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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  ZERO COMPLAINTS - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By VERY VERY NICE - December 27 - 8:36 pm

  Upgraded from a 2008 Fusion to this Lincoln. This is a nice car.....period. Plenty of power, excellent road feel, comfort, AWD excellent in snow, stereo rocks.! Wish gas mileage was better (avg 21), but cant keep foot out of gas. NO complaints so far.

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  Very classy, a head turner - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Deborah - December 27 - 4:33 pm

  My previous car was a 2002 lincoln continental. I loved it, but was ready for a new car. This MKZ was the perfect replacement. It is so classy looking and so much fun to drive. I looked at other cars but this one met most all of my needs and wants. And did it within my budget. It is very responsive for a 6 cyl. But gas mileage is not quite as good as my 8 cyl Continental. Averaging 21 mpg city and road. Could be it is not broken in yet, only had it for 1 month. So far I love it. My 29 y/o son even approved of my choice.

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  Makes me smile - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Joe Rothwein - December 24 - 5:15 pm

  This car is refreshingly styled. It is quiet, capable and well mannered. The interior is very well put together and inviting. It is not an appliance like most Japanese competitors seemed to never have gotten past. This car is a gem that puts a smile on my face every time I look at it. It makes me feel good to dive it no matter what kind of day I have had. This is truly a luxury vehicle, and dont let anyone tell you otherwise. Anyone looking for a vehicle in this class should give the MKZ a tryout.

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  Downgraded - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Chris - December 13 - 9:16 am

  We traded in a 1994 6 cyl.Buick Park Avenue for the 2008 6 cyl. The PA had the most comfortable interior, GREAT gas mileage 27 mpg. All the bells and whistles. The Lincoln MKZ listed 18/28 but so ar has only 17/21. MKZ is zippy but the front seats are not comfortable on long trips. The MKZ price was about 5g more than it should have been. The MKZ is NOT the car that the Buick was. Wish we had not purchased it now that we have experienced it. Buick is much better!!

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  No better entry level luxury car. - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bob - November 16 - 10:00 am

  My Lincoln MKZ replaced a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria. I thought that the smaller size of the Lincoln MKZ would be disappointing, but it is not at all. The MKZ weighs only 200 lbs less than the 1999 Crown Victoria and the ride is great.

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  Lemon Alert!!! 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve Hybrid - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Juliana G. - November 11 - 4:02 pm

  Weve had this car 3 months and have brought it back to be serviced 5 times. The car wouldnt start 2 times and needed roadside assistance to jump the battery. The stereo sounds great, but Sirius drops channels frequently even in well populated areas with great satellite visibility. The rear cabin light has a weird flicker/pulsating condition. Every time we bring it to the dealer for service they say they cant duplicate the problem. I took a video of the flickering light and they said thats the way it works. Thats the way it works???? A $55,000+ car that has lost charge twice and has a flickering interior light sure sounds like an electrical problem to me. They replaced my new cars battery yesterday, now its a wait and see game. Other than that, Lincoln said they cant help me. Ive never had such an experience with a new car ....ever. Now, I know why so many people buy foreign cars.

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  The best - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By melflomemo99 - November 10 - 8:13 am

  This car is better then I expected.The ride is great and quite.This car has everything you want for the money.The power is great and smooth riding.

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  Impressed - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By MKZ Driver - November 7 - 6:10 pm

  This is really a remarkable car - Ive not experienced anything quite like it. Quiet, almost supernaturally so on the highway, and the mpg is reasonable - around 26-27 so far. The MKZ is tight. Currently I have 500 miles on the MKZ, and its the best car Ive ever driven, hands down. Far beyond a CTS, in my opinion, in ride, quietness, and handling, let alone features. Whats more, this car seems to be built like the rock of Gibraltar, but time will tell.

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  I cant believe Ford built this car! - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Dan - October 17 - 8:23 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Avalon for my new "Lincolnette" with Tech package (101-A) and chrome wheels. What a wonderful car! Great performance, ride, build quality, styling. Atlantis Green with the Camel leather interior; a very handsome combination. (So over Greys and Silvers). No Nav system: thats an expensive toy that would not be used very often (arent most GPSs?). Great improvements over earlier models. I am looking forward to several years of trouble free service.

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  Love this car! - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By kengreenberg - October 8 - 2:45 am

  I traded my 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The Fusion was great, and we really liked that car. I absolutely love this Lincoln. It has everything in it except for the seat massagers, which wont be out for a few more months. The car is beautiful, comfortable and nicely made. The panoramic roof is really cool, and the electric shade is a neat touch. I got every major option, but you havent experienced anything until you let the car parallel park itself. This is an option you might find on more expensive luxury cars. Watching the steering wheel turn itself as you gently work the brake and ease back - and forward - is amazing.