I agree with picking a Ford product, it's your best option of the "big three" Detroit automakers.
You still live in Milwaukee? I was born there and know what winters are like. If I was you I'd be interested in AWD. Personally if you I'd consider the Ford Fusion since its available in AWD and has a lot of different trim options.
e/ - Your Lincoln MKZ selection actually is made on the exact same platform as the Ford Fusion.
Ford CD3 platform-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_CD3_platform Obviously you'd only be paying for the extra trim/cosmetic stuff going Lincoln MKZ name over the Ford Fusion when in reality they are the same car.
Depending on what year looks like the trim is only slightly different.
Here is 2011-
This post was edited by said_aouita on Jul 9 2014 05:06pm