How does the Zephyr’s price compare with its main competitors? The 2006 Acura TL starts at $33,940 (including a $615 destination charge); the 2006 Cadillac CTS starts at $31,285 (including a $720 destination charge); the 2006 Infiniti G35 sedan starts at $31,910 (including a $610 destination charge); and the 2006 Lexus ES 330 starts at $32,995 (including a $695 destination charge).

Why would someone buy a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr over the competition? The Zephyr has a few things going for it, not the least of which is the sub-$30,000 price. That puts it in the right ballpark, and actually low-balls much of the competition. Next would be the Zephyr’s interior, a space filled with leather and wood that is quite luxurious. Finally, we expect that many of the Zephyr’s buyers will end up at their Lincoln dealers because of brand loyalty – shoppers who have always owned a Ford or domestic product.

Besides all-wheel drive and stability control, are any significant changes expected for the Zephyr? Given that the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr is an all-new vehicle, any significant changes are likely years out. But Ford will be launching a new, more powerful 3.5-liter V6 in the near future, and that engine will likely be shared by a number of vehicles, including the Zephyr.