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:

• 

  Great Car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Carolyn - December 12 - 3:43 am

  This is a great vehicle, to travel back and forth from up north to Fl. It has a large trunk, is very comfortable, handles very good on the highway. The voice command system allows me to call on the phone, without using my hands, the satellite radio, allows me to listen to the same station for the entire trip. This car has good pickup when entering the interstate highways and the braking system is very good at stopping quickly, if needed. I feel very safe in this vehicle, because of the safety equipment that is built into the car. I would recommend this vehicle highly.

• 

  great american car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By RC in Tampa - November 22 - 7:10 am

  I have had the MKS for 4months and have thoroughly enjoyed it-The handling and styling as well as the high-tech features are impressive-I receive a compliment on how it looks from people on a weekly basis asking me what kind of car it is-I am pleased that I purchased it over the foreign selections I drove

• 

  love mine - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By carol m - October 28 - 6:26 pm

  awesome handling drove 65 miles home from where purchased. Test drove over 8 cars before settling down to this beauty.

• 

  Critics are wrong - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Mike - October 7 - 2:26 am

  I have had my MKS AWD for 2-months and absolutely love it! The ride, handling, looks, and performance are second to none. Comparing this car to a Lexus ES-350, Volvo S-80 etc. is a joke. Daily driving does not require the use of a skid pad or some bogus zero to sixty times. Nice job Lincoln!

• 

  I just love my MKS - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By Skip - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been a long time client to FOMOCO - starting with my 88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. I traded in my 2008 MKZ for a 2011 MKS and cannot be happier. This car is HOT and loads of fun to drive. I am so happy I decided to upgrade!

• 

  Great Car - No Reliability Issues - Fast - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By pharaohfitz - May 19 - 1:34 am

  I dont understand the other reviews concerning reliability or performance. I bought the 09 Lincoln MKS for my wife then she opted for the 2014 MKZ so I inherited the MKS. Very quick acceleration, I use engine and oil treatments. 84K miles with no issues or any maintenance needed other than scheduled service. I have photos of 30 mpg while driving @70 mph - so mileage is great, usually 26-28 but 30.5 is most I have observed highway but 17-19 stop and go. Handles like it is on rails while driving through the mountains at @70+. While not a sports car (79 RX7, 64 Stingray), it is a fast great handling car. Driven at -35 up to 105, snow no problem

• 

  MKS Ecoboost - American Luxury is Fun again! - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By rick_et - May 4 - 12:40 am

  Purchased new on Sep 30, 2011. I love this vehicle. Its got plenty of horsepower and will rocket you onto the interstate or around those slow moving vehicles in the left lane. All the while surrounding you in the comfort of heated and cooled, soft leather seats and a surround sound audio system that puts you in the best seat of any venue while cranking out your favorite tunes. Everything sounds good in surround, even the stuff you hate! I like that Lincoln isnt trying to go Euro luxury with this vehicle. It is a big, well mannered, comfortable highway cruiser that stands out from the rest of the vehicles on the road. Be different, buy Lincoln.

• 

  MKS great car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By mjc - April 3 - 5:23 am

  I can not understand why the "experts" say that this car is pricey. I challenge anyone to find a luxury car with all the electronics and features that the MKS come with for this cheap. My last two cars were Mercedes and BMW and the MKS hands down is more sporty, more comfortable, nicer looking, and better value by far. The 20 inch wheels is a must. Navigation and Audio sys. is second to none. Seats are the most comfortable seats Ive ever sat in. rear camera is nice. Another thing the so called experts bash, is the acceleration. This car has plenty of power, I agree its not a dragster by any means but it has plenty of acceleration. Get more power they will complain about MPG!!!!!!

• 

  One Great Lincoln - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By baffled - February 28 - 2:46 pm

  Had the MKS AWD about a month now and I still can not believe I got this much vehicle for $47000. All the luxury competition in size is more money and none of them offer the technology of this auto. The interface between the navigation, phone, travel link, climate control is all voice activated. Heated and cooled front seats with heated back seats standard. Adaptive cruise control, headlights that move when you turn, front and rear parking sensors with a hugh screen back up camera, heck you can even download about 2400 songs to the car. Drives great with a nicely tuned suspension that is a great cross between sporty and highway cruiser, plenty of power. Shift yourself trans. Great car

• 

  Good Marks So Far - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By datagen - January 19 - 2:36 pm

  The car rides very smooth. Sometimes I think to smooth. Sometimes I have a hard time feeling the road. I guess I can chalk that up to driving less luxury vehicles. The differences from other vehicles just take time to get use to. The narrow rear window and high shoulders have made me adapt other processes that makes me safer on the road. The rear camera is a must, but do not depend on it totally. Always check the mirrors and all around the car. The power is there and smooth as well. No raising of the front portion of the vehicle. Its like it glides up to speed quickly. Sometimes I feel like that I am in a starship and am pulling away from those who are behind me. Fuel economy 18-21 city.