To Print: Click here or Select File/Print from your Browser Menu

2006 Lincoln Zephyr
TRIPLETS FOR FORD… BUT ONLY ONE ZEPHYR

Boomer:  We sure have gone to our share of wedding and baby showers lately.   It seems like all your friends are either engaged, married or expecting. I can’t wait until I’m able to go to a shower for you someday.

X:  Oh!   I’m sure you can’t wait.  I’m starting to think there must be something in the water around here; Theresa is engaged, Erica just got married, and Jenna is expecting triplets.

Boomer: If that’s true, then I want to know where I can buy you a case of that water.

X:  When we drove up in the Zephyr to Jenna’s baby shower this weekend, the reaction to the new 2006 Lincoln sedan was overwhelming.

Boomer: I know, as soon as the ladies saw us they quickly walked or waddled right by us to see what the name was on the rear of the car.  At first I thought they were avoiding us, but realized quickly they were curious about the vehicle.

X: I can appreciate why they were more interested in the vehicle than us.   The Zephyr is new to the 2006 Lincoln lineup and it catches your eye immediately.   It has a sporty, luxurious exterior, as well as a comfortable and lavish interior. That must be why your friends and mine both were asking questions.  It appeals to newlyweds and wanna-be retirees as well.

Boomer:  How appropriate that Jenna is expecting triplets and we came in one of three of Ford’s finest automotive accomplishments for 2006. The Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr are all mid-size sedans based on a modified Mazda6 platform with European design and Ford engineering. 

X: That’s true, but the Zephyr is the largest and most luxurious of the triplets. 

Boomer: I can’t imagine having triplets; although, raising you was like having three different little girls. Some days you were practical like the Fusion, and other days you were expressive like the Milan Your best days; however, were when you were quiet like the Zephyr.

X: Well, everyday you remind me of the Mitsubishi Evolution…small and loud.

Boomer: Not that size matters, but the Zephyr has a 3.0 liter, 221-horsepower V6 engine, which is standard on that model. The estimated mileage is 20 mpg city and 28 mpg hwy. With gas over $3.00 a gallon, you’re looking at an estimated annual fuel cost of about $1,436. I don’t think that’s too bad.

X: The MSRP starts at $29,995, but with options like the DVD navigation system ($2,495), 17-inch chrome wheels, heated and cooled front seats, and HID headlamps, the price increases to $34,040, which is the model we test drove.

Boomer: I liked the flame maple wood trim inside the European styled interior.

X: What is flame maple?

Boomer: The same beautiful shade of maple wood that you might find on a guitar.  Look at that, I knew something you didn’t know. 

X: Well, I bet you didn’t know that the first Zephyr was introduced by Lincoln Mercury in 1936. It had aircraft-style construction and a 12-cylinder engine. It wasn’t nearly as large as the 2006 model or as nice looking. However, the 1936 model was the car that pulled Lincoln Mercury out of the 1930’s depression.

Boomer:  Bravo Melanie, you definitely get your brains from me.

X: I’m sure that’s true mother, now let’s get back to being serious.

Boomer:  Fine.  Did you see Jenna measuring the backseat of the Zephyr to see if three car seats would fit?  She is really considering the Zephyr as their family vehicle.  She called her hubby Michael, on her cell phone, while she was getting in and out of the car and checking all the storage and safety features.

X:  The Zephyr is 190.5 inches long, which provides plenty of room for a family of five.There’s a 60/40 split rear seatback, which has a trunk release to prevent uninvited guests from gaining entry to the trunk from the back seat.  The seatbacks flip forward to enlarge the cargo area, but the seats don’t fold totally flat.   The Zephyr has beautiful leather seats and a great sound system to play those Einstein tapes my friends keep getting at baby showers. I thought they got them at an Einstein bagel store; until Kacey explained the Einstein tapes and toy branding deal to me.

Boomer: Even I know about the Einstein products for children.  As far as safety for the adults, and little ones, there are side curtain and head protection air bags, dual stage front airbags and childproof rear door locks.  In addition, you’ll find standard ABS brakes and traction control devices like the progressive-action brake pedal.  The Zephyr has a 4-year, 50,000 mile warranty; including 24-hr. roadside assistance.  All of these amenities make the Zephyr a practical luxurious family vehicle and/or a great sporty stylish sedan for any unmarried female you might know.

X:  Whatever!  The Zephyr is a solid, good looking sedan that can compete with others in its class like the Camry and Accord.  I’m more interested in the sporty aspect of the Mercury, so I really appreciate the chromed dual exhaust outlets and the responsive 6-speed automatic transmission; which is standard.

Boomer:  I guess we can say we liked it.  Does this mean we are in total agreement about something? 

X:  Yes!

Boomer:  Good, now let’s go find out where we can get that water.