2008 Lincoln MKZ Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 37 MKZ reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
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."
The MKZ features an updated, modernized look that Autobytel feels is "stately instead of hip." Part of the redesign of the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr is a wide-mouthed version of the Lincoln waterfall grille, which MSN says "gives the MKZ a more assertive, upscale appearance. There's some tasteful glitz, such as chromed trim at the car's beltline just under the windows and on rearview mirror covers." But MSN could do without the new feature, noting, "The styling is handsome, although the grille is a bit garish but does provide instant recognition."
The MKZ also includes some sporty touches, such as 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, large taillights, and twin chrome exhaust pipe tips to "help provide a traditional American performance car look," according to MSN. Seventeen-inch chromed aluminum eight-spoke wheels are available as an option.
Though most find the exterior pleasing, a minority of reviewers feel it leaves something to be desired. "In a vacuum, it's a nice looking car," Autobytel says. "But its profile and many of its styling cues are too similar to its platform-mates -- the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan -- both of which cost considerably less."
