Interior
This is a quite pleasing cockpit. The squared-off dashboard is made with good-quality plastic. The 4-spoke wheel has a good grip to it, and most of the switchgear feels substantial while being easily accessible. This test car has all the available options, including a no-cost satin trim, and gives a nice contrast to the cabin. The chrome-ringed speedometer and tach are classy if not particularly exciting to look at. The heat and ventilation controls are very small, though. A note to premium car builders: rotary knobs for the temperature setting are the best; quit using pushbuttons that take forever to set. At least you can set the temperature and fan speed using the steering-wheel mounted controls.
The seats proved worthy after a few hours of driving. I like leather but here's my problem with it: it's freezing in winter and steamy hot in summer. For $595, get the heated and cooled seats, which is a great
feature. As for interior space, it's good, except for headroom; my hair was brushing against the headliner. You can lower the seat cushion with the power controls, but then you feel sunken in the cockpit. I felt awkward the first day driving the Zephyr, but got comfortable when fiddling with the power controls.
By the way, the audio and navigation system is one of the best I've tried so far. Its touch-screen interface makes it easy to use, and the directions were dead-on, even in the boonies. The system features voice guidance, but the english voice seems canny compared to the french one. The THX II-certified stereo sounds thrilling.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Zephyr has a base price of $36,999. My test car has every available option, including the navigation system ($3,195), cooled seats ($595), chrome wheels ($1,100), HID headlights ($625), and power sunroof ($1,595). They inflate the sticker to a hefty $44,109. That hurts,
especially considering that there's so much choice in its category. Its entry price undercuts several adversaries when they're similarly equipped. I would take the cooled seats and sacrifice the rest of the options.
The Zephyr is a mighty fine sedan. I expected a tarted-up Fusion, but I am surprised at how distinctive it is. It looks good, drives well, and might just be the first Lincoln that suits my personal tastes. If this car interests you, what should you do? Purchase it now, or wait until next year for the MKZ? My advice: Take the Zephyr, negotiate a good price, and get a car that has a real name.
What I like:
Smooth and efficient powertrain
Lots of luxury features
Thrilling sound system
What I don't like:
Small HVAC buttons
Lack of headroom
Options are expensive
CLICK HERE to view the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr's specifications.
 |
| 2006 Lincoln Zephyr (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com) |
The seats proved worthy after a few hours of driving. I like leather but here's my problem with it: it's freezing in winter and steamy hot in summer. For $595, get the heated and cooled seats, which is a great
 |
| 2006 Lincoln Zephyr (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com) |
By the way, the audio and navigation system is one of the best I've tried so far. Its touch-screen interface makes it easy to use, and the directions were dead-on, even in the boonies. The system features voice guidance, but the english voice seems canny compared to the french one. The THX II-certified stereo sounds thrilling.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Zephyr has a base price of $36,999. My test car has every available option, including the navigation system ($3,195), cooled seats ($595), chrome wheels ($1,100), HID headlights ($625), and power sunroof ($1,595). They inflate the sticker to a hefty $44,109. That hurts,
 |
| 2006 Lincoln Zephyr (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com) |
The Zephyr is a mighty fine sedan. I expected a tarted-up Fusion, but I am surprised at how distinctive it is. It looks good, drives well, and might just be the first Lincoln that suits my personal tastes. If this car interests you, what should you do? Purchase it now, or wait until next year for the MKZ? My advice: Take the Zephyr, negotiate a good price, and get a car that has a real name.
What I like:
Smooth and efficient powertrain
Lots of luxury features
Thrilling sound system
What I don't like:
Small HVAC buttons
Lack of headroom
Options are expensive
CLICK HERE to view the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr's specifications.
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