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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  Worth considering - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Hunter - October 15 - 5:07 am

  In short, financed an 08 in Vapor Silver w/ AWD fully loaded with 39k back in 2012. Ended up having a cracked engine block which caused a cam sensor to fail, the steering wheel to lockup and the car unable to drive at 123k miles. Sad as I liked the car. I dont have any bad feelings toward the Lincoln brand as the car was reliable aside from that incident and I dont believe that every Lincoln will have this issues. Good highlighta, Loved the styling, powerful V6 engine, great compliments about the car from strangers, how reliable the car was, AWD was helpful, ventilated seats are awesome, THX II stereo was amazing, Sync/Nav system works better than Toyota products and the quality of the paint and leather are great. Areas of improvement The ride wasnt as smooth as I had hoped, the interior materials werent great Xenon headlights could have been positioned to aim higher up and project more light as the MKS does, No folding exterior mirrors, Gas guzzler, Seats arent wide and Im a slim guy. My engine issue aside, I encourage others to give this car a shot. Ita great car.

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  Better than expected - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Dennis Arkin - October 10 - 1:14 am

  WOW, went from Mercedes C class fully loaded to MKZ fully loaded. The MKZ outclasses the C class. I test drove the Mercedes E class and the Cadillac CTS. I chose the Lincoln MKZ for comfort and value. The MKZ has more than expected standard equipment and amazing options in reasonably priced packages. The 2.0 w/turbo engine is all I will ever need. I drove 2200 miles round trip in three days, both my passenger and I have never been more comfortable.

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  MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By z28 - September 10 - 9:13 pm

  All wheel drive was not on our "must have" list, but we are pleased so far and look forward to some winter weather to really test this feature. Interior is as advertised. I like the retro feel of it. The seats are a little lower and therefore a little harder to get out of when compared to our Park Avenue. Would be nice to have some way to close the trunk other than grabing the sheet metal and hoping your hand has a good grip. The trunk opens wide and the lid itself points straight up. Akward I feel. The power is nice and the gauges easy to read. Quiet riding after a short break-in period in whick I felt the suspension was going to be too stiff.

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  Great Car and Great Value - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By AKR - September 9 - 12:50 am

  Love this car. Get lots of compliments on its appearance. My "fully loaded" sangi red, ultimate package model has lots of useful extra features. Important to me, it is an American brand and, with sales incentives, also costs several thousand dollars less than comparable Japanese and German entry-level luxury vehicles. Our other car is an Acura RSX Type S, a sporty performance coupe that I enjoy driving. I am equally pleased with the handling of the MKZ, given that it is a quite different type of automobile. Absolutely no problems with car at 1,500 miles.

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  Incredible - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By jw - September 5 - 12:43 am

  We never thought we would have a Lincoln in our drive until maybe when we retired, but once we took the MKZ for an overnight test drive we changed our minds fast! This car is simply amazing for the money. I really thought it would just be a Fusion with window dressing, but boy was I wrong. Our MKZ has incredible power and handling characteristics and the interior makes you never want to get out. Little things like real wood trim and a real clock (not digital) really make a big difference.

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  First Lincoln - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By lovemycar - August 9 - 11:43 pm

  This is my first Lincoln and I love it. The car drives so smooth and handles well.

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  400 HP AWD 2017 MKZ - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mr Frank - August 9 - 10:09 pm

  Great little muscle car . Throaty sound and impressive acceleration . Gas mileage not that bad for 400 horses . Surprisingly comfortable driving position and a pretty nice ride . Maybe could be a little softer . Electronics work well and are intuitive . Easy car to learn to use . Fun to drive . Lots of nice features , including lights up on approach with the key in your pocket .

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  mkz-nice - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By charles - August 6 - 2:20 pm

  was driving a mercury sable, but missed the lincoln ride, dealer made me a nice offer on the mkz,whats not to like styling, ride, interior design,just a sweet ride,was not disappointed with this purchase,would I buy again? you bet !! ford got this one right.

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  Two Month Report - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Roger Fellers - August 4 - 6:00 pm

  Very pleased with everything except the trunk. There is no handle to hold while opening and closing and the car lacks a cargo net to keep groceries, etc., in place. Fit and finish excellent, responsive acceleration, smooth shifting, handles road bumps very well. Overall very satisfied except for trunk.

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  Fantastic MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By HELEN - August 2 - 5:16 pm

  This car is A head turner!, whether driving or parked it attracts attention. Its sleek fun to Drive drop dead gorgeous. Lincoln has outdone themselves. I have own Lincolns since 1993.