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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  Lincoln MKZ FWD - 2011 Lincoln MKZ
  By jbradsh1 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the Lincoln for about a month now and made one 2K mile trip into snow country. FWD handles light to medium snow without issue ... no slipping. All day seats, very comfortable. Very nice riding, ultra smooth transmission, upscale interior which I wouldnt call luxury, just upscale, very nice stereo system, very pleasant to drive, I find myself looking forward to driving this car and I would recommend it. I got it on the Lincoln sign & drive. $0 down, $399/month plus sales tax made the payment $428. You also get 4 years of free maintenance. Great deal and a very quiet riding car, its as quiet as my mothers lexus ES 330.

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  Awsome Vehicle MKZ Hybrid 2011 - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By kensnek - May 5 - 7:02 am

  We have had this car since March of 2011 and love everything about it. Have averaged 39.1 long term combination city/hwy. This car has exceeded our expectations for mileage,comfort,handling and looks. We never expected to own a Lincoln let alone a hybrid. This car is a well kept secret!

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  An Excellent Luxury Mid Size Sedan - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bill - May 1 - 8:46 pm

  Purchased the MKZ after two months of research. Looked at all of the luxury models, domestic and import. The MKZ offers the best value for the dollar. Recently drove a 2010 as a loaner from the dealer; was not pleased with the recent changes, although cosmetic in most cases. The only feature worth noting on the 2010 is the dash lighting. It is exceptional. But overall, not the vehicle the 2008 is. Also; fuel economy is excellent. I am able to achieve 33 mpg on the Interstates at speeds up to 70 mph. City driving is in the 18-21 range, but that is just about average for any mid size V-6.

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  Zippy - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By don smith - April 30 - 5:01 am

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  Bravo America! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Jackie - March 29 - 8:50 pm

  This car proves we can compete with the imports! It has a much more luxurious ride than most cars in its class. Over the road it feels a little light, but overall I am really impressed by the quality both in and out.

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  America can compete - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Elrod - March 11 - 5:06 am

  I purchased the AWD model in August of this year. I have driven the car for around 5500 miles so far and I have to say that I am extremely pleased. I drove the car in some harsh weather as well and this car is solid. The car takes the bad roads with no problem and asks for more. You really feel safe while driving in the elements. Lincoln did a great job with this car!! I havent had any problems with the car so far and I have wanted to post this message to help others in deciding whether to buy this car or noit like I did. As far as fuel economy, could be better. Unless your driving everyday on the highway, you will get an average of around ~20 MPG.

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  An Overall Disappointment - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Ocean - March 5 - 1:50 pm

  This car has been a major disappointment as we came from a 2003 Lincoln LS V8 that was averaging the same fuel economy :18 MPG. While the MKZ is AWD, it has less power and a smaller V6 engine. The build quality and the materials is way below sup bar. The hard plastics and the gaps in between the interior and exterior panels is ridiculous. The wood trim looks fake, the dashboard has this twin look going on, that seems as if you could move the steering wheel and gauges over to the other side. Speaking of gauges, the retro looking dash is not cool, its very cheap looking! Note to Lincoln: Hire some better designers and stop looking to the past. This will be a long 3yr lease.

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  Makes anything else feel boring - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By jts14 - February 16 - 11:29 pm

  Befor my MKZ, I was leasing a 2012 Cadillac CTS. I thought that was a beautiful car, but then I tested an MKZ, and when I got my car back it felt like I was going back in time. This car blows me away with all of its cool tricks. They really paid attention to the small details in this car; from the ambient lighting (which you can change the color), the push-button shift, and the lights above the back seats (touch-sensitive sensors built into the headliner) I feel like a kid in a candy store in this and its only been a few days! I have the base model, with few options and it already blows my Cadillac out of the water. I would highly recomend this to anyone buying a luxury car. Lincolns back!

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  Good Value - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Very Happy! - February 12 - 7:33 pm

  This is not your grandfathers Lincoln. The sporty design is just sassy enough, yet restrained enough to be classy. I replaced my SUV and Volvo with this vehicle and found it superb in terms of overall reliability, style, handling. I get 22 mpg and the AWD performed competently in mountain/winter driving. Very pleased with it and would buy it again.

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  Want my towncar back - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By diva50 - January 2 - 1:16 am

  I have driven Lincoln town cars since 1984 and have owned a total of 6. The Lincoln MKz cannot be compared to the ride and comfort of the towncar and the mileage per gallon is horrible. It Lincoln does not improve on this vehicle or bring back the town car, this will be my last purchase.