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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  Pleased MKS Owner - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By GLS - January 12 - 5:26 am

  I have had my AWD MKS for 2500 miles now. I am extremely pleased with how the car rides and handles. I have done alot of in-city driving, highway driving and have gone over the mountains in a snowstorm. The car passes all my tests. V-6 is sufficient for any situation. If you want a little more sporting feel, use the select shift. The car chews up bumps and makes you feel like your sitting in your favorite leather chair in the den basking in peaceful solitude. If that is what your looking for then the MKS delivers. In City fuel avg 17.4 mpg.

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  Pleasantly Pleased - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By gardnercha - December 22 - 4:03 am

  Have had this car for 3800 miles and waited to write this review until I had some experience and a long trip before doing so. At first I was not happy with navigation maps not being up to date, but since have used it and love it. The ride is OK compared to my 2004 DHS Caddy that it replaced. The seats are more comfortable and fit my body so well I was less tired on long trips. I just drove it 2000 miles and got nearly 27 MPG overall. Very pleased with all the technology and would recommend this car to anyone in this price range.

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  New MKS - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By gary - November 27 - 3:26 am

  Have owned MKS now for almost 2 months and overall I like the car. One very annoying thing is the steering wheel cruise control WITH NO CANCEL button (must hit brake pedal)? For a luxury car this is ridiculous when most lesser cars today include this feature. Ride is a little hard compared to 06 Cadi DTS it replaced. The economy on this car, though, is great ... havent gotten less than 22 mi/gal yet! Also have not been impressed with the transmission which is not real smooth

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  Love My New MKS - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By MKSistheBEST - August 13 - 2:33 pm

  I shopped long and hard; compared Lincoln MKS to MB 350E and Infiniti M37. 350E doesnt have half the bells and whistles and cost at least $6k more. The Infiniti Ms are very impressive with lots of style and bells and whistles--but at $8k more. You absolutely cannot beat the MKS for the money. It has every comfort creature I could ask for. Its got size over the 350E and the Infiniti M. It has a luxury ride while remaining sporty. Youve got to give this car a serious look before buying. It cant be beat. Oh yeah, and regular gas and no maintenance $ to worry about for 3 years!

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  Love my Hot Rod Lincoln - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By mksman - August 4 - 9:36 am

  Traded in a 2000 Corvette that got better gas mileage, but was getting some years. Love my MKS "quick" engine and can pass in these WV Hills--almost as good as the Vette. Glad to have an almost all American made performer.

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  Have you driven a Lincoln lately? - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By brucelinc - July 15 - 6:33 pm

  The ecoboost MKS is a smooth, quiet very quick mid-luxury sedan that does many things well. The combination of performance, comfort and techology is impressive. The Ecoboost engine is a jewel - smooth and quiet yet almost brutally powerful when you want it to be. The high torque at low RPM makes for drama-free performance with low noise levels and little need for downshifts. The Sync and Nav systems work flawlessly and are extremely user- friendly. The adaptive headlights and ambient lighting are nice features, too. While getting generally good press (except from Edmunds) many people will overlook the MKS because it does not have a "luxury" nameplate. They are overlooking a fine car.

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  love that mks - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By wendell - June 14 - 8:10 pm

  Great looking,very sporty lux car. Good acceleration and braking.The AWD is the only way to go. Good road adhesion and very little body roll in spirited driving. Very tight turning radius for a large car. Love the radio and Sync.

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  Lincoln MKS - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By sean - May 1 - 4:13 pm

  I traded in an V8 LS for the MKS. At first I thought the V6 wasnt going to be quick enough, but after driving it I found it to be quite fast. The navigation is second to none and extremely easy to use. The handling is a little different then the LS but in a good way. Its a tad smoother and hugs corners just as well. The size of the interior is a big selling point for any family of four or a group of adults. The leg room and sits are near perfect. I plan to own this a very long time unless that Eco-boost engine is really something else. overall Im extremely pleased with my purchase. kudos ford/Lincoln.

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  Great car, but needs more polish - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By LIZARDGIZZARD - December 22 - 8:23 pm

  I have had the car since Dec 2008 and love it. The car has great appeal, good power, roomy, with a great nav and Sync system and overall very comfortable. However, I have to agree that the opening to the truck is small, considering the size of truck is so enormous. In addition, I have had some issues that are annoying, but do not deter me for my love of this vehicle. The transmission is a little rough around the edges and would shift harshly depending on the throttle input. In addition, this car does not like the cold. Every time the temperature is below 20F, I am unable to get sound from my radio or the media center, until the car warms up.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Mex-I--CAN - August 13 - 9:20 am

  I got this vehicle in October, My first impression was the interior quality which is very good, the interior design is very appealing and has a lot of tech features which I found very useful. Performance is above-average for a large sedan of this size. Fuel economy has been average or better.