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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  Second and Last Lincoln - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By sherrybgray@gmail.com - September 17 - 9:46 am

  After 20 years of driving a Buick, in 2012 my husband and I bought a 2012 used MKZ with 18,000 miles. We purposely looked at Ford and Lincoln because they did not take the bail out money; and because my old Buick was the best riding car I ever owned. Two weeks ago we traded that car in on a 2014 MKZ with 22,000 miles on it. There are a lot of things I like about the 2014 over the 2012... Its much sportier looking, accessing the climate, phone, and media is much easier. Gas mileage is about the same on both cars. But thats all the good stuff I have to say. It rides like a wagon. Honestly I cant believe it has the Lincoln name on it. When I test drove the car it had General tires on it. The dealership offered to put new Michelins on the car, but only after I made the purchase. While I didnt love the look of my 2012 Lincoln, but I sure liked how it rode. In the settings I have changed the setting from sport to comfort and I dont think it made any difference. One problem is probably the low profile tires, but I am not a fan. Two weeks in, and we are thinking about trading it. But never will I purchase another Lincoln.

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  Finally - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By lac - August 30 - 3:53 am

  I bought my Lincoln MKZ on 5-20-09 and I cant stay out of the car. So many features to enjoy, From the sat radio to the snyc my ride, I am enjoying for free for 6 months to the beautiful interior and comfort, and the Navigation System is just so special. I have never driven a car that handles so well and feels so good under my hands. I have always had a Lincoln but this one far exceeds all the others. And so darn stylish. Great car. Take one for a ride, and youll be hooked.

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  Great ride and comfort - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By Ed - August 24 - 4:26 am

  Price varies greatly when purchasing

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  Love my car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By SUSIET2 - July 31 - 3:13 am

  After driving Mercury Mini Vans for years I finally have only my husband and myself and was able to get my Lincoln. I love everything about this car. It is fun to drive and the gas mileage is wonderful. I am getting 29 MPG on the highway. The only drawback is the NAVTEC map disk are updated every 2 years. I purchased my car in November 2006 and received the 05 map, the new 07 map was released in December of 06. If I want an updated map Lincoln is saying I have to pay for an updated version which is in excess of $150.00. I dont like the fact that a $2495.00 option is already costing me $$$.

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  Lovin my Lincoln - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mitch in N.C. - July 22 - 3:53 pm

  08 brings std. cooled seats, reverse sensing and new sync system with hands free, voice activated mp3 and phone features. Drives,rides and looks great! Dont waste your money on foreign competition, give this car a test drive first! We can pick any car apart,but with the money we save on this car, it will come in handy with gas prices headed way up!

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  What an Amazing Car! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Very Impressed - July 21 - 10:40 pm

  I am so happy that I got the MKZ. I never thought that I would have ended up buying a Ford car, but I must say the MKZ has really changed my mind about Fords cars. It looks way better than the Lexus inside and out, has plenty of power and a nice sounding growl from the V6 and to top it off, it even runs on regular gas! AWD is a must if you live in a snowy region. The transmission is always in the right gear and it is extremely smooth. This is a fun to drive car for me, and at the same time has plenty of luxury and comfort features such as standard heated seats. The quality of the MKZ is up to or better than the Japanese offerings. For the price of this car, it simply cannot be beat.

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  Wonderful Automobile - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By archie20 - June 6 - 6:14 am

  Bought this car in July 2010 with 10,000 miles on it. There were initial issues with pairing of cell phone, but the dealer and Ford were persistent in getting those resolved. Since then, my wife and I have driven it 10,000 miles and love the car - fit, feel, handling, and performance. Visibility out the back is not all that great and full use of the console controls takes some getting used to (probably true of any new car) by older folks (72). Synch technology probably not quite ready for prime time.

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  luxury meets affordable - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Richie rich - May 17 - 11:03 am

  The ride is comfortable. I love the drivers seat that is programmable for 2 drivers. Just push a button and seat goes to your drive setting. Love everything about this car.

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  Great Value as Late Model Used Car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Ridgeliner - May 10 - 7:53 am

  We bought this car in mid-2008 at a time when dealers were hurting. It had 9,000 miles on it. We are now over 27,000 miles and the car has performed wonderfully. No this is not a European/Japanese luxury car. But it delivers good gas mileage, 23/29, great comfort and it looks sharp. It has also proven to be very reliable. As a late model used car, the MKZ can be a super value!

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  Loving my MKZ - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By petemkz - April 26 - 3:01 pm

  Ive had this car for about a month now and Im loving it more each day I drive it. First of all it is BEAUTIFUL inside and out, it drives like a dream and I love the "VALUE" I got from this car. I looked at the BMW 528 and MB E300H and they start at 50k+ and dont have some of the great stuff I has. I got 46mpg from two fill-ups, but I drive mostly on electric and in traffic and take my time! if you drive slowly and give yourself lots of stop distance you can get 45+mpg. Love the LED lights inside and out and the AC front "seats" and the adaptive cruise / LED headhlights / ride controls. The voice control system is awesome,it can control almost anything (calls, Nav, Temp and Radio / Sat).