Triplets for Ford, but only one Zephyr

It's one thing when a mom (marketing executive) wants her daughter (high school English teacher) to find a nice guy and settle down. It's another thing when the daughter thinks her mom is "old school." Put that combination of reasoning together with test driving cars for manufacturers and you really see the generation gap in this ongoing saga of cars, men and family.

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

X: I'm sure. 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. It's almost become overwhelming.

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

X: Only one case? What was really overwhelming was the reaction to the 2006 Zephry, Lincoln's new sedan, when we drove up to Jenna's baby shower last weekend.

Boomer: Oh, 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 then I realized they were impressed and curious about the Zephyr.

X: I can appreciate why they were more interested in the vehicle than us. The Zephyr is new to the '06 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 both your friends and mine were asking questions. It obviously peals 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 Mazda 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, every day 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 highway. With gas over $3.00 a gallon, you're looking at an estimated annual fuel cost of about $1400. I don't think that's too bad.

X: And I like the price range. The MSRP starts at $29,995. With special 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 on the European styled interior.

X: Yeah, me too. But what is flame maple?

Boomer: The same beautiful shade of maple wood you might find in a guitar. Oh, my, imagine 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, but it wasn't nearly as large as the 2006 model, or as nice looking. However, the '36 model was the car that pulled Lincoln Mercury out of the 1930s 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 back seat 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: Well, 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 Einstein Bros. Bagels 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 both adults and the little ones, there are side curtain and head protection air bags, dual stage front air bags and childproof rear door locks. In addition, you'll find standard ABS brakes and traction control devices like the progressive action brake pedal. And the Zephyr has a four year, 50,000 mile warranty, including 24 hour roadside assistance. All of these amenities make the Zephyr a practical but luxurious family vehicle and/or a great stylish, sporty sedan for any unmarried female you might just happen to know.

X: Whatever. The Zephyr is definitely a solid, good looking sedan that can sure compete with others in its class like the Camry and Accord. I'm more interested in the sporty aspect of the Mercury, though, 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 like it a lot. Does this mean we are in total agreement about something?

X: Believe it or not, yes!

Boomer: Good. Now let's go find out where we can get that water.