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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  will not buy a lincoln product again - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By lap - September 10 - 7:50 pm

  Puchased car brand new from dealership and within 10 months of owning it .I had to bring it in to the shop 11 times.for about 5 different problems with this vehicle.Called lincoln/ford about the frustration that the brand new expensive car i purchased was always at the shop.The way they looked at it was the car was only there 5 times .I had to bring the car for the problem and they would look at it and then i would have to bring it back agian when the part gets in.Had lots of problems with front sensors always beeping when i was in a parking lot with around me within 100 yards.Stirring column cover making noise when retracting,dore locks not functing correctly,brakes grinding.

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  Just Keeps Getting Better - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Purple Flag Saturday - August 5 - 12:16 pm

  I was apprehensive about getting this car; a terrific lease sealed the deal. 17 months later: GREAT CAR! The MKS is ultra comfortable, elegant and looks like a million. Sight lines require getting used to, after a while its fine. Heated/cooled seats, sound system, SYNC, all add up to a fabulous experience. It was reinforced when I drove Chicago to Tampa at Christmas with 2 adults and 2 teens. Roomy, comfy, soooo quiet and happy to run 85+ all day long. My first experience with Lincoln, not my last.

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  Too Many Quirks in MKS - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By patty radvansky - August 4 - 8:46 pm

  I have owned the MKS for 6 months & have had it in the shop 4 times. The week after I purchased car the radio would not come on unless I cut the car on & off several times, plus there is a very loud popping sound from the speakers when I first start car. There are constant rattles in dash. These problems have been going on since I purchased car. They are not certain of cause. Now I have a new rattle in the sunroof.The rattles are so annoying you have to cut radio up to drown out, since the radio does not work half the time this is a problem. Also cup holders are entirely too small. I have been in a rental 3 times since i purchased & currently in one now. Not Happy with purchase at all!

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  Torque of the town - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By brucelinc - June 20 - 11:10 am

  The ecoboost engine is awesome - smooth and quiet but deceptively powerful. I appreciate all the torque at low rpm. The car moves out strongly without high revs or drama. The cabin is extremely quiet at all speeds and is very comfortable. The sync and nav systems are flawless and user friendly. Although the press has been mostly positive, I think this car is too quickly dismissed by the public due to Lincolns lack of prestige compared with luxury brands.

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  MKS rocks but Quality is Not Job 1 - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By MKS Fan - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a vehicle every consumer in the luxury class market ought to experience! My MKS is a pleasure to drive. My two complaints have been with one electrical issue after another - on both my new MKS and my folks as well - and the "superior" leather that wears through extremely quickly :( FOMOCO has so much to offer. Yet, if it wants to OWN the industry again, it needs to look to Hondas QC. Quality is way subpar for the price demanded by the manufacturer.

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  MKS Is An Awesome Car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By REWInAmherst - April 26 - 2:23 am

  The 2009 Lincoln MKS is an awesome car. I have previously owned 14 Lincoln Town Cars and 1 Lincoln Aviator and rate the MKS amongst the best of those vehicles when it comes to my driving and ownership experience. I do a great deal of highway driving for my businesses and the MKS drives and handles very well and is a luxurious and comfortable experience over many hours spent on the road between destinations. My MKS has the "Ultimate Package" with all of the technological toys and conveniences which I appreciate greatly. I highly recommend the Lincoln MKS to everyone who is seriously interested in a true American luxury sedan.

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  Stealth Luxury - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By StkJck - March 16 - 12:53 am

  I recently was in the market for a replacement car since my 06 300 SRT* lease was up. Searched for used 2006 750LI and Audi A8 and decided on MKS. Price out the door was almost the same. I think it was only prudent to get something more practical but still wanted the toys and boy does this have the toys. My MKS is loaded plus has the optional wood trim package ($400). It is well worth it. It just highlights the luxurious interior.

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  ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, ETC. - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By revanitra - February 4 - 9:35 am

  The 2009 Lincoln MKS was my first and only desired car that year. Initially when I leased it everything appeared to be fine. About 1 mo. after lease, door locks began to malfunction opening by themselves without depression of the button on the key fob, next the rear doors began to collect water sounding as though a swimming pool was behind you. The water slished and sloshed back and forth. This was really scary! Next the Sync system has a problem. You can hear all phone conversations like a loud speaker outside of the car!!! Not a Mercedes/BMW!!

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  Missing storage - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By medic - January 15 - 10:16 am

  Had this car for just a few weeks 09 leftover dealer driver car. Love the look and style but there is virtually no storage inside for anything. Small door pocket and mini center console that once you put in an iPod in to hook to USB it is full. Cup holders are useless with armrests extended, and with tapered coffee cups you can have only one and the other holder overlaps. I still love it though, shifts a bit hard between gears.

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  2009 MKS - A bad mistake - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By tgeorge1241 - October 30 - 2:35 pm

  I bought this car, loaded, used in the summer of 2012. Since it only had 17,000 miles on it I really thought it would be a good car I could drive for several more years. I sold it 7 months later. As far as Im concerned Lincoln(Ford) builds nothing but junk. The acceleration was terrible; pokey and jerky. Id be at a stop light with no one near me for miles and the side assist warning system would starting beeping. Two months in and part of the drivers seat fell apart and a piece of the grill fell out. Gas mileage was terrible and in the rain the MKS drove skidded all over. Ill never buy a Lincoln or Ford again.