Overview & Reviews

Associated more with cars driven by your grandmother or a New York chauffeur, Lincoln has struggled in recent years to earn a more prestigious image. One of the most important cars to establishing a new course is the Lincoln MKZ, the brand's representative in the ultra-competitive entry-level luxury sedan category.

The first-generation MKZ wasn't especially successful in its mission, as there was little differentiation between the MKZ and the Ford Fusion upon which it was based. However, the second-generation MKZ represents another chance. Though still mechanically based on the Fusion, there are substantially more visual and mechanical delineations between the two. Unlike before, you'd be hard-pressed to tell they're related. More importantly, though, the new Lincoln MKZ is a far more appealing luxury sedan that can legitimately be considered alongside established players.

Current Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ is completely redesigned for 2013. It's a car that's going to be hard to miss on the road, as the exterior features a boldly styled rear end and a new look for the Lincoln corporate grille. The cabin is also now suitably upscale for this class of car and adapts Lincoln/Ford's latest electronics controls. Under the skin reside new engines and mechanical underpinnings similar to those in the equally new Ford Fusion.

As is the case with an increasing number of other vehicles in its class, the MKZ's standard engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder. It produces a very healthy 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a 3.7-liter V6 good for 300 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines feature competitive power and fuel economy for the class. They also both come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional. The MKZ Hybrid gets Ford's latest gasoline-electric powertrain with 188 combined hp and fuel economy in the mid-40 range.

There is no shortage of equipment, with items like adaptive suspension, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, an 11-speaker sound system and the MyLincoln Touch suite of electronics interfaces gracing the standard features list. High-tech options include a lane-keeping system, a collision warning system, rear seatbelt airbags, adaptive cruise control, an automatic parallel parking system and an enormous panoramic roof that essentially retracts its glass panel atop the rear window.

There's no question that Lincoln has packed on a lot of kit for its newest MKZ. But the end result is a little disappointing. You can still get most of those high-end features on the Fusion, for instance, and for a price that's thousands of dollars cheaper. Placed in comparison with other entry-level luxury sedans, the MKZ also suffers from its finicky MyLincoln Touch electronics interface, underwhelming interior quality and more confining seating.

Overall, the MKZ has some nice qualities, and we like the effort put forth to make it more distinctive than in years past. But shoppers in search of a top entry-level luxury sedan should also take a look at other choices such as the Acura TL, Lexus ES 350 and Volvo S60 before going with this newest Lincoln.

Used Lincoln MKZ Models
The previous Lincoln MKZ was sold from 2007-'12. (Technically, the car debuted for 2006 but was called the Zephyr for that first year.) Like the current MKZ, the first-generation MKZ was mechanically similar to the Ford Fusion of its time period, but there was substantially less differentiation between the two cars. Although the Lincoln had unique front and rear ends, in profile they appeared to be carbon copies of each other. Passenger space was no different, and both felt very similar behind the wheel.

It's important to note that the MKZ received a significant refresh for 2010. Cars produced before then can be identified by their more restrained, squared-off grille. The cabin featured a retro-inspired design consisting of an upright dash, sharp angles and a large horizontal strip of wood. Unfortunately, the quality of materials was barely better than that of the Fusion, and the various buttons and knobs were no different from those found in a Ford.

Under the hood, these MKZ models came with the same 3.0-liter V6 found in the Fusion that produced 221 hp and 205 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission were standard, while all-wheel drive was an option for all but '07. That first-year MKZ was also not available with rear parking sensors or the Sync electronics interface. Stability control was also unavailable until '09, which was a glaring omission in the luxury segment.

In general we would not recommend the MKZ in these early years. We don't think the changes made for 2010 were enough to make it a compelling alternate to Audis or BMWs, even though the MKZ was indeed greatly improved.

For that 2010 update, Lincoln ditched the retro feel for a more contemporary approach. The materials were improved, the myriad buttons and knobs were now unique to Lincoln and the number of standard features increased. The exterior transformation was less significant, but it did adopt the more dramatic waterfall grille and bolder headlights inspired by other Lincoln models at the time.

Under the hood, the MKZ received a new 3.5-liter V6 that produced 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Once again, a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive were standard, with all-wheel drive an option. This powertrain was shared with the special Fusion Sport model, but now it at least produced sufficient power for the class.

Also new was a Sport Appearance package, which despite the name actually provided a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels that made the MKZ surprisingly fun to drive. The ride was a bit firm, though, so most consumers will likely prefer the more comfortable standard setup that still provides fairly nimble handling.

For 2011, the MKZ Hybrid debuted. This, not surprisingly, applied the MKZ's styling and cabin to the Ford Fusion Hybrid powertrain. A combination of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motor and battery pack produced a total of 191 hp and returned 39 mpg combined. That made it the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan of the time.

In total, a used Lincoln MKZ produced between 2010 and 2012 will get you a lot of equipment for the money and a car that's surprisingly fun to drive despite the reputation of its brand. However, most other luxury sedans are still more desirable overall, and a loaded Ford Fusion will bring with it much of the same attributes for even less money.

User Reviews:

• 

  Actual experience - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By don - February 6 - 9:13 am

  Traded in a 2004 TL automatic. MKZ has a better ride by far. Sync works much better than the TL voice system, seats are more comfortable, more adjustable, trunk is bigger back seat more comfortable and the air conditioned seats are by far the best thing going. Long drives they come in real handy.

• 

  Happy owner - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By L.M. - February 5 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased my MKZ in April 2007, and currently have 34,000 miles on it. I get about 22 mpg average and at least 27 mpg on the road. I have gotten as high as 30 mpg on flat terrain with no headwind. The car has an elegant interior, and I have had no mechanical problems of any Kind. The on/off switch on the radio broke. That was under warranty, and they replaced the entire radio, claiming you cannot order just the plastic switch cap. The handling is excellent, acceleration is excellent. I drive, on the highway, about 70 to 74 mph (speed limit 70) The car has plenty of acceleration at that speed, allowing a fast and safe pass of slower cars on two lane roads.

• 

  Lincoln is back. - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By TommyDavis - February 1 - 11:50 pm

  I am definitely not the target consumer for Lincoln as I am well under age 65 (under 30, actually), but after owning an AccordV6, an Acura TL and a Lexus ES, and putting 100k miles on each, I drove the MKZ. I was initially drawn by the price, but when I drove it, I was hooked. I have had it 2 months (and 5k miles) and its by far the best car I have owned insofar as initial quality and handling. The SYNC system really works and rarely misunderstands a command. Oh and get this: I bought the base model-- absolute no additional options. Very very impressed with the car, the value and the deal I was able to get on the vehicle. Looking forward to my next Lincoln in 2011!

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Don Rodner - January 27 - 7:30 am

  Great ride, very comfortable handles like a sports car with a large luxury car ride. Very smooth over the road. Great car, fun to drive and great to look at.

• 

  Big Mistake - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By TJ - January 25 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this to replace my Audi A6 2.7T. Trying to be patriotic with my first purchase of an American car in quite a long time. The difference is shocking! No comparison. My wifes minivan has a smaller turning radius than this car. The transmission is primitive and pops into gear upon a medium to hard acceleration. The car feels light with no road grip. The sound system (I got the premium THX II) is just plain awful. The xenon headlights are only fair. This cars gas mileage is only moderately better than a full- size American SUV. The only redeeming quality about the car is the exterior appearance. Once you peel that away, it is clear why the American auto industry is ready to fold.

• 

  I bought and am sorry - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Hal - January 21 - 3:03 am

  Have owned many new cars over the years and the last few have been either Honda or Toyota. Thought it was time to return to domestic. This car suffers from intermittent problems, like in the 8 months of ownership, the front two windows have rolled down when unoccupied four times. In addition, the seat positioning does not work from the key all the time. Lincoln (Ford) refuses to repair problem that are not seen by the dealer. I have serious problems, the car is not secure with windows rolled down, and Ford is saying if they do not see the problem, they will not fix. I regret not purchasing a Lexus! Never again will I purchase a Ford product.

• 

  2 plus years of love - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By big baby - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This has been the most trouble free car Ive owned, and that includes Lexus, Acura, Infiniti. Change the oil, put gas in, stick the key in and start, enjoy miles of smiles. I get a lot of looks and comments about the exterior. Strong V6, great 6 speed transmission, comfortable ride. If you can find a used one at a decent price and with a clean record, buy it!

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bob - December 9 - 12:40 pm

  I love the car. It is very well styled and comfortable and fun to drive. Ive received many compliments from outsiders.

• 

  Take a bow Ford - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By mel hidlebaugh - December 8 - 7:00 pm

  After owening a Chrysler for four years from 2002 to 2006 i thought i would never by american again .After that car at age fifty i bought my first import car a Honda Accord .I owned my Honda for three and a half years and needed a new car for my job .Three months before i bought my MkZ and while i was car shopping i took one for a test drive just .That was it i was sold and hooked, what a beautiful car .The car has excellant performance ,the fit and finish is hard to beleive it is American .What a stunning car to look at the grill and led tail lights "outstanding" .Take a bow ford beautiful car ,i love it . I can hardly wait for the snow .I am dying to experiance the all wheel drive

• 

  Beautiful for the price, none better - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bob - November 29 - 2:40 pm

  I just bought the car and have received many comments from co-workers on how beautiful it is. I feel very comfortable in this smaller car, my previous car was a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria, a much larger car. I dont feel you can find anything better or more beautiful for the price.