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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  MKZ update - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By teechee - February 17 - 12:20 pm

  Took the car on the road for a weekend trip. It handled flawlessly. Quiet, nimble, quick and smooth. I discovered that the car also has a lane keeping system that tightens the steering wheel should you drift out of your lane. The car has just over a thousand miles and the gas mileage is quite impressive. I have the 4 cylinder AWD. Cant wait to try it in the snow.

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  great styling, well equipped, Im satisfied - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By Leland - February 6 - 6:59 am

  i upgraded to the MKZ recently after having a ford fusion. i could not be happier. the styling and looks are fantastic. the car is quiet and rides smooth on the roads. the information system works fine after you learn to use it. this is my first hybrid and im very happy with the gas mileage.

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  love the style - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By jeffb136 - February 1 - 3:15 pm

  ride levels,one of a kind looks lincoln did an awesome job not to use any ford sheet metal on the outside or interior trim,just love the car,..the my Lincoln touch is easy to use and not complicated like the radio in the xts,too bad people dont know what they are missing,love the ability to set the mood lighting for the surround of the cabin ,when the doors are open the light on the end of the door turns red for greater vissability at night quiet lincoln ride,,test drove a caddy xts before this too loud,dont want people to here me rolling in,if I was in europe i would consider the xts but with the speed limits in the usa who needs all that rumble,the lincoln is just perfect for what I need

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  lacks power - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By andyI - December 30 - 3:23 pm

  I had a 2003 LS which had much more power than the MKZ. I bought this car with every option, love everything about this car but it definitely seems underpowered.

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  Front License Plate Frame - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bette Carr - December 27 - 3:29 pm

  You do not get a front plate frame when you buy a 2017 Lincoln mkZ Reserve if you live in a one plate state. So what do you do with your vanity plate? Or move? UPDATE: The dealer has installed a front license plate frame. I am a happy camper. Thank you Mr. dealer

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  Nicest car ive ever owned - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By DAN KANE - December 24 - 6:33 pm

  Spectacular handling, very comfortable, fun to drive, a ton of horsepower, very well redesigned from the 06 zephyr. Nicer riding than the 5 series and the avalon. I am coming out of a maxima, and it does not compare to the ride and quality of a ride than the mkz. If you are looking for a car with all of these specs you have to look at this vehicle. One of a kind.

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  Does not meet Lincoln standards - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By top in AZ - December 13 - 5:13 pm

  1st 18 mos of ownership all was great, excellent car, then as time/miles adds up problems, replaced struts, control arms, dr seat heat, contact with ford hq, what a joke, sv magr recommended buyback, no support, dearler wanted to put me in a 40K Taurus SHO ?? vehicle is a garage queen, waiting on another appt with independent mech. will not buy ford/lincoln again,

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  Nice Job, Lincoln - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By bonedoc - December 6 - 8:06 pm

  This car is highly underrated, and I am glad. I love being one of the only cars like this on the road- I get looks every day. I test drove/researched the Maxima, G37, XF, C class, 328/335, TL-S and A4. This is BY-FAR the best value for the money, and surprisingly great handling. I got this vehicle for cheaper than ALL of the above vehicles, while still getting more features than many above. And believe me, there is still plenty of acceleration for those in doubt. I have owned Lexus, Acura and Nissan and the build quality rivals all of the top names. Only quibble is the gas mileage, but probably b/c of my leadfoot. Great job Lincoln!

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  Equals a Mercedes Benz - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By lewis k berne - October 31 - 7:50 am

  My last car was a 2006 Mercedes Benz E350. It was a wonderful car and well it should be for $55,000.00. The standard equipment of the MKZ far exceeds the E. (leather seats, A/C and heated seats, a super sounding standard audio system, back up sensors) On a day to day basis, handling is more than comperable. This did surprise me. No charge for maint. and $200 to $400 less per month on a lease than the C or E respectively, makes this car as my choice, a no brainer.

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  not perfect but very good !!!! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By mperkin - October 29 - 8:23 pm

  Only complaints are- car needs an auto trunk close to keep from scratching trunk lid and the seat cushion should be a few inches longer. Other than these two observations. I really like this auto- some super looking interior.