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2006 Lincoln Zephyr Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr Review:
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2006 Lincoln Zephyr Review
Zephyr makes its debut for 2006 as a luxury version of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. Sized and priced below Lincoln's rear-wheel-drive LS sedan, this is Lincoln's smallest car ever. Along with Fusion and Milan, Zephyr shares its basic architecture with the Mazda 6 from Ford's Japanese affiliate. Zephyr's only engine is the 221-hp V6 that costs extra in its siblings. A 6-speed automatic is its sole transmission. ABS, traction control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags are standard. So is leather upholstery and wood interior trim. Options include xenon headlamps, sunroof, cooled front seats, and a navigation system.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.
Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.
News
Zephyr gets a new name for 2007: MKZ, which Lincoln hopes you pronounce "Mark Z." Marketers want to emphasize the Lincoln brand over individual model names, which why "MK" titles will be spreading across the entire lineup. More significant is a new 3.5-liter V6 with around 250 hp to replace Zephyr's 3.0 unit. Optional all-wheel drive is also expected for the MKZ, perhaps during model-year '07, certainly by '08.
2006 Lincoln Zephyr Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling/roadholding | No antiskid system |
| Quietness | Look-alike climate controls |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Good passing and merging power, but lacks the around-town punch of Acura TL or Lexus ES 350, too often requires heavy-throttle application in routine driving. Did 7.2 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Smooth 6-speed automatic makes quick upshifts, but can dither before kicking down for midrange passing response. A manual-shift mode would be useful, especially for hilly terrain.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.7 |
Good passing and merging power, but lacks the around-town punch of Acura TL or Lexus ES 350, too often requires heavy-throttle application in routine driving. Did 7.2 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Smooth 6-speed automatic makes quick upshifts, but can dither before kicking down for midrange passing response. A manual-shift mode would be useful, especially for hilly terrain.
Fuel Economy
Test Zephyrs averaged 16.6 mpg including gas-eating performance runs, 20.5 mpg in city/highway driving. Uses regular-grade fuel.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.6 |
Test Zephyrs averaged 16.6 mpg including gas-eating performance runs, 20.5 mpg in city/highway driving. Uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Lincoln tunes suspension to favor ride over handling. Not quite as isolated from minor impacts as ES 350, but smooth, composed. Little float, wallow over highway swells.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.7 |
Lincoln tunes suspension to favor ride over handling. Not quite as isolated from minor impacts as ES 350, but smooth, composed. Little float, wallow over highway swells.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Not as sporty as TL, but a good match for ES 350. Steering precise, but a bit overassisted. Little body lean in fast corners. Unavailablity of antiskid system a deficit in this class.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7.1 |
Not as sporty as TL, but a good match for ES 350. Steering precise, but a bit overassisted. Little body lean in fast corners. Unavailablity of antiskid system a deficit in this class.
Quietness
Road noise, wind rush well-muted, though ES 350 quieter overall. Zephyr's Lincoln-tuned V6 no paragon of smoothness, but is more refined-sounding at full throttle than same engine in Fusion or Milan.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.8 |
Road noise, wind rush well-muted, though ES 350 quieter overall. Zephyr's Lincoln-tuned V6 no paragon of smoothness, but is more refined-sounding at full throttle than same engine in Fusion or Milan.
Controls
Gauges large, easy to read. Look-alike climate, audio controls require familiarization, but are logically located. Switchgear responds with positive, quality feel. Cabin materials, assembly quality impress.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.7 |
Gauges large, easy to read. Look-alike climate, audio controls require familiarization, but are logically located. Switchgear responds with positive, quality feel. Cabin materials, assembly quality impress.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample leg room. Sunroof housing limits headroom for 6-footers. High-set seats combine with low dashtop, low windowsills for fine outward vision. Supportive seats provide excellent long-trip comfort.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7.4 |
Ample leg room. Sunroof housing limits headroom for 6-footers. High-set seats combine with low dashtop, low windowsills for fine outward vision. Supportive seats provide excellent long-trip comfort.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Adult-adequate head room, good toe space. Knee room tight with front seats more than halfway back. Seat firm, nicely contoured.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.5 |
Adult-adequate head room, good toe space. Knee room tight with front seats more than halfway back. Seat firm, nicely contoured.
Cargo Room
Trunk has usefully cubic shape, but insufficient height for big boxes, and like Fusion/Milan, a cut-rate felt-type liner. Lid supports are compact, nonintrusive struts. Decent cabin storage.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 |
Trunk has usefully cubic shape, but insufficient height for big boxes, and like Fusion/Milan, a cut-rate felt-type liner. Lid supports are compact, nonintrusive struts. Decent cabin storage.
Value within Class
Acura's TL is sportier than the Zephyr, and the Lexus ES 350 is far more refined. The absence of an antiskid system in this Lincoln is an embarrassing omission in the premium-midsize-car category. But with a smooth ride, upscale appointments, and pricing that starts under $30,000, Zephyr provides an accessible foothold on the first rung of the luxury ladder.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.9 |
Acura's TL is sportier than the Zephyr, and the Lexus ES 350 is far more refined. The absence of an antiskid system in this Lincoln is an embarrassing omission in the premium-midsize-car category. But with a smooth ride, upscale appointments, and pricing that starts under $30,000, Zephyr provides an accessible foothold on the first rung of the luxury ladder.
Total Score
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 57 | 61.4 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 61 | |
| High Score | 72 |
2006 Lincoln Zephyr Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/13/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door sedan | $28,995 | $26,711 | $665 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt/telescope wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated 10-way power front bucket seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, analog clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Navigation system
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Base
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$2,495
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$2,146
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Requires THX sound system.
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THX sound system
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Base
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$995
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$856
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Power sunroof
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Base
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$1,200
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$1,032
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Cooled front seats
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Base
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$495
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$426
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Aluminum interior trim
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Base
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$195
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$168
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Xenon headlights
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Base
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$495
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$426
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Base
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$895
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$770
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2006 Lincoln Zephyr Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lincoln Zephyr 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3410 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /182 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 221 @ 6250 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 205 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed automatic | 20/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lincoln Zephyr 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 1/12,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Mexico
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Wood/Leather steering wheel, Wood Trim Design, Power Moonroof, Heated/Cooled Front Seats, HID Headlamps, 17-inch Chrome Wheels, Perforated Leather Seating, THX II Audiophile Sound, Navigation System Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 20.49 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Mark Bilek Zephyr was a huge surprise. I expected a dressed-up Mercury Milan and instead got a refined, elegant near-luxury sedan. Aggressive pricing and standout styling make it a must see for open-minded shoppers. Though our loaded tester listed for a little over $35,000, that price is still less than comparably equipped Acura TL or Lexus ES 330. Without the sunroof and navigation system the Zephyr costs a tick over $31,500. That's reasonable by any measure and less expensive than some traditional midsize sedans. Rick Cotta This car's sticker of more than $35,000 made me blanch, but that includes $6000 worth of options I wouldn't order. So a well-equipped Zephyr could be purchased for less than 30 grand, which makes it far more palatable. Aside from poor (and frustrating) mid-speed throttle response, the Zephyr rates highly and offers tangible advantages over its lesser Ford and Mercury siblings. |
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Also in the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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