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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  Navigation with iphone - 2013 Lincoln MKS
  By cas52 - November 18 - 3:57 am

  I recently purchased a 2013 MKS which is equipped with the navigation and blue tooth. I have had a problem with the navigation resulting in freezing in the middle of directions and/or not able to get directions. I was told by Lincoln that there is a glitch with the software of the Iphone and the Lincoln Sync system. They are aware of the problem and hope to solve it by the end of the summer. I have had the Lincoln in the past with navigation and never had a problem. This new system is not working well at all.

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  Lincoln MKS - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Linda McLellan - October 30 - 7:53 am

  I have been extremely impressed with Lincoln MKS. It has excellant styling, comfort and performance. The technology that is available is awesome. I could not be happier with this selection after looking at the Lexus ES and the Infiniti M35, I am convinced that I made a wise choice.

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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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  Amazing - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By DREW - May 15 - 12:53 am

  This car is power filled. Sharing the platform with the Ford Taurus the new Twin Turbo 3.5 liter Ecoboost Engine this car has power. The ride is smooth and quiet the Transmission good but not fantastic.

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  Not Worth The Money - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Joe - April 24 - 11:36 pm

  Repeated problems with the seats; its been in the shop for 2 weeks this month with 3 different trips. The dealer fails to see the problems with the car just because the computer isnt showing codes. I guess codes are better than people in determining problems. Yeah right. If my car was on fire and it didnt spit out codes there must not be a problem, right. I wish I could get my money back. Im wondering if I can get the vehicle returned under the lemon law even if the dealer wont recognize the problems.

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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.

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  Real Word Review of the 2010 Lincoln MKS - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By doc81 - April 9 - 10:08 pm

  I bought an MKS in December 2010, after three years of exhaustive online comparisons, Edmunds reviews filled with disdain, New England Automobile Shows and test drives. I was looking for 3 basic criteria in a new car: V-8 power, Rear-Leg room for my in-laws, and a Large Trunk which would easily fit my golf clubs. The MKS does all of this in spades!! The leather interior far surpasses the Ford Taurus. Only the BMW 760Li, Audi L8 and 2009 Infinity M45 were comparable...for $20-80K more! Overall, the MKS is a spacious full-sized luxury car, that errs on the side of technology rather than interior detail for less than half the cost of a comparable European luxury sedan.

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  I wish I never bought it. - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By dreamer - January 7 - 8:26 am

  It was my dream car before I bought it, now it is my nightmare. I have 20000 miles in it. I have had and still have many issues with this car, and I seriously regret to buying it. During this time I had several rental cars while my car was being fixed, but all of them were far more responsive and sped up faster than my car, even the cheaper/basic ones. The service department at the Gengras Lincoln in East Harford CT is telling me that everything is fine with the car and it matches with the manufactures specification, the transmission hesitates to switch down or up, but this is how it was planned and supposed to work. Needless to say when you spend this amount of money on a brand new