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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  A Misanalyzed Great Car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Dave - February 13 - 12:56 pm

  We just purchased an MKS AWD model for my wife - she absolutely loves it! She loves the comfort, spaciousness, handling, performance, and level of luxury. Although not a techni, she finds the Sync system a user-friendly and awesome capability. Her car came with almost every option - it had suggested price of 45K, we paid 41K. I think the Edmunds reviewer needs to be taken with a grain of salt. He wrote a review based on what HE expects and wants from the car. My wife doesnt WANT his handling or performance; SHE likes "lower-level" handling (not crisp) and "less" performance (he calls it "lackluster"). Depending on what YOU want in a car, this is a great luxury car worthy of a look!

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  Thank you Lincoln - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By D P Glusko - January 29 - 2:26 am

  My MKS has exceeded all my expectations after 25 years of Town Cars and Cadillacs. I am still delighted after 7 months of ownership. The black exterior styling is eye catching, the Linen interior is sharp, roomy & comfortable, and the ride is rewarding around town & relaxing for the long haul. I was pleasantly surprised how enjoyable the AWD was to drive and the 6 speed transmission is smooth as silk after it gets to 2nd gear. Engine power & sound are very satisfying and the THX sound system is awsome. I completely disagree with the mediocre MKS reviews written by the so-called experts.

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  You take the good, you take the bad... - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By sully77 - January 21 - 6:04 am

  I purchased my 2009 MKS approximately one month ago. Thus far Ive had mixed reviews on it, but overall Im happy with it. I took it to the Appalachian Mtns of Virginia where I encountered 6" of snow. The front-wheel drive handled it without any issues or problems.

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  Suprisingly Sporty - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By Joe Brodell - November 12 - 3:42 am

  Really nice car with excellent performance and handling. Nav and entertainment package is great. Steerable headlights was a surprise. Havent had long enough to comment on reliability. So many automatic featues there are lots of things that could go wrong. Hopefully they wont but time will tell. Back seat room is awesome. Paddle shift in manual and adaptive cruise. The only thing I dont like is location of trunk release in glove box. Im in car love!

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  STARSHIPS ARE REAL - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By droy - October 25 - 12:33 pm

  I had a 2002 Continental I did not want to part with but wanted to stay with Lincoln. Choose to purchase the MKS (Tuxedo black, loaded) after 6 months of research and glad I choose to stay with the MKS vs. going with the CTS. Pleasantly surprised with the performance of the V-6 after reading some of the reviews. Car must be purchased with the 20" wheels which adds to the car appearance.

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  Very nice Car - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By schuhfly - May 17 - 1:50 pm

  The MKS is a very comfortable car , great electronics Sync is great, Leather seats are nice, the only (2) real beefs are that when you accelerate quickly the front end is a little sloppy I would think with AWD that this wouldnt happen, and #2 as this car goes around curves it is very loose in handling. , i would think that that would be a little smoother these days, and easier to handle around corners. Styling is great , cabin noise is acceptable, when using bluetooth phone the volume has to be adjusted every time and is not load enough

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  Outstanding car - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By Bob K - January 17 - 8:56 pm

  Driving this car is an absolute pleasure at any speed or surface. The Sync system is incredibly easy to use. It is my favorite vehicle that I have ever owned. I drove everything in its class prior to purchasing and was very happy to be able to buy an American car that is the best.

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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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  Another notch to put on Fords gun - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By datagen - December 24 - 7:36 am

  As with many Ford products, many do not know how good Lincolns are. I have a 2004 Taurus, a 2006 Zephyr, and now my 2009 MKS. After doing the research at the Detroit International Auto Show this year, I order this car the following month. I have had it about 2 weeks now and I can tell you, it was worth the wait. You can see and feel the styling and luxury in this vehicle throughout. You can appreciate the long hours involved in the designed and engineering. There is no doubt that you get a lot of car for the money. I am current getting 18.3 mpg in the city. Not bad for a AWD.

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  Big, Beautiful, Safe, and Equipped - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Moms car - November 22 - 3:40 am

  Big a best buy. If you are looking for a safe luxury large sedan, big trunk, and technology, this is the car for you. This is not the best handling but its good enough. If you want size and handling, you have to pay at least $75,000 for a European car. The trunk will hold a couple of strollers, groceries, and a big diaper bag its huge. The trunk hides all the mess that you carry and it’s safer to have things in trunk in comparison an SUV or crossover and it looks better too. The navigation is easy to use, the integrated mp3 is great the only thing I don’t like is the rear visibility, but it has a rear view camera.