear door windows, so most seem to be fleet cars, not consumer buying decisions.
I still think that if you want a car that's based on a Mazda platform, buy the real thing. Skip the Fusions, Milans, and Zephyr/MKL nonsense and just buy the Mazda. Chances are that the Mazda will be a superior car and will retain it's value better, too.
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That One Person 4:31PM (3/20/2006)
The Zephyr is a good car. It drives nice and looks good. Certain colors dont look so good on it. And those taillamps arent so bad.
#12...there was no "four doorified Mustang". The LS was the LS. The Mustang came second and on a modified platform. But I get #6's idead. Build something to compete with the CTS and 300. It would help Lincoln out a little bit.
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glacia00 4:44PM (3/20/2006)
I keep wondering if I'm out of touch with other people as far as cars because my first thought was this thing is a tragedy. So out of curiosity I sent this around the office asking if anyone liked this car and might consider it for their next car.
Out of 28 who replied
23) no.
4) He-- No.
1) maybe for $10K less.
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Car-la 5:48PM (3/20/2006)
The rear-end looks quite awkward.
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Jason Boston 6:04PM (3/20/2006)
The original Zephyr website:
http://www.hubcapcafe.com/ocs/pages01/linc3901.htm
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Michael 6:52PM (3/20/2006)
I think the Lincoln Zephyr looks ugly. The interior is plain and the light-colored wood not only looks fake, but its also plain ugly. Unlike the Avalon which can be purchsed for the same price with more room, fuel efficiency and power, the Lincoln/Ford/Mercury have nothing new to offer for their segment. I mean seriously... Ford needs to make some serious changes. It just wont sell as say... the 2007 Camry or even the Toyota Avalon!
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