2008 Lincoln MKZ [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 37 MKZ reviews and test drives.
Lincoln MKZ - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ ranks 14 out of 16 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 37 published reviews and test drives of the Lincoln MKZ, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ delivers an elegant, luxurious interior with many standard features but can't match the overall performance of others in its class.
Reviewers generally find the 2008 Lincoln MKZ to be a reasonably priced and well-rounded luxury sedan. According to New Car Test Drive and others, "It's suitable for day-to-day commuting even on the Midwest's broken streets, comfy for long-distance cruising on an interstate and playful during a quick trip along a two-lane road through the mountains. It has plenty of power, but it uses regular fuel and delivers decent gas mileage." But the MKZ's overall ranking is affected by complaints concerning the absence of sporty power as well as the sedan's understated styling.
Largely a carryover from 2007, the 2008 model features several new features, including heated and cooled front seats, a hands-free communication and entertainment system, and four new exterior colors. If you're in the market for an upscale midsize sedan, you should also consider a reviewer-favorite, the BMW 3-Series.
- "This sedan is based on a stretched, widened, and tweaked Mazda 6 platform, a rigid structure attached to a fully independent suspension that makes this the best-handling Lincoln in a long time. It will give front-drive European sports sedans a run for their money." -- Car and Driver
- "There are a lot of $35,000, $40,000 and even $45,000 cars out there in midsize skin and stuffed full of customer-pleasing amenities. The MKZ stacks up very well in that group. I just wish it had a little more zing under the hood." -- Sacramento Bee
- "We were pleased to find an efficient-size Lincoln sedan that is fun to drive." -- Road and Track
- "The MKZ brings a unique powertrain offering, nicer duds, improved performance, and a more compelling value message. … Lincoln is now legitimately in the game." -- Motor Trend
- "The MKZ falls short of competing with near-luxury vehicles such as the Cadillac CTS, Mercedes C-Class, Lexus ES or the Acura TL. Yes, it's cheaper than them, but in this case you get what you pay for." -- Newsday
MKZ Performance - 7.1 (Good)
Test drivers' mixed feelings for the 2008 Lincoln MKZ's performance range from praise for its responsiveness and new peppy V6 engine to criticism for the car's lagging power and sometimes disappointing steering. Of the driving experience, Road and Track says, "Acceleration is brisk, torque is ample, and the driving pleasure quotient is reasonably high." Continue with our full Performance Review to read more of the discussion. continue
MKZ Exterior - 7.2 (Good)
Auto writers report the 2008 Lincoln MKZ's updated exterior styling is an improvement over its forerunner, the Lincoln Zephyr. BusinessWeek says, "It's a good-looking car … The effect is neither garish nor old-school -- but very much in keeping with the Lincoln history of subtle elegance and good taste." But the MKZ's stately appearance doesn't score as high as the sporty 3-Series or sleek G37 coupe. Check out the Lincoln MKZ Photo Gallery to see sporty touches like the twin chrome exhaust pipe tips or 17-inch machined aluminum wheels up close, or continue with our full Exterior Review for more information on the MKZ's design. continue
MKZ Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ's quiet cabin has easy-to-use controls and class-leading spaciousness. The Detroit News reports, "The MKZ's interior meshes well with the subdued exterior. It's relaxing and comfortable." Check out the Lincoln MKZ Photo Gallery to see the blend of chrome and wood trim in the MKZ's cabin design, or continue with our full Interior Review for reviewer comments on the optional DVD-based navigation system and THX Audio System. continue
MKZ Safety - 8.9 (Very Good)
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ offers unique safety features and has good crash test ratings. Its list of safety aids includes Ford's Personal Safety System, a combination of "rolling" air bags. But no electronic stability control system is a glaring omission. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about Ford's Personal Safety System. continue
MKZ Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Lincoln's comprehensive warranties should reassure any skeptical buyers: The basic warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review for more explanation of the Lincoln MKZ's coverage. continue