I think the Zephyr has a very upscale appearance. I agree with you on the Milan, i think its a very nice lookin sedan also. But the Zephyr deffinately has an elegant look to it, it always seems to catch my eye when i see it. (subjective thou)
And it is interesting that the Lexus is now made here in the US. Lots of choices for your bucks these days. I most likely will trade in for a Mkz but will wait to see how it comes out later this year. Hopefully they will have some nice surprises for us. So far I am very happy with the Zephyr. I am not into having lots of folks checking out my car anyway. I know the 300 m changes all of that. You do notice it coming down the road but everyone has one. So in the end, it is down to price performance. I want a Nav system and a great stero. However I want some good gas mileage with regular fuel. I don't care about the 0-60 stuff.
Hey, I also saw a Milian going down the street and it also looked slick.
I've always liked the interior of the ES 330 (the 300 was too small) and based on pics I like the ES 350. And, I like the fact they're made in the USA.
I've never liked the exterior of any ES 3-- models, though. They look like a Pokemon with too many facelifts. With the 2007 models, the Lexus ES' Camry roots are very evident. (Is the Lexus GS based on the Avalon? They look a lot alike.) On the Camry it looks fine; on the Lexus I don't think it does. This is based on pictures, so I need to see the Lexus/Toyota in the flesh.
Lol, howcome you used MKZ in your message title, and then you started using MTZ? :P :confuse:
Sure, the 2007 ES 350 is a nice car, but as many have said, it is much more expensive putting it out of reach for many. The Zephyr/MKZ represents affordable luxury, and I commend the fact that there are cars still made like that.
Actually, the ES350 is not much more expensive...and of course it all depends on how the cars are equipped.
On the other hand, it is true the Lincoln can be had at a steep discount, so that may allow someone to get into a near luxury ride at $27,000 v. $35,000 or more for the ES. But I think it is another instance of you get what you pay for.
I just priced a loaded Zephyr at $33K MSRP (including $1K rebate).
A similarly equipped 2007 ES350 is $41K MSRP (no rebates). It includes adaptive headlights and rain sensing wipers which the Zephyr doesn't have. Even with additional discounts on the Zephyr you're looking at $6K difference.
That also means the 3.5L equipped AWD MkZ will still be $4K-$6K less.
Face it - the ES has moved up in class quite a bit, and the Zephyr/MkZ represent a good value in comparison.
Agreed. It is a good value. Still, I might see how much dealing the Lexus dealer will do. For me anyway, a $5000 difference would not be a deal breaker if I liked one car that much better. Toe each his or her own of course.
Turned off the radio today coming from a meeting and just cruised the DC area beltway. No snipers in sight so I kept on going. The Zephyr is one smooth riding and quiet car. I am very please with it. I am coming off a neck injury and I do not feel a thing riding down the highway. This car works for me!
It really sounds like you love your car, I'm happy for you. Just a quick question, does anybody know if the MKZ is going to offer ESC? I know it's getting a new engine but what about ESC? I'm tired of all the critics complaining about the lack of ESC.
"does anybody know if the MKZ is going to offer ESC? I know it's getting a new engine but what about ESC?"
I don't know the answer, but I will say this:
I have Ford's version of ESC, called 'AdvanceTrak', on both my '01 LS and my '04 Navigator. I drive the LS hard. In a total of about 100,000 miles on both vehicles, AdvanceTrak has never kicked in, except on the LS on a few occasions when I'm accelerating and the rear wheels 'hop' on large potholes.
THough it does provide some peace of mind, I'd say the average driver will never need it unless they do something real stupid.
The average driver will never need the airbags either.
I want the ESC, because like ABS, side airbags, etc., it is a proven technology offered as standard equipment on many vehicles, including some entry level ones. If I can get this stuff on a Kia, I at least want the option of having it on a Lincoln.
"The average driver will never need the airbags either."
Good point. But if I had a choice to pay extra for AdvanceTrak or side curtain airbags, I'd take the airbags everytime. Reasoning being the airbags will help even if it's the other guy who does something real stupid.
Even if it's standard equip, you're still paying for it.
Look at this review. I cannot believe that somebody in Cali said something nice about an American car. I guess I was a little wrong about people in Cali.
Oh come on gregg_vw, I think that you are expecting a little too much from Cali. At the end he did say nice car after all. Take it for what it is, praise is praise. He did try to say something nice thought. What did you expect him to say ? Oh this is the greatest car I've ever driven !!!!! LOL from Cali oh come on. LOL :P
I walked in late on Memorial Day and their Memorial Day ad special had not sold. I think I got a pretty good deal, but the pre- and post-purchase experience left a lot to be desired. If my particular dealer is typical, there is NO way that Lincoln will ever be the "Lexus" to Ford's "Toyota". The folks at GMC (our other vehicle is an Envoy) are much nicer to deal with.
Minor quibble: why doesn't Lincoln provide some kind of document holder to keep the owner's manual and the various warranties? My previous vehicles had either leather binders (Infiniti, Saab) or plastic ones (Acura, GMC). All I got was a whole bunch of books/booklets in a paper envelope.
Second, the rep didn't know that the key fobs can be programmed to set the keys or mirrors to the pre-set "1" or "2" settings. He just shrugged and said they were identical. GM keeps it simple: the fobs have "1" and "2" etched in the plastic respectively.
Why doesn't Lincoln lower its prices closer to the actual transactions?? The Town Car prices are the most egregious, as you can easily get more than $10,000 off the sticker.
The Zephyr is more like a $26,000 to $29,000 car, so why do they pretend it is a $35,000 car? I don't get it.
Every brand has bad dealers, including Lincoln. But overall Lincoln ranks first in dealer satisfaction. Try another dealer next time. The fact that you bought an advertised special might have something to do with it (although it shouldn't).
It definitely comes with a leather or vinyl zipped holder for the owner's manual and other documents. Sounds like they lost it (or gave it to someone else). See above comment concerning advertised specials.
Regarding the keyfobs - Lincoln allows any fob to be programmed to any memory setting. Much more useful than having them hard coded to setting 1 or 2, although it requires more effort to set up.
Sounds like your salesman and/or dealership leave a lot to be desired. I'd take it elsewhere for service.
If my particular dealer is typical, there is NO way that Lincoln will ever be the "Lexus" to Ford's "Toyota".
My purchasing experience was 180 degrees from yours. My dealership was superb, both at initial time of purchase and during the 12,000 mile free service. I'd rate the dealer one of the best w/ whom I've dealt, and I've dealt w/ Honda, Volkswagon, and Volvo dealers.
So I see the Zephyr is nominated for Best Premium-Priced car interior and Best Cup Holder (how can you have a category for just a cup holder??), but why did the car not get nominated for Best Sound System.
Is the THX not that good, or do they not consider optional upgraded systems in these awards?
Lincoln has been #1 for about 2-3 years I believe, in sales satisfaction. I mean personally they treat me like royalty, for some odd reason they really go out of their way to make me feel as comfortable as possible and are very detailed in keeping me updated as to how my service is taking place.
"Would you like your car washed? And if so, do you prefer machine washed, or hand washed?"
:confuse: US MILITARY OVERSEAS (JAPAN 6 YEARS) RETURNING BACK TO THE STATES THIS NOVEMBER AND WILL BUY A MKZ THRU MILITARY OVERSEAS SALES, OUT OF TOUCH SO I HAVE A FEW QUESTION. 1. 07 MKZ WHEN SHOULD YOU BE ABLE TO BUILD AND PRICE ON LINCOLN WEBSITE. 2.WITH THE 3.5 AND 263 HORSES WHAT APPOX WILL 0-60 TIME BE, 6.9 TO 7.0 SEC 1/4 MILE 94.0 ? 3. WHATS THE STATE TAX IN NORTH CAROLINA (PARENTS HOUSE) AND AFTER PICKING UP, I WILL TRANSFER TO TEXAS (SAN ANTONIO) WILL I HAVE TO PAY ADDITIONAL TAX. 4. WHAT HAS THE RELIABILITY BEEN SO FAR, ACCORDING TO THE REVIEWS ON THIS SITE IT APPEARS VERY GOOD (MAJOR CONCERN OF MY LOVELY JAPANESE WIFE), BUT I AM BUYING AMERICAN AND SUPPORTING OUR INDUSTRY PERIOD. 5. MILES PER GALLON ACTUAL WITH 70% HWY ? (22-25 MPG) 6. ANY EXPERIENCE WITH SAN ANTONIO DEALERS 7. I LIKE THE BLACK INTERIOR, THE WIFE LIKES THE STONE, HOWEVER WE ONLY HAVE PICTURES, LOOKING FOR A CLASSIC LOOK ANY COMMENTS 8. LOOKING TO SPEND LESS THAN 39K, FULLY LOADED AWD MKZ 07 ANY PROBLEMS. 9. ZIEBART RUST/SOUND DEADENING PROTECTION IS IT WORTH THE MONEY 525.00 EXTRA, NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE RUST BUT I WOULD LIKE A LITTLE EXTRA SOUND DEADENING
Build and price probably won't be available until September, but Edmunds may have pricing and options earlier than that.
22-25 mpg is achievable with 70% hwy depending on speed and driving habits.
Reliability so far has been stellar with hardly any problems reported on Fusion, Milan or Zephyr.
The MSRP on a fully loaded Zephyr right now is around $35K. The new engine and AWD should push it to $37K and you can probably get some discounts off of that but it depends on how well they're selling and how many the dealer has available.
0-60 should be just under 7 seconds. I think the current Zephyr with the 3.0 is around 7.4.
I like the Medium Light Stone interior personally (I have that on my Fusion). The only problem is with both the black and stone you get dark wood trim. With Sand you get the blonde wood which is fairly unique and I think that's the best looking Zephyr/MKZ interior. If you go to lincoln.com and choose colors you can click on each color and see the interior picture.
Your cap lock got stuck on. I'm sure you didn't mean to yell.
Black is not the greatest interior for highlighting the details. Although the Z interior has some bling, the high cowl can be psychologically confining in all black.
The Zeibart protection is unlikely to make a noticeable difference in a Zephyr (already quiet), and the so-called rust protection can be worse than worthless, depending on how carefully it is applied.
with 263hp on tap im hoping for a mid 6 sec run to 60. The 3.0L V6 which post low 7's already, only has 221 hp. But i think the most important aspect that this engine needs to do is provide excellent NVH, and no trashing at any rpm. With all the development work going into this engine by ford im sure it will be a great V6
Hey Chief, here's a real review by Automedia on the Lincoln Zephyr. This might be able to help you a little bit. Just do a Google search Lincoln Zephyr Review. There are a bunch of reviews on the car. Most are very positive others are more blah than anything else.
I also have the blonde wood interior and I receive positive comments all the time. It really looks good when at night in the city lights. When the parking attendents bring it up I get lots of comments. Unfortunately most folks have not seen this car or have any ideal what it is. I know there have been a few TV ads out there. I am in the greater DC area and I have only seen a few of them in the 3-4 months I have owned my Zephyr.
Does anyone know if there will be more color selections next year?
They had BMW for innovation with a HUD display, GM offers this display on a Corvette, Cadillac, and GP GXP!!!!!!!!!
What gives? I heard that the BMWdispolay is slow to adjust to speed changes, this looks like garbadge to me. I don't think its a good source for accurate interrior info either.
Besides, the MKZ should have slight improvements inside. Unfortunatley is does not seem like an automanual will be part of the deal.
I found that odd too, BUT sometimes someone could have come up with the idea, while someone else came behind and improved it. Who knows what the judges were thinking at that time, but for anything to win, it must receive majority of the votes.
This is just one example to take into account, when manufacturer's survey respondants over the same items as well.
Like one example is. VW's are known for high quality interior materials, great presentation all around, YET, the rest of the car isn't reliable. Yet, public perception surveys show they rate high by consumers.
But surveys, and these types of awards don't just grant titles to the winners, but with what manufacturer's learn from this, we as consumers gain from it.
And mark my words, the industry is moving to greater personalization of vehicle interiors, and that is the common element with the above mentioned.
Don't be surprised if 20-40 years from now, we have empty/hollow boxes in our dashboards, where we "pick" stereos, A/C, Navi's, clusters, etc. and drop them in at the dealership....Like "plug and play".
And I hope that this time the home team does not just stand on the sidelines. I was glad to see all the GM products on the Apprentise final yesterday. It was cool seeing Donald Trump drive out the Pontiac. I wonder what he really drives (if at all). I would hate it if all our autos came from overseas. Gee, can't we make anything anymore!
We can, the Japanese have shown us what we already know, if you build in a non-union state you can make a world class product. With most of our companies the problem is that over the years owrkers reacted to bad MGT with unions, and since then MGT has not given them sufficient reason to abandon this practice.
The result is that the whole country suffers. What kind of insult is this, that a FOREIGN car company can build a BETTER car in OUR OWN COUNTRY than we can?
As soon as we deserve better, we will take it. While I like these new Ford cars (Fusion/Milan/MKZ) I hope that this "Made in Mexico" business is temporary, and a warning for unions that they are not the only game in town anymore.
They did a good thing for America I know, but now they have bit off too much of the Pie, IMHO. They need to view the corporations in a different light if they wish to survive.
I mean meybe it is a good idea to buy these cars, just to have a ford without the staggering weight of Union liabilities. Some of them I can accept, and would pay just a bit more for a union made US car. I believe workers need insurance and retirement, but what they have now is overkill, a guy standing there bolting stuff on to metal should not get more money and benefits than someone who is a scientist, a nurse, or an analyst.
Now, if only Lincoln would start making true Lincoln sedans again. I don't think even GM would be making Malibus and CTSs on the same line (as Ford does Fusions and Zephyrs in Mexico), if GM had stooped to put the CTS on a shared front drive platform with Malibu or G6 or Saturn.
Ford's response to crisis and market share loss is to delay products further (for further redesign) and kill off others. The Zephyr/MTZ and the "new" Navigator cannot carry Lincoln, so the hope is now on the MKX--a very thinly disguised Ford Edge. If the Edge is good enough, the MKX should make it. But Lincoln has now become a hodgepodge of disparate products, all with different styling themes and none the exclusive province of Lincoln. I see more hurting ahead.
I was looking at 61-63 and 66-69 Continentals the past few days. What a presence. Lincoln builds nothing nowadays that will be seen in the same way 30 ro 40 years hence. Pity.
The standouts in the Lincoln line go back to the 30's and 40's and then skip to the 60's. Since then, the eyecatchers have been few: the Mark III (the Mark II was a Continental, not a Lincoln), perhaps Marks IV and V (definitely NOT the Mark VI), the mid-80s Continental sedan (just prior to the '99), and the Mark VII (still a pretty car in any crowd). The Mark VIII was a little too stretched and rounded for my tastes, but still, it seemed like a real Lincoln (unlike the dowdy Mark VI).
The Zephyr is like the Versailles, although it is a far better car because they started with the Fusion, not an aging old chassis like the Granada. I doubt anyone will regret buying a Zephyr, but it will be as forgettable ultimately as the Versailles was in the annals of Lincoln history.
You pointed out some good cars. I also loved the '57 (I think, I know it was mid '50s) Mark. I bought a new '84 Conti. sedan, and it was a great car. People would really turn their heads to get a good look. Also bought a '00 LS in '99, and even though it had every "early build" problem that I ever heard of, I still loved it, and it had lots of folks coming to ask about it. What I still wonder about is why Cadillac lost market share when they went to all FWD, is coming back to RWD, while Lincoln gained market share with new RWD cars is now going to FWD. Something doesn't seem quite right. Of course I'm kinda stuck on AWD myself, but would prefer one based on RWD as opposed to the FWD on most of the new Fords and Lincs.
To be more precise, Lincoln is going to AWD, not FWD. And if you stop and think about it, the only suitable existing platforms that could support Lincoln AWD sedans were the Volvo and Mazda platforms which just happen to be FWD based. Lincoln can't afford to build an all new RWD platform right away and this was the fastest and least expensive way to get something to market.
Lincoln needs products FAST and I look at their current plans as a way to get products in the showrooms and to test the AWD market. I'm sure they're already working on a new RWD platform that will support AWD but that's several years away.
However, I have yet to see any indication of Lincoln moving fast, even though we both agree they ought to. Adding the Zephyr almost as an afterthought to Fusion production was hardly planning ahead when sales began plummeting after the 2000 model year (not that they would have considered planning for new product prior to that ).
I like you don't care so much that the MTZ is front drive based, and it is also good they started with the Fusion as the chassis. However, for me it is like the difference between the Versailles, and the 84-87 Continental sedan that followed. The Versailles was a half-baked tarting up of the Granada. Within a couple years, they gave it its own roofline and rear doors, but by then it was too late.
The mid-80s Continental, on the other hand, although clearly shared a Fox platform with the Fairmont, did not have one body panel or window glass piece in common with its Ford sibling. It looked like a proper Lincoln and the 86-87 Continental still looks good.
The Zephyr is helping Lincoln out a bit right now. A Fusion based car that looked even more like a proper Lincoln would have been better. Woulda coulda shoulda. Lincoln is where it is right now due to its own lack of effort. See all Douglas R's posts.
Comments
Hey, I also saw a Milian going down the street and it also looked slick.
I've never liked the exterior of any ES 3-- models, though. They look like a Pokemon with too many facelifts. With the 2007 models, the Lexus ES' Camry roots are very evident. (Is the Lexus GS based on the Avalon? They look a lot alike.) On the Camry it looks fine; on the Lexus I don't think it does. This is based on pictures, so I need to see the Lexus/Toyota in the flesh.
No, the Avalon uses a stretched Camry platform. Plus the GS platform is RWD, not FWD like the Avalon.
Sure, the 2007 ES 350 is a nice car, but as many have said, it is much more expensive putting it out of reach for many. The Zephyr/MKZ represents affordable luxury, and I commend the fact that there are cars still made like that.
On the other hand, it is true the Lincoln can be had at a steep discount, so that may allow someone to get into a near luxury ride at $27,000 v. $35,000 or more for the ES. But I think it is another instance of you get what you pay for.
I just priced a loaded Zephyr at $33K MSRP (including $1K rebate).
A similarly equipped 2007 ES350 is $41K MSRP (no rebates). It includes adaptive headlights and rain sensing wipers which the Zephyr doesn't have. Even with additional discounts on the Zephyr you're looking at $6K difference.
That also means the 3.5L equipped AWD MkZ will still be $4K-$6K less.
Face it - the ES has moved up in class quite a bit, and the Zephyr/MkZ represent a good value in comparison.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3165/is_3_41/ai_n13648405
This seems to have been going on for a long time. I really haven't been following it because I thought it was more SUV centric.
That would be very generous, it would then be on-par with a $14,000 Scion which has VSC as standard.
I don't know the answer, but I will say this:
I have Ford's version of ESC, called 'AdvanceTrak', on both my '01 LS and my '04 Navigator. I drive the LS hard. In a total of about 100,000 miles on both vehicles, AdvanceTrak has never kicked in, except on the LS on a few occasions when I'm accelerating and the rear wheels 'hop' on large potholes.
THough it does provide some peace of mind, I'd say the average driver will never need it unless they do something real stupid.
YMMV of course.
I want the ESC, because like ABS, side airbags, etc., it is a proven technology offered as standard equipment on many vehicles, including some entry level ones. If I can get this stuff on a Kia, I at least want the option of having it on a Lincoln.
Good point. But if I had a choice to pay extra for AdvanceTrak or side curtain airbags, I'd take the airbags everytime. Reasoning being the airbags will help even if it's the other guy who does something real stupid.
Even if it's standard equip, you're still paying for it.
LINK
I don't agree. Both the best and some of the worst have it. It should be standard on all.
Splash Lincoln Zephyr Review
:P
Minor quibble: why doesn't Lincoln provide some kind of document holder to keep the owner's manual and the various warranties? My previous vehicles had either leather binders (Infiniti, Saab) or plastic ones (Acura, GMC). All I got was a whole bunch of books/booklets in a paper envelope.
Second, the rep didn't know that the key fobs can be programmed to set the keys or mirrors to the pre-set "1" or "2" settings. He just shrugged and said they were identical. GM keeps it simple: the fobs have "1" and "2" etched in the plastic respectively.
* HID lights
* THX
* Chrome wheels
* Cooled seats
MSRP including destination charge ~ $32,540
Cap cost ~ $26,288
Residual ~ $16,270
Payments including 8.25% CA tax for 39 months: ~$293.
The Zephyr is more like a $26,000 to $29,000 car, so why do they pretend it is a $35,000 car? I don't get it.
It definitely comes with a leather or vinyl zipped holder for the owner's manual and other documents. Sounds like they lost it (or gave it to someone else). See above comment concerning advertised specials.
Regarding the keyfobs - Lincoln allows any fob to be programmed to any memory setting. Much more useful than having them hard coded to setting 1 or 2, although it requires more effort to set up.
Sounds like your salesman and/or dealership leave a lot to be desired. I'd take it elsewhere for service.
My purchasing experience was 180 degrees from yours. My dealership was superb, both at initial time of purchase and during the 12,000 mile free service. I'd rate the dealer one of the best w/ whom I've dealt, and I've dealt w/ Honda, Volkswagon, and Volvo dealers.
Is the THX not that good, or do they not consider optional upgraded systems in these awards?
"Would you like your car washed? And if so, do you prefer machine washed, or hand washed?"
That goes a long way...
1. 07 MKZ WHEN SHOULD YOU BE ABLE TO BUILD AND PRICE ON LINCOLN WEBSITE.
2.WITH THE 3.5 AND 263 HORSES WHAT APPOX WILL 0-60 TIME BE, 6.9 TO 7.0 SEC 1/4 MILE 94.0 ?
3. WHATS THE STATE TAX IN NORTH CAROLINA (PARENTS HOUSE) AND AFTER PICKING UP, I WILL TRANSFER TO TEXAS (SAN ANTONIO) WILL I HAVE TO PAY ADDITIONAL TAX.
4. WHAT HAS THE RELIABILITY BEEN SO FAR, ACCORDING TO THE REVIEWS ON THIS SITE IT APPEARS VERY GOOD (MAJOR CONCERN OF MY LOVELY JAPANESE WIFE), BUT I AM BUYING AMERICAN AND SUPPORTING OUR INDUSTRY PERIOD.
5. MILES PER GALLON ACTUAL WITH 70% HWY ? (22-25 MPG)
6. ANY EXPERIENCE WITH SAN ANTONIO DEALERS
7. I LIKE THE BLACK INTERIOR, THE WIFE LIKES THE STONE, HOWEVER WE ONLY HAVE PICTURES, LOOKING FOR A CLASSIC LOOK ANY COMMENTS
8. LOOKING TO SPEND LESS THAN 39K, FULLY LOADED AWD MKZ 07 ANY PROBLEMS.
9. ZIEBART RUST/SOUND DEADENING PROTECTION IS IT WORTH THE MONEY 525.00 EXTRA, NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE RUST BUT I WOULD LIKE A LITTLE EXTRA SOUND DEADENING
THANKS
US NAVY MEMBER CHIEF MAC
22-25 mpg is achievable with 70% hwy depending on speed and driving habits.
Reliability so far has been stellar with hardly any problems reported on Fusion, Milan or Zephyr.
The MSRP on a fully loaded Zephyr right now is around $35K. The new engine and AWD should push it to $37K and you can probably get some discounts off of that but it depends on how well they're selling and how many the dealer has available.
0-60 should be just under 7 seconds. I think the current Zephyr with the 3.0 is around 7.4.
I like the Medium Light Stone interior personally (I have that on my Fusion). The only problem is with both the black and stone you get dark wood trim. With Sand you get the blonde wood which is fairly unique and I think that's the best looking Zephyr/MKZ interior. If you go to lincoln.com and choose colors you can click on each color and see the interior picture.
Black is not the greatest interior for highlighting the details. Although the Z interior has some bling, the high cowl can be psychologically confining in all black.
The Zeibart protection is unlikely to make a noticeable difference in a Zephyr (already quiet), and the so-called rust protection can be worse than worthless, depending on how carefully it is applied.
Chief
Auto Media Lincoln Zephyr Review
Does anyone know if there will be more color selections next year?
They had BMW for innovation with a HUD display, GM offers this display on a Corvette, Cadillac, and GP GXP!!!!!!!!!
What gives? I heard that the BMWdispolay is slow to adjust to speed changes, this looks like garbadge to me. I don't think its a good source for accurate interrior info either.
Besides, the MKZ should have slight improvements inside. Unfortunatley is does not seem like an automanual will be part of the deal.
This is just one example to take into account, when manufacturer's survey respondants over the same items as well.
Like one example is. VW's are known for high quality interior materials, great presentation all around, YET, the rest of the car isn't reliable. Yet, public perception surveys show they rate high by consumers.
But surveys, and these types of awards don't just grant titles to the winners, but with what manufacturer's learn from this, we as consumers gain from it.
And mark my words, the industry is moving to greater personalization of vehicle interiors, and that is the common element with the above mentioned.
Don't be surprised if 20-40 years from now, we have empty/hollow boxes in our dashboards, where we "pick" stereos, A/C, Navi's, clusters, etc. and drop them in at the dealership....Like "plug and play".
The result is that the whole country suffers. What kind of insult is this, that a FOREIGN car company can build a BETTER car in OUR OWN COUNTRY than we can?
As soon as we deserve better, we will take it. While I like these new Ford cars (Fusion/Milan/MKZ) I hope that this "Made in Mexico" business is temporary, and a warning for unions that they are not the only game in town anymore.
They did a good thing for America I know, but now they have bit off too much of the Pie, IMHO. They need to view the corporations in a different light if they wish to survive.
I mean meybe it is a good idea to buy these cars, just to have a ford without the staggering weight of Union liabilities. Some of them I can accept, and would pay just a bit more for a union made US car. I believe workers need insurance and retirement, but what they have now is overkill, a guy standing there bolting stuff on to metal should not get more money and benefits than someone who is a scientist, a nurse, or an analyst.
Ford's response to crisis and market share loss is to delay products further (for further redesign) and kill off others. The Zephyr/MTZ and the "new" Navigator cannot carry Lincoln, so the hope is now on the MKX--a very thinly disguised Ford Edge. If the Edge is good enough, the MKX should make it. But Lincoln has now become a hodgepodge of disparate products, all with different styling themes and none the exclusive province of Lincoln. I see more hurting ahead.
I was looking at 61-63 and 66-69 Continentals the past few days. What a presence. Lincoln builds nothing nowadays that will be seen in the same way 30 ro 40 years hence. Pity.
The standouts in the Lincoln line go back to the 30's and 40's and then skip to the 60's. Since then, the eyecatchers have been few: the Mark III (the Mark II was a Continental, not a Lincoln), perhaps Marks IV and V (definitely NOT the Mark VI), the mid-80s Continental sedan (just prior to the '99), and the Mark VII (still a pretty car in any crowd). The Mark VIII was a little too stretched and rounded for my tastes, but still, it seemed like a real Lincoln (unlike the dowdy Mark VI).
The Zephyr is like the Versailles, although it is a far better car because they started with the Fusion, not an aging old chassis like the Granada. I doubt anyone will regret buying a Zephyr, but it will be as forgettable ultimately as the Versailles was in the annals of Lincoln history.
Lincoln needs products FAST and I look at their current plans as a way to get products in the showrooms and to test the AWD market. I'm sure they're already working on a new RWD platform that will support AWD but that's several years away.
However, I have yet to see any indication of Lincoln moving fast, even though we both agree they ought to. Adding the Zephyr almost as an afterthought to Fusion production was hardly planning ahead when sales began plummeting after the 2000 model year (not that they would have considered planning for new product prior to that
I like you don't care so much that the MTZ is front drive based, and it is also good they started with the Fusion as the chassis. However, for me it is like the difference between the Versailles, and the 84-87 Continental sedan that followed. The Versailles was a half-baked tarting up of the Granada. Within a couple years, they gave it its own roofline and rear doors, but by then it was too late.
The mid-80s Continental, on the other hand, although clearly shared a Fox platform with the Fairmont, did not have one body panel or window glass piece in common with its Ford sibling. It looked like a proper Lincoln and the 86-87 Continental still looks good.
The Zephyr is helping Lincoln out a bit right now. A Fusion based car that looked even more like a proper Lincoln would have been better. Woulda coulda shoulda. Lincoln is where it is right now due to its own lack of effort. See all Douglas R's posts.