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:

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By patti - November 26 - 9:33 pm

  the lincoln mkz is a fantastic, quiet, smooth,and classy car! i love mine!i have comments almost everyday, what a beautiful car i have!the body style is so good looking and the wheels are sharp looking.love the foglights ,sunroof is so smooth, and the heated and airconditioned seats are so great!the trunk is large, the leather inside wears great, stays new looking,the woodtrim inside is sharp! cupholders are deep and good.sound system is great.it rides like you are on a cloud.i love the lights under the side mirrors when you open a door, and the way the interior lights go out.i absolutely love everything about my mkz!i am proud to be an owner!

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  I love this car !!! - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Martin mccowan - November 18 - 2:15 pm

  Ive been driving Lincolns for over 20 years as a limousine driver. Both stretch limos and sedans Drive for a limo service that had the MKS.. Loved them This is my FIRST personally owned Lincoln and I absolutely love this car. Fun to drive, handles great, PLENTY of features. Looking forward to seeing how the AWD gets me around this winter.

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  Decent buy - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Carfan2008 - November 10 - 5:06 pm

  I am a huge fan of Lincoln. The MKZ offers a stylish car inside and out, with a smooth ride. The standard features are wonderful. The engine is also great. My biggest complaint though is the seats are too small, although comfortable and supportive.

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  NOT WORTHY TO BE CALLED A LINCOLN - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mike38 - October 17 - 2:13 am

  Bought my first used car. After many miles in a full size Lincoln via a former employer I gave the little MKZ a try for my wife. I liked the looks and it only had 6K miles as a former spotless fleet car. Was enjoying the car until we went on a 300 mile trip to Florida. My wife was the first to say my GMC Sierra truck rode a whole lot smother with much more comfortable seats. Never have liked the foreign type tilting wheels very limited positions and sorry but better in the GMC Truck. I do like the way the seats lay down way back but are not very comfortable when down. Over all nice car but far from being worthy to carry the Lincoln name.

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  4TH MKZ OWNED (Have 3.7 model) - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By bhp2000 - October 15 - 9:06 am

  Through 30 yrs had 5 BMWs, 2 Benz, 2 Jags & an Audi. ALL tire eaters. ALL ugly brake dust a wk after wash. All Premium gas. Most had me in the SERVICE depts on a reg. basis. BMW the worst. (Over-tech-ed) Got tired of it all in 07 & tried an MKZ. Cheaper to buy of course and luxury perks suffered but was pissed off. Then, things like REGULAR gas, no brake dust, tires getting 46k miles rather than 20k, free oil changes, rotations etc and NO PROBLEMS mechanically inspired the next one & so on. The car keeps improving & current ones the best so far. DONT believe reviewers trashing after a day with the car. ASK OWNERS you see on the street then test drive. SUPPORT USA!

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  Love it! - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By marie - October 14 - 2:46 pm

  I was debating between a Volvo S40 and the MKZ. The MKZ was the better deal but also provided more head room. My requirements were comfortable, safe and something my husband would also enjoy driving. I went with the MKZ and I have not regretted it. I love my car, I feel like I finally have a real car for the first time. I already drove it in the snow and ice and it handled beautifully. I would recommend getting the brushed nickel interior- it looks awesome and much better than the tacky fake wood that is standard. Also love the bluetooth & the heated seats. There is also little to no road noise and gas mileage is okay- I get about 21mpg with a mix of highway and local driving.

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  I repectfully disagree on smoothness.... - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Discodug - September 19 - 1:30 am

  Unless the 05 Towncar makes some improvement over the 04, I must disagree with the comment about smoothness coming up short of the Town Car. At slow street speeds, I do feel the Towncar is SLIGHTLY quieter though. I did have an initial hi freq "buzz" at highway speeds, put a pit in my stomach as I drive 98 miles each way to work and I cant STAND noise. Isolated the problem to the triangular plastic between the RV mirrors and the door frame. Took it back, dealer sealed it, no more buzz. I looked at numerous Zs on the lot and many had same symptom...EASILY fixed, so if it happens to you, get it fixed. This was the only thing that kept me from giving a 10 to exterior & build. I love this car!

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  MKZ 4 Me! - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By CanYouMKZmeNow - September 5 - 6:03 pm

  Very happy with my purchase. The Black Label materials are exquisite. The interior is absolutely gorgeous. Black Label dealers go out of their way to make you happy. Fantastic experience. And the car is beautiful. Handles great. Rides great. Fantastic seats, especially the massage feature. Casket quiet interior. Sport mode is a gas on the expressway. Love everything about it.

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  Love it to bits! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By susan from maryland - August 30 - 7:03 am

  Saw the MKZ on the road one day on my way to work. Love at first sight! I got the alloy color and I absolutely love it. I am riding in style at a great price. I think Lincoln should advertise this car more. Most people are not aware that it exists! The style is classic and the comfort and quietness of the ride is wonderful.

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  Fun Classy Car - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By FL5100 - August 30 - 2:23 am

  Bought this car on a Wednesday and drove it from Minnesota to Detroit that Friday. 2 adults, 2 kids (3 & 5), dog (18lbs). Tight Compared to our 2000 Expedition, but 27 MPH out of the box (70-75 mph, w/ strong head wind) vs. 15-16 mpg hwy in Expedition. The THX II cert. stereo made the drive more enjoyable and controlling the I- Pod with the SYNC system w/ voice commands was fun for all! The HID Lights are a must, simply awesome! The ride was very smooth and quite. Im 6- 1 and the head room is not what Im use to, but w/ some adjusting I found the helm to be acceptable (Wife 5-3, she thought it was perfact, by the way, this is her car). Trunk space is great, good room for a weekend out.