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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  The Good and Bad of It - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Disappointed - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned car for 4 years. I purchased it brand new at top dollar. It has the Lincoln ride. Yea! I have had a few problems with it that the dealership has not been able to fix. I have had to replace the battery already. The plastic seat support broke and had to be replaced but still catches when I get out. The left front automatic window is scraping and the dealership only lubricates it. It makes a noise and leaves marks when raised and lowered. Big problem since new: delayed AC activation...Lincoln said this is the way it was made. The AC does not activate for 30-45 seconds. I understand it should activate in 8-10 seconds. Lincoln hasnt been able to determine how to fix this!

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  All you need - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Believer - April 21 - 3:03 pm

  I replaced my 2005 Chrysler hemi with this beautiful platinum white MKZ and could not be happier. It is the base model without all the additional bells and whistles and has more than enough convenience and comfort. 27 MPG on the highway is great and the power is comparable to the hemi - after all the chrysler weighed about 600 lbs more. The ride is smooth and the interior quiet is better than my neighbors Lexus 350.

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  Love it! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By the best! - April 12 - 7:23 am

  Great car, just had it for about a month. Love the interior and the sync system, even though at first it was a little hard to understand. I love the gas mileage of this car. Traded in my Navigator for this car. That car which averaged about 14 mpg, while Im getting about 23.4 in my 2008 mkz awd.

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  This is as wicked a car as it gets! - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Paula Sidoti - April 5 - 3:04 pm

  Devoted Lincoln MKZ owner - 6 so far (between the Mark VIII, the Zephyr and the MKZs) but this is, BY FAR, the best one yet. Strong, sure-footed and wicked to drive. Feels like a fighter jet when you sit in it; the climate control / remote start is the best improvement Ive found (so far). I have NO complaints and everyone whos seen/ridden in the car are blown away. Quiet - luxurious fit & finish. VERY happy with my purchase - GOOD LUCK!

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  My First Lincoln in 62 Years - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By JohnMatt - April 1 - 6:36 pm

  Ive driven many cars during that time including Acuras, BMWs and Mercedes recently. Their prices have risen too high for what you get, and the styling is nothing to cheer about (2017 MB has an IPAD glued to the dashboard). When I saw the 2017 Lincoln MKZ I was curious because the styling was fresh and the price was right. No undesired extras that were built into my choice, keeping the price reasonable. And the salesman I used was completely knowledgeable about the models and accessories so he could answer every question I raised, and the sales discounts happened to be available during the negotiation. The car is just what I wanted, although with a few negatives. It is spacious front and back with good seating quality (I dont use leather seats). The trunk is large and holds my golf clubs easily, or several large suitcases. The turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine (245 HP) has adequate acceleration and highway comfort, but feels a bit strained somewhat when trying to accelerate at high speeds. The fuel recommended is regular (87), but I use mid-grade (89) for better performance. The car has Ford SYNC for music and other electronic adjustments, which works well. It has several USB and 12-volt ports for the smart phone users, as well as Sirius if desired. One issue with me is the small buttons on the bottom of the steering wheel for answering phones using Bluetooth and setting the cruise control. Hard to select and use when driving. Uses a smart key fob remote for starting, entering and leaving, and pushbutton gear selectors (P,D,N,R). This car is not a sports car, so dont expect that. The 400 HP V6 may satisfy the power, but handling might not be there. I hope this description helps with your decision to buy or not.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By Batmobile driver - March 30 - 5:24 pm

  Dont really know where to begin to explain on the pros about this car. I found this car on the cargurus website and got an amazing deal. I have owned this car for about a year now and put on about 30k miles since purchase. Comfort and safety was important for obvious reasons and driving as much as I do. I have nicknamed this car the Batmobile because...she sure goes..and goes fast. Has great get up and go for quick navigation needs, handles very well. Even our SUV cannot live up to this car in the infamous windy, snowy weather here in Minnesota.

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  My 2010 MKZ vs. my 07 MKZ - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bob - February 17 - 10:30 pm

  I just turned in my 07 MKZ lease and leased a new 2010 Lincoln MKZ. Overall I am relatively happy with my new MKZ - performance, handeling, and ride have all improved, and the cosmetic changes for the most part are an improvement. I can however see where Ford has cut some costs in producing the 10 vs. 07 while adding $5,000 to the base price in just 3 years. My biggest disappointment is in the poor audio unit now standard in the base MKZ, the same unit that comes in a Ford Escape, Fusion or other Ford/Mercury vehicle. While the whistles and bells such as Sync, USB, and Bluetooth Audio are all great, the most important aspect of any audio system - sound quality - is very disappointing.

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  2013 Lincoln Hybrid (Lemon) - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By zbrid2013 - January 31 - 7:06 pm

  Purchased this car in 2013 and it received only 36 MPG and I was sold on 45 MPG combined. Instead of Ford offering me a new car that actually worked, I had to file a complaint under the Lemon Law. The case has been settled and they have purchased back the car.

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  2007 Lincoln MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By B. Touro - January 7 - 9:16 pm

  We leased our Lincoln MKZ as a replacement vehicle to an 2004 Honda Accord LX. The Lincoln has options galore, the fit and look of the car is appealing and the ride and performance, coupled with good gas mileage makes this a wonderful car to own. We are considering buying the car at lease end, since we are so satisfied with it. We also lease a 2008 Cadillac CTS, which is vastly improved over the 2004 CTS it replaced. Compared to the Cadillac CTS, the Lincoln is different in many ways but also just as comfortable and luxurious. We think we have the best of both worlds in our MKZ and CTS autos. As for American made, we have no complaints with either car.

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  First time experience with Lincoln - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Wallace - December 30 - 7:20 pm

  This is my first time with a Lincoln vehicle. It edged out the Camry XLE narrowly. Generally speaking, I am very pleased and am quite satisfied. After test driving the Camry XLE, BMW X3, and Lincoln MKX, the MKZ emerged as the better choice.