2005 Lincoln Zephyr 3.0i V6 24V 6AT (221 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Lincoln tried to create a vehicle aimed at the younger generation, trying to get into the driveways of those customers who were not attracted by the Town Car or the Navigator.

With a fresh wedged-shaped bodywork and a platform carried over from Mazda 6, the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr was definitely something new for the American luxury brand. Furthermore, it was packed with some of the latest automotive technologies in terms of suspension, engine development, and infotainment systems. The car took its nameplate from the 1936-1942 Lincoln Zephyr and used it just for the 2006 model year. Afterward, the car was sold under the MKZ nameplate.

At the front, the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr impressed with its wide rectangular-shaped headlights. They flanked the waterfall-style grille adorned by chromed vertical slats. Below, the wrapped-around plastic bumper sported a rectangular lower air intake flanked by squarish clusters that housed the fog lamps. Thanks to these simple lines, the vehicle looked fit for a luxurious vehicle, well-integrated into the brand’s market segment.

From its profile, the ascending beltline of the bodywork created a dynamic image of the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr. Its door mirrors continued the wedged-shape design theme of the car. Despite its cab-forward proportions, the mid-size luxury vehicle appeared sporty and youth-oriented. Sure, customers used to the look of the older generations LS or the Continental might have said something against it, but younger customers were attracted to it. At the back, the broad taillights stretched from the quarter panels to the trunk’s lid emphasized the vehicle’s width. At the same time, on the lower side of the bumper, the automaker placed twin rectangular exhausts on each side, like a thoroughbred sports car.

Inside, Lincoln continued the wedged-shaped design language for the Zephyr. It placed a squarish instrument cluster fronting the driver, filled with the large dials of the speedometer and the tachometer. In addition, the automaker installed the fuel level, and the temperature gauges on the upper side of the instrument panel’s middle section. The abundance of aluminum and light-colored wood trims, combined with the leather upholstery, confirmed the car’s premium-segment status. However, Lincoln knew that young buyers were also focused on technology. As a result, it installed a touchscreen infotainment system on the center stack while a THX sound system was available. In the back, the split-folding (60/40) bench seat could accommodate up to three occupants. However, the middle-seated one had limited legroom available.

Under the hood, Lincoln installed the advanced three-liter V6 powerplant from Ford with variable valve timing. The gasoline powerhouse offered more than 200 ponies delivered to the front axle via a six-speed automatic transmission. In 2005, this was a rare feature on a vehicle, regardless of the segment. The all-wheel independent suspension featured a short and long arm front and a multi-link system in the back, which ensured excellent cornering speed. Furthermore, the damper setting was more on the firm side of the spectrum but without compromising comfort.