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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  Dream come true - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By teechee - January 27 - 1:09 pm

  After looking at the Hyundai Genesis and the Equus, Audi A6 and A7, and the BMW 528XI, I ran into the 2013 Lincoln MKZ. It is fabulous. The lines are awesome and the drive is smooth as butter. I wanted an all wheel drive 4 cylinder and this one fit the bill and the price was wonderful when you look at the other vehicles I was considering. The car is awesome. Will update when I put it on the road.

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  Lincoln or Ford - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Gene - January 27 - 10:46 am

  Ive been driving lincolns since 1959.My last car was a Lincoln.The 2009 MKZ is NOT a Lincoln It is a Ford. I would suggest that anyone considering this car should look at a Ford Model,and save between $5-$10 thousand dollars.

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  Real Head Turner - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Kristy H - January 15 - 2:23 am

  What can I say about this car but unbelievable! This car is a real head turner. I been driving this car since mid January and I get compliments weekly. The interior is excellent and has a luxury feel. Love the MP3 plug in for my ipod. Very roomy car and the dual seat settings are a plus as my husband has been taking my car everywhere and it is so much easier now that all I have to do is push a button and my seat is back where I want it. The car is absolutely beautiful exterior. When I am parked in a parking lot nothing compares to the beauty. The ride is smooth on the highway and very controllable on the back roads. I travel both to work. Both feels great. Love It!

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  Thanks for not bailing out Ford - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By antrocks1980 - December 24 - 12:03 pm

  Im so glad I didnt go with an import too. Yeah they are made in Mexico and yes they contain foreign parts and assemblies. And yes the thing was based off of a Mazda 6. BUT Im glad to be contributing to FoMoCo (American Holdings) who continues to improve leaps and bounds over the competition. Its my first nice car and is very comfortable for my long legs. Nice smooth-quiet ride. Im happy with it. Lots of nice features. I owned an 07 Taurus and it was a great car so I decided to give FoMoCo another go and Im glad I did. Beefy car.

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  2013 MKZ Hybrid after 1,400 miles - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By daveswin - December 21 - 5:59 am

  As with most of the other reviewers, there are many things to love about this car. Im like a kid in a candy shop (more like a techie in a computer shop)! The style is gorgeous, the electronics incredible. There are so many well-thought-out accessories that you will find after you start using them (many will only be discovered as you get to know the car). But dont expect 45/45/45 for mileage. By the cars gauge, I have only gotten 35 - 37 MPG, and that is on both city and a trip (mostly flat; not speeding).

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  MKZ Hybrid 2017 - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Wayne - December 12 - 9:03 am

  Great car!

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  2007 MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Fly Boy - November 4 - 11:43 am

  Excellent vehicle. Its truly enjoyable to drive. I made my first highway trip and felt refreshed after a full day. I found the dual heater zones to be more effective than in other cars Ive owned.

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  Nothing Stops My MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By azucks - October 31 - 1:34 pm

  I have over 25000 miles on this car and have yet to have a problem. This car is the most reliable and unstoppable car that i have ever owned. I live in NJ and have little country cottages up in upstate NY and going up those hills in a foot of snow and driving through the mud, sand, dirt, and grass has never posed a problem for my MKZ AWD. The AWD system is so advanced sometimes i think it does better than my LR4. The car is amazing in the bad weather and the engine is quite powerful. It is not a rocketship but its no slow poke either. Very few people will use the AWD system like i do for example i went up dirt/mud covered roads yesterday but it is still a nice accessory to have.

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  An elegant ride! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Ann - October 31 - 6:36 am

  I had two Jaguars prior to the MKZ and they could not hold a candle to the elegance, features and handling of the MKZ. I love the wood trim, reminds me of the Bentley interior. Will definitely buy another and would recommend to anyone.

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  Buyers Remorse - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By pacman2044 - September 30 - 7:11 am

  So I needed a new business car before my trip to Asia and I didnt do a lot of research or comparison shopping. I had heard that Ford had improved their vehicles and so i bit the MKZ because I loved the way it looked. What a mistake. I purchased the FWD with the 2.0 engine and 19 wheels. The front wheel drive is not smooth and luxurious. You can feel every bump in the road. When you press hard on the gas you hear the engine make high pitched sounds. Already had the "check adaptive headlights" and less than 3k miles. The turn single control is flimsy and already broke. Now granted the loaner MKZ they gave me was loaded with AWD and the 2.0 engine.. much better ride then the FWD