New Car: 2008 Lincoln MKX

This is how we roll.



This new car may be a Lincoln MKX like my last car was, but there are a few key changes:

Rollin' on Dubs (Translation: The rims on this car are huge! 20" rims VS. 18" that came on the last MKX.

SYNC interactive system designed by Microsoft (Integrates bluetooth phones and ipod players so they can be controlled by your voice and played through the car's THX sound system.

Vapor Silver (New color for 2008.)

Panoramic Vista Roof (Not one, but TWO gaping holes to the sky. Really cool.)

The Black MKX was sharp and I loved driving it. I was ready for the new one however. (Plus we had to change Cayden on the front seat of the old one on our return trip from Kansas last week. Once you change a diaper in a car, it needs to be replaced.)

Fall Fling: 2007 Mustang GT California Special

Do not get too excited: this was just a weekend fling. The MKX is back in the garage. It was a good weekend though.


This beautiful red stallion is fast and fun. It definitely turns a lot of heads. It was Cayden's first time in a convertible. It is actually easier to take the top down to put him in his car seat rather than going through the passenger-side door. At high speeds he did not really appreciate the wind, but cruising around Arlington he was all smiles.

New Car: 2007 Lincoln MKX

Lincoln has decided that cars are more distinct and memorable if their names are composed of hard to remember conglomerates of random letters.


Enter the Lincoln MKX.



That -- would be the only downer of this b-e-a-u-tiful black ride. As you may be aware the Lincoln MKX is the flashier, high-society version of the Ford Edge. They share sheetmetal, platforms, and powertrain.

That being said, the MKX comes with a few tricks the Edge cannot match:

• Heated REAR seats
• Heated AND Cooled Front seats
• THX-Certified 14-speaker stereo (I have only found 11 so far...Still looking for three.)
• 18" Chromed wheels
• Power lift-gate (As in, you push a button and the hatch opens. You push a button and the hatch closes.)
• Chrome everywhere.

Suzanne is partial to the Edge. I love this car. I feel a little out of place driving it. People look at me and I can read their thoughts:

"Does your mother know you're driving her car?"

New Car: 2007 Ford Edge

"I want to live on the EDGE!"

If you've been half-awake during any American Idol episode this year then you have probably heard the commercials. And although my new Ford Edge does not drive on buildings -- it is still pretty sweet.

This particular vehicle was a hand-me-down from one of our employees here that was relocated to Detroit. A little strategic planning on my part planted me in the 10-way, heated, charcoal leather driver's seat.

I must say, it was very hard to say goodbye to the Milan. We have been though a lot together. 14,000 miles to be exact. But, the eye-catching Edge is quickly filling the void. Tender.

Here are the details:

• 2007 Edge SEL


• All-Wheel Drive


• 3.5L V6


• 265 HP (Best-in-class)


• 250 lb./ft. of torque


• 18" wheels


• Navigation


• DVD-Entertainment Center

Am I pleased with it? Very. It has all the capability of an Explorer but handling more similar to the Milan or Fusion. And it will get you to 60 MPH quicker than a Nissan Murano (ahem) with an interior quieter than a Lexus RX 330.

New Car: 2007 Mercury Milan

The Eddie Bauer Explorer was a nice car. It had all the goodies -- suede leather seats, DVD navigation, room for seven. It was also fun to drive, but after Cayden pee'd on the dashboard, the Explorer lost its luster. Done. Gone. On to the next one.

Enter the 2007 Mercury Milan. Aside from all the goodies I have unfortunately come to take for granted, this sucker will scream on the highway and off.

Here are the stats:

• 3.0L V6 good for 221 hp
• All-wheel-drive (a segment exclusive)
• Satellite Radio
• DVD Navigation
• mp3 Input Jack for iPod
• Two-tone leather seats

All in all, it has plenty of gusto and holds the road like a fat man holds a greasy fork.

New Car: 2006 Eddie Bauer Explorer

My days of ignorantly driving around in a luxury sedan far above my means are officially over. My 2006 Lincoln Zephyr has officially retired from active duty and has made its way to the dealer auction.

And now my days of ignorantly driving around in a luxury SUV far above my means have officially begun. While I had the difficult task of parting with my beloved Zephyr, stepping up into the Eddie Bauer Explorer and breathing in the aroma from the suede-leather inserts that were keeping cows warm days earlier somehow made the transition bearable.

So here is the run down:

• 4.0L V6 SOHC - The beefy, new V8 that came out of the Mustang GT was not on option for sales vehicles. Poor me!
• 4-wheel drive
• Preferred suede-leather seats
• Power third-row seat
• DVD-based Navigation System
• 18" Alloy Rims
• All the other goodies...

I'm liking the Explorer. I loved the Limited '05 I had last year. But the '06 has been greatly re-vamped both externally and internally. For an SUV it rides smooth and has decent power for a V6. I haven't had to use 4-wheel drive yet, but it will be convenient should we have any ice storms before my next vehicle arrives -- which may happen later this year.

New Car: Lincoln Zephyr

Once again, the car gods have smiled upon me. In a stroke of pure luck, I have become the driver of a shiny new Lincoln Zephyr.

Here is how it came to pass:
Two Lincoln Zehpyrs were issued to a couple of higher-ups in the office. When they traded up to a Lincoln LS, these two cream-puffs hit the market. Everyone who had been issued a Fusion earlier this year put their name in to draw out one of the two Zephyrs. Lady luck was on my side that day as my name was the first drawn out.

This car is a dream. If the Fusion was fun, new and sporty. Well, the Zephyr is all that and a bag of chips (snap.)
Here are the stats:

Engine: 3.0L Duratec V6
Horses: 221
Sound System: THX Certified
Speakers: 12 (I still haven't found one of them.)
Other Goodies: Heated AND Cooled seats, Navigation System, Satin Nickel Trim

Fusion Arrives...

Hello one and all. Yes I am still alive and I have great news: My shiny new Ford Fusion has arrived. It was difficult to see the Explorer go. We have been through a lot together. But let's face it, it had a gum stain on the floor, and well, once a car has a stain in the carpet it's old hat.

Done - Gone - On to the next one.

The next one happens to be the brand-spanking new Ford Fusion. After driving it for almost a week, my official rating for this new vehicle is: wicked sweet. Don't laugh Lindsay. It really is wicked sweet. Like the perfect woman, this car is good-looking yet approachable.

I ordered a jet black Fusion SEL (SEL stands for: load it up!). And with the exception of the V6 engine and the power sunroof, this beauty has everything, from a six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability and eight booming speakers to heated leather seats with cool oatmeal-colored stitching.

I was a little upset at first that my driving excitement would be held captive by an I4 (four-cylinder engine for everyone but dad.) However, after acquainting myself with the tight five-speed manual transmission it became apparent that this four-banger has plenty of pep. I've had it for five days and put over 600 miles on it, mostly on the highways of northern Mississippi.

The car also handles very well. I've taken a few hard corners and the 17" rims hold the road a heck of a lot better than an Explorer.

Overall, I was very impressed. More importantly, I am very happy with the new direction Ford is heading in design.