Typically, a gussied-up premium car differs from its mainstream base with fancier wheels, some chrome accents here and there, maybe a softer ride, and invariably a higher sticker price. In many ways, the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr is more than that.

Though the overall shape is identical, designers used a variety of details to distinguish the Zephyr from lesser Ford and Mercury models. Front and rear fascias are new, as are the gargantuan taillights and wedged headlights with incorporated side markers. Those unique front and rear lights required that the Zephyr be outfitted with its own front fenders and rear quarter panels, further distinguishing the Lincoln from other FoMoCo examples. The rear is finished off with two chrome exhaust tips that feed from one muffler, while the chrome grille in front pays homage to Lincolns of old.

Inside, the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr proves worthy of its entry-luxury designation and further separates itself from its lower-priced brothers. Soft, perforated leather covers the seats and a nice mesh material is found on the pillars and overhead. Real wood, either maple or ebony, decorates the dash and door panels, and coordinates with leather to dress the steering wheel. Graphite-colored plastic is featured on the door panels, shift knob surround, and instrument panel, while gauge rings and door handles are finished in chrome. The Zephyr’s tall, flat dash mirrors that found in the F-150 and Mustang, from the flat top to the vertical center stack and round air vents. However, unlike those models the Lincoln adds an upscale analog clock and uses soft, rubberized plastics that impart a feeling of quality. In terms of ergonomics, all of the oft-used controls are within close reach and are clearly marked. Equally impressive is the Zephyr’s practicality – storage provisions are numerous, and the rear seat splits and folds for expansion of the 15.8 cubic-foot trunk.

That’s all fine and good, but build quality, an issue that has plagued domestic models for years, is a concern for many shoppers considering a Lincoln. The Zephyrs available for our media drive were early-production cars that had undoubtedly been scrutinized for defects. That being said, each example exhibited consistent gaps throughout, though some appeared a bit wide, especially when compared to the tight tolerances required by Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus.