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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  RKWMKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Robert K Weidner - February 18 - 4:00 am

  A great driving car...nice smooth engine with strong acceleration...The interior is a home run...the prettiest that Ive ever owned...No bugs at all after 6 months...My only complaint is disappointing fuel economy...about 17 mpg average including hwy.

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  Great Ride at an acceptable Price - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Gary - February 16 - 1:43 pm

  You will be happy to own this vehicle. Great styling with lots of extras and the ride is super. Very Comfortable.

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  Awesome Car for the Money - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mike - February 4 - 7:56 am

  I am 47 and this car suits me very well. This is one of the best cars I have owned. I love the comfort and style. I love the characteristic Lincoln ride and quietness. No problems yet (12,000 mile mark). Gets 27 mpg at 75mph as well. Cruises like a dream. Good cold A/C for hot Texas summers! For the money it is an excellent value. I was also able to use an employee discount feature to lower the price as well. I bought this car after driving a used Zephyr that I bought for my Mom.

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  Lincoln has it going! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By heimerlr - February 3 - 10:50 am

  Traded an AWD VW Passat for the AWD MKZ. MKZ much more comfortable to drive. The VW felt like I was sitting 1 inch off the road and had to fall down to get into the car. MKZ AWD makes it up a 15 degree grade in a foot of snow! Very smooth ride and plenty of zip!

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  Great car - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By Ron Wood - January 11 - 10:32 pm

  One of the best cars Ive ever owned. I normally trade every two years but I have had this one for almost 5 trouble free years.

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  I cant believe this! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By doster79 - January 2 - 7:26 am

  Ive had this car for less than two years, and take great care of it. Started hearing noises in the transmission and it also started to slip. Still under warranty so I took it back to a different dealer because I moved. Dealor wouldnt give me a loaner because I didnt buy it there! Needs new transmission after two years? Ive heard an acronym for Ford and we all know what it is. As soon as it came out of the dealership I drove straight to Cadillac and traded it in for a CTS, before the warranty expires and it falls apart on me!

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  Nice Car - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Jules Valdez - December 15 - 1:43 pm

  Really fun to drive. Lots of power. Stereo system and Sync are awesome. I get many compliments from people when they see this car. Owned a Caddy before. I like this better.

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  A Stand out Car among a group of generic looking ones - 2015 Lincoln MKZ
  By silverrarity - December 10 - 6:42 pm

  Picked up my 2015 MKZ Hybrid on New Years Eve and so far its a joy to drive. In the past Ive had an Acura TL and 2 Corvettes. The car I traded in for the Lincoln was a 2008 Toyota Prius and although I loved the Prius I was totally disgusted with Toyotas Service Department and never felt they treated me as a valued customer. I had done research on the Lincoln months ago and since I wanted another Hybrid with some Luxury Lincoln fit the bill all the way around. I was impressed with its look and decided to do some hands on research. I love the look of the BMW, Acura and Audi 5 but overall the Lincoln offered better Quality and used Regular Gas instead of Premium like its competition.

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  New to Hybrid Cars - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By dieselfest - December 3 - 9:28 am

  Just passed 600 miles on new Ultimate Pkg MKZ Hybrid. On short trips about 2 miles I get about 26 mpg. Commute to work 22 miles one way 30City/70Hyw, I get 42 mpg consistently. Strange results considering city should be 41 mpg and thats what the short trips are. If I drive normally meaning faster off the line at stop lights and break later and harder, I can only get about 33 mpg average. This isnt too bad and I can live with those numbers. The car really teaches me how to drive more efficiently. I do go past 65 mph but under 75 on the highway regularly and still get 42 mpg. I find that hard acceleration and hard breaking is my biggest problem.

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  Comfortable, fun, fantastic car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By LadyCobra65 - November 16 - 12:03 am

  MKZ AWD driven 120 miles a day with frequent road trips avg 6+ hours in the car. Seating comfort was #1 priority, followed by fuel economy. The 10-way power seat can sit upright eleminating stress on the lower back. Average mpg 25 commute, 27 trip, city 23. Handles nicely, quick excelleration, fun to drive. The controls are all in easy to reach/use places. The upgraded convenience featrues are new must haves. Dual driver memory on the seats/mirrors programmed to the keyfob/keyless entry pad; auto dimming rearview and side mirrors; well lighted entry; cooled leather seats! MKZ has many options you can program to your liking. THX stereo system provides amazing sound. Highly recommend this car.