Overview & Reviews

Lincoln hasn't always kept up with the competition in the luxury sedan segment. As rivals evolved with more modern styling, better handing and the latest technology, Lincoln lagged behind, struggling to break free of its antiquated image. The Lincoln MKS is an attempt to gain back some territory. Roomy and comfortable, the MKS boasts available all-wheel drive and a bevy of standard and optional features.

Mechanically, it's related to the latest-generation Ford Taurus, meaning it shares that car's general underpinnings and powertrain. This relationship, however, has limited the MKS's appeal. For the first few years in particular, its driving dynamics and interior appointments made the MKS seem more like a gussied-up Ford than a true luxury sedan. A major overhaul for 2013 has improved the MKS considerably, though. As a used model, the MKS remains a tough sell compared to other midsize luxury sedans, but it might be worth a look for shoppers keen on a large American luxury sedan.

Current Lincoln MKS
The Lincoln MKS received significant updates for 2013, including engine upgrades, suspension enhancements, additional equipment, more luxurious cabin appointments and revised styling inside and out.

There are three trim levels tied to drivetrain choice. FWD and AWD trims come with a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The EcoBoost trim comes with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that sends 365 hp to all four wheels. Its fuel economy is actually only slightly less than that of the base engine.

Expected luxury features like leather upholstery are standard on both, but Lincoln ups the ante by including items that are usually options, like an adaptive suspension, heated and ventilated seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel and even mobile WiFi capability. Options include a rearview camera, heated rear seats, a lane-departure warning system, an automatic parallel-parking system and a 16-speaker stereo.

The MKS also features the MyLincoln Touch system, which was widely criticized in its early iterations for usability, speed and reliability issues. The current version has been greatly improved, although there's still a learning curve involved. Either way, this new technology creates a clean, futuristic look inside the spacious, well-constructed cabin. Few cars in its class can match the amount of passenger space in the MKS, including its 18.4-cubic-foot trunk.

Used Lincoln MKS Models
The Lincoln MKS debuted for the 2009 model year, and models produced between then and 2012 differ from the current model. The styling is less distinctive, the quality of interior materials and construction is lower and there were fewer features available. Not only were the engines less powerful, but it lacked the current car's adaptive suspension. Without it, the ride was surprisingly stiff and the handling not especially good either. The steering was also needlessly heavy. On the upside, some may find the interior controls easier to use than those in the current car.

The MKS was initially only available with a standard 273-hp 3.7-liter V6, while the 355-hp turbocharged V6 (EcoBoost) arrived the following year. As with today, base MKS models could be front-wheel or all-wheel drive, while those with the turbocharged engine are all-wheel drive only.

In reviews, we found some problems with these early MKS models, many of which were corrected with the midcycle changes for 2013. Besides some of the issues alluded to above, we found the base engine to deliver lackluster acceleration and the entire car to have little advantage over a loaded Ford Taurus. Thanks to its 355 hp and broad torque band, the turbocharged Lincoln MKS EcoBoost was more appealing.

User Reviews:

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  Door Lock and Brake Problems - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By SBU - June 24 - 9:30 pm

  I enjoy the design and comfort of the new MKS but it seems that there are still some mechanical issues to be worked out. I have driven only 800 miles in my new car and already have had to have the front brake lining replaced due to poor initial installation. The drivers side electronic door lock has also broken and the replacement part to fix the problem has not even been built yet (according to my dealer). I must now manually unlock the door each time - not fun.

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  My MKS mistake - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By John - May 23 - 9:30 am

  I ordered my MKS online in March, 2008. Because of the color(white it wasnt going to be in production until Mid-July. It didnt go into production until Mid-August. This was okay with me, however I wanted it before October 1st to take on a planned vacation. It arrived around Mid-September with 45.3 miles put on at the factory. It was the first time I ordered a new car from the factory and was very disappointed that it was driven by someone other than me on the highway. It took the excitement out of the experience. At first I wasnt going to accept it and after a few days I did. Upon close inspection I found 16 flaws in the paint. I feel I made a mistake purchasing an American car.

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  Not a Towncar - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Sim - April 4 - 9:16 am

  After leasing Town Cars for many years, I leased an MKS front wheel drive. Interior is luxurious, and sound system is excellent. However, there is poor rear window visibility as head rests block a smaller rear window. A 6 cyl, only getting 13.5 miles per gallon! Used to get 18 on my 8 cyl Town Car! It is very lumbering and no agility in its handling. Feels like a boat - but a beautiful one.

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  Highway cruiser - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Frank - August 25 - 11:20 pm

  I drive a lot of highway miles for work and wanted a car that would make that as painless as possible. This car has met every expectation I had. Great ride, fun technology, great sound system, bluetooth and sync work flawlessly. The transmission needs some work and a few more miles per gallon on the highway, this car would be perfect.

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  First 180 days - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By wfalden - January 8 - 5:30 am

  To date the car has performed as one whould expect. The six cyln engine is to small for the size of the car but does have surprising performance. The auto has great electronic features while the inside looks nice but at a closer glance a lot of cheap parts.

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  Cant score everything just yet... - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By brookse1 - June 6 - 4:26 am

  Wonderful car. Like driving your living room, with more toys. Lots of room, decent power, good looks. Brakes grab. Corners are wobbly but, *what did you expect*? Better tires would help. Uploading CDs and pics is finicky - hello Microsoft! Overall, as long as the reliability holds up, I love it.

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  Sweet ride - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By simple guy - August 26 - 4:30 pm

  This car is very enjoyable to drive and ride in. The electronic package is wonderful and huge moon roof is a delight at night. The car is very easy to drive and a delight to ride in on those long trips...and between all the choices for music you should never be bored. My only complaint is the arm rest on the door is too low and too far away...

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  Sweet ride for long drives - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By irish35 - July 22 - 10:32 pm

  Have had the car for about two years, and it has been a pleasure to drive. I drive long distances on the highway and no car would compared to MKS. AWD (and 19+ tires) gives you excellent traction on the road and in the snow. Comfortable seats, nice features, smooth handling, plenty of power. This car is not built for racing, correct. But it would not disappoint, and indeed makes you proud, when you punch it to pass foreign competitors up the hill. Not 100% pleased with the interior design. Major issue for us (coffee drinkers) is that you cannot fit two coffee cups in this car; it has got space for 1-and-a-half!

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  What was Ford thinking - 2012 Lincoln MKS
  By carlcampbell - June 11 - 5:42 am

  I have been seriously looking for a new American car for over 2- months and finally decided to buy a MKS. This is a fine car. It is very nice looking, drives smooth, gets good mileage, is high tech, has nice looking interior and large trunk. Everythink is A-OK except for a fatal flaw. The huge center console consumes all but a very small part of the center leg room. After driving the car for a short time, we could not get out of it fast enough. Leg cramps are certain to be experienced on a road trip. This is sad for a nice large vehicle like the MKS. What kind of "designers" and decision makers does Ford have. This is sad and I am sure this will cost Ford a lot of money.

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  GREAT CAR - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By paulie - April 16 - 10:53 pm

  What is all the bashing about? The MKS handles the Ozark mountain roads at 60 MPH easily. There hasnt been one thing wrong in over 14K miles. OK. YOU show ME where you can get: Adaptive Headlights. Auto windhield wipers. Auto brights. Dual Sunrooof. Heated AND COOLED driver and passenger seating. Sync. Rear back up cam. Softest leather, other than one Lexus. AWD. Room for 5 and a living room sized rear seat. 275 HP on REGULAR. I got all of this for 41,000 in November. Come on, this is to easy. Now, you show me another that gives all this. You cant, so quit the bashing.