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:

• 

  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.

• 

  Whatta Deal - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Floridian - July 25 - 5:20 pm

  An unbelievable fun car to drive. Bought a 2009 "leftover" with a great rebate from the manufacturer. Looked around at a lot of mfgs and models and the MKS stood out. No regrets in purchasing this vehicle or the value for the money. Thanks to edmunds.com, was able to negotiate a good deal, actually got a better price for this new vehicle (only had 110 miles) than Edmunds had listed for a Certified Pre- Owned.

• 

  Fantastic ride! - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By cliff30 - May 29 - 10:20 pm

  Really a sweet ride! My MKS with Ecoboot is an amazing car. It was great in the winter, going uphill on a road with 4 to 7 inches of snow--even with 20 inch wheels and tires! The only other vehicle that didnt get stuck was my neighbors Tahoe. I was really impressed. There is a ton of room and I really like the leather they use. It feels really soft but has held up well (20,000 miles)

• 

  Love it! - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Rob - May 5 - 9:56 am

  After 40 years of driving nothing but Caddys I got an MKS because Caddy was no longer leasing. Love the ride, handling, sound system. Sync is SO easy to use. Gas mileage could be better. Biggest complaint is front seat bottoms could be at least 1 1/2 inches or longer. Not enough thigh support. Controls easy to read & reach. Love the steering wheel controls including being able to make phone calls. Outside mirrors a good size too. Like rear view camera, audible warnings on front & rear bumpers. Wish vanity mirrors had lights on each side instead of the top.

• 

  My Lincoln Is Better Than Your Review - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By Larry Haley - April 30 - 1:26 am

  All of you Lincoln MKS Nay-Sayers. Immediately retract your statements of discontent. I recently came off lease of a Mercedes GL 450 and was quite apprehensive about the MKS due to the lack-luster reviews it got from non- consumers whos testomony to Lincoln are memories of their grand parents Continental. I have the Eco-Boost MKS in candy red and loaded to the tilt with amenities. The interior spacial accomodations rival that of the; BMW-750, Audi-A8, Lexus-LS460 as well as the S550. At the cost of the; BMW-5 Series, A6 and or the E-Class. The only thing that I miss about my Mercedes is the thing that most of you cant see past. A LOGO MKS VS Genesis: Youre Joking Right

• 

  90 days and happy - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By Ken Preis - February 7 - 6:03 pm

  I have 2000 miles on my 2010 MKS and I couldnt be more pleased. My last American made car was over 15 years ago, last 4 cars were Acuras: 2 Legends, 1 RL and 1 MDX. Im enjoying this baby immensely and have never, ever had so many strangers come up to me and tell what a good looking car it is. One common comment: Lincoln got it right this time. Most amazing to me is the overall mpg of 21.2. No trips just around town. Cant wait to take it on a 2,500 trip this summer.

• 

  Cross Country trip - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By popeye1250 - January 30 - 5:10 pm

  Just got back from Reno, NV to Myrtle Beach S.C. and the odometer has 7,200 miles. You can do 90 mph in this car very comfortably. (in Wyoming) I averaged 26.6 mpg for the trip doing 80-85 most of the time. I got 28 mpg doing 70 for a good stretch so milage does improve with more on the odometer. Very comfortable car to ride in cross country! Engine and transmission performed flawlessly in the Rocky mountains. More than enough power. There were 3 of us and we had plenty of room for luggage. Gas mileage has inproved dramatically from when I had 1,000 miles on it! I ran it with "regular" gas. Changed the break in oil at around 1,800 miles.

• 

  Quality and Value - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By MrMason - November 19 - 1:50 pm

  Feels like a much more expensive luxury car, gets a great reaction from people who look it over. A joy to drive with all the bells and whistles. Looked at BMW and Audi but didnt see enough of a quality and performance difference to justify the large price difference. Great value! Even a crooked Southern senator would love it

• 

  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.

• 

  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.