Last November, automotive
writer Anita Lienert wrote a review
of the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr for the Detroit News. She wrote the car lacked features such as any kind of manual
transmission, stability control, adaptive headlights, adjustable pedals, or rear seat DVD entertainment systems, many
of which are found in “standard” entry-luxury vehicles such as the Cadillac CTS. And while she found the
221-horsepower, 3.0L V-6 engine potent enough, the ride itself was “tame”, especially compared to its
Fusion sibling.
But another test drive months later seems to have solidified her opinion in favor of
the car. With husband/writing-partner Paul, she points out the car’s contemporary design, grille, and taillights
while he states the interior is “miles ahead of Cadillac and Mercedes.” The Zephyr’s size and
platform, both agree, make driving it more like a sports car than a cruising one. Gas mileage, at 20 city / 28 highway,
is actually better than the Cadillac CTS. And the price undercuts the competition with a fully loaded Zephyr priced at
little over $33,000.
[NOTE: The Zephyr has been recently renamed the MKZ, given a front end face
lift and a 250 hp, 3.5-liter V6.]