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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  2008 - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Matt - April 14 - 4:30 pm

  Beautiful looking car. Needs more interior head room for anyone taller then 6. Trunk lid should be easier to operate. Powerful, comfortable. No mechanical failures 2400 miles. Good buy for the money so far. This is my 3rd Ford product.

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  My Little Smoothie - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Gredblg - April 12 - 6:03 pm

  After having cars in my life that could spin tires from a stop light or carry loads of lumber, I decided that I needed a smoother, quieter, more luxurious car. I am in my car everyday as a sales guy, so I wanted something that would make my very active day a pleasant, calming experience. I got everything I wanted and more in my beautiful, Tuxedo Black Lincoln. I enjoy the smooth,velvety,quick 0-60, the library quiet cabin, the 14 speaker THX stereo with voice activated everything, the heated/cooled seats, the huge amount of room and the subtle, tasteful design that people compliment me on almost daily. Great job, Ford. Who needs a stipped down, bland, boring Lexus for the same price?

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  Serious Contender - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Dave T - March 18 - 10:06 am

  Most any magazine review of this car gives it a bland or no endorsement. Ignore them all! Besides that cool, unique interior, this car has great specs - 6 speed trans, 263 horses - better than most BMWs which will cost you thousands more. Riding in the class of a Lincoln for under $30K?? I dont see much to criticize about it whatsoever. It has great acceleration, especially in the middle gears and a tight feel in general. Its roomy, agile and stylish - I highly recommend it. Also, the dealer experience was very pleasant. One salesperson from start to finish and no pressure at any time. So far so good. Did I mention that the price was only $28K??

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  Very Good, but not Great - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By muncie_in - February 13 - 5:24 am

  Purchased this car 4 weeks ago. On a 4-hour highway trip averaged 38 mpg. Same in town. Car is very comfortable to sit in for long distances. Interior is classy and exterior paint looks great. Complaints include fuel efficiency leaves display difficult to determine how efficient you are at that moment. Windows look great, but difficult to see oncoming traffic when backing up on a slight curve. Most disappointment was/is with Lincoln itself. They offered a $1000.00 rebate if your car was from a competing manufacturer, but not if you were a loyal Ford owner! Ive never been penalized for loyalty.

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  Great Exterior. Awesome Interior. - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Ryan - February 12 - 8:46 am

  Mine is fully loaded. Black on black with the sport package. Getting compliments on the exterior in parking tops and drive-throughs. Friends and family jealous of the interior. Not quite as thrilling behind the wheel as a G37 but WAY more comfortable. What potholes? Interior is smoking. Comfy. Love the ambient lighting, SYNC and THX audio.

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  to much trouble for new mkz - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By no more lincolns - February 12 - 1:03 am

  Purchased this car mid-09,has been in shop 6 times.First on brake rotors,car has bad vibration when acceleration 40 to 60mph,head light out {was an electrical box had to be ordered{over 2 weeks},back windows goes down halfway by their-selve,stero system goes in an out,service shop has put it on computers and test drove,reset computer stiil hesation, jerky when accelerating and lincoln now says its a normal for this car.I would like for any owners reply if they have or dont have this problem when accerlating at 40 to 60mph.

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  great car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By rjr - February 5 - 4:50 am

  this is the best car i have ever had

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  What a car!! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Phil - February 2 - 9:40 pm

  We have had our MKZ for a couple of months and still love to drive it. The design is fresh, inside and out. The MKZ is also surprisingly spacious and the engine packs quite a bit of punch.

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  Great Car - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Dave in Texas - January 31 - 12:46 am

  From a long time Murcury customer, I made the choice to upgrade to the 08 Lincoln MKZ and was I really surprised. I just returned from a 1200 mile trip and the MKZ was great. 27.2 MPG and very comforable with power seats on both sides. The MKZ had a great price - $27000 after rebates and dealer disc. Compare that to Lexus and others...

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  Great used vehicle - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By joe - January 2 - 5:04 am

  I purchased this vehicle recently (12/17). I lucked out and found a very low mileage vehicle. Shortly after purchasing, the first snow came in. I was little concerned since this particular vehicle wasnt AWD (its FWD). It did a good job in the snow. Tons of trunk space. I had a vehicle pull in front of me at a 90 degree angle. Emergency braking was rock solid, vehicle tracked straight, no issues. Vehicle has a solid feel when driving. Shutting the doors, you feel like youve put something heavy and solid in place. Love the vehicle.