2006 Lincoln Mark LT Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The Mark LT is Lincoln's second attempt at a luxury truck, following the poor-selling 2002-2003 Blackwood. It's a more-conventional pickup design, and unlike Blackwood, offers both 2- and 4-wheel drive. With four side doors and a 5.5-ft cargo bed, Mark LT is essentially a dressed-up Ford F-150 SuperCrew crew cab. Two front buckets and a rear bench seat provide five-passenger capacity. Leather upholstery is standard. The lone powertrain is a 300-hp V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission. It comes with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. ABS is standard. Side airbags and curtain side airbags are not offered. Options include power-adjustable pedals, sunroof, DVD entertainment, rear obstacle detection, running boards, bed extender, and skid plates.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty 1/2-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider 3/4- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.

News

Sources expect a revamped 2009 Mark LT by the middle of calendar '08. It's slated to get most or all of the same engineering updates as '09-model Ford F-150 pickups, plus revised styling. However, these trucks will keep their current "T1" platform. A new, more-powerful 6.2-liter V8, codenamed "Hurricane," will probably be available by 2010.

2006 Lincoln Mark LT Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Towing and hauling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

4WD Base	Class Average
6	4.8

Adequate acceleration, and enough muscle for most towing, hauling chores, but not as responsive overall or as strong in highway-speed passing as luxury-pickup rivals Cadillac Escalade EXT and GMC Sierra Denali.

Fuel Economy

4WD Base	Class Average
2	2.3

Test Mark LT averaged 14.1 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

4WD Base	Class Average
4	4.1

Differs little from F-150 SuperCrew 4WD. Reasonably composed at speed and over big dips, swells. Long wheelbase, hefty weight takes shocks out of pavement cracks and ridges. But chassis shows annoying jiggle, quiver over most bumps and ripples.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD Base	Class Average
4	3.4

Ponderous in tight maneuvers, but accurate, nicely weighted steering and good control in most changes of direction. Like all pickups, tail hops in bumpy corners. Brakes feel strong, easily modulated, but simulated panic stops induce much nosedive.

Note that Cadillac EXT, GMC Sierra Denali lack low-range gearing for severe off-road duty, but do feature more-sophisticated AWD vs. Mark LT's basic 4WD. The EXT's standard antiskid system also trumps the Lincoln in terms of safety features.

Quietness

4WD Base	Class Average
6	4.5

Same subdued road, wind noise as in F-150 SuperCrew, and similar engine characteristics: quiet cruising, slightly intrusive roar in rapid acceleration. But better sound insulation expected of a Lincoln.

Controls

4WD Base	Class Average
6	6.5

Main gauges unobstructed, attractively backlit in white, though markings too small to some testers' eyes. Controls for audio, automatic climate systems slightly undersized. Turn-signal/windshield-wiper stalk too short. LT provides steering-wheel buttons for audio, climate, cruise functions, but they're not placed or marked for easy use.

Standard leather upholstery no more impressive than in top-line F-150 models. LT puts slightly tonier finishes on interior panels, but they're a veneer over the same, hollow-feeling, hard plastic surfaces as in its Ford cousin. Glovebox and ashtray doors, console-mounted transmission shift lever suffer particularly low-budget movement, feel. Again, more expected of a Lincoln.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD Base	Class Average
9	8.3

Ample head, leg room. Seats firm, flat, but comfortable. Power-adjustable pedals optional, vs. standard on Cadillac. Seatback adjustment manual vs. power on Cadillac. Tall step-in, but big doors allow easy entry/exit; still, we recommend the optional running boards. Outward visibility unobstructed.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Base	Class Average
6	5

Not as spacious or comfortable as Cadillac EXT, which has SUV-based structure, seating vs. LT's pickup-cab setup. Copious head space. Leg room good, not great. Poorly countoured seat has stingy thigh support, uncomfortably upright backrest. Optional power sliding rear window a welcome convenience. Awkward entry/exit.

Cargo Room

4WD Base	Class Average
6	4.9

Rear-seat bottoms tip up to increase storage, but seat-frame corners jut into cargo space. Generously sized map pockets in all doors. Optional bed extender enhances cargo-box utility, but bed is bare metal; factory-standard integrated bed liner would be in keeping with LT's upscale aspirations.

Value within Class

4WD Base	Class Average
4	6.7

Lincoln shouldn't be faulted for taking advantage of a ready market niche with a gilded version of the solid Ford F-150 SuperCrew. It can be faulted for doing virtually nothing to upgrade the interior to truly premium levels of feel and function. Where it really disappoints is in denying the LT important features expected at this market strata: an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, all-wheel drive, and an engine distinct from that available in an F-150.

Total Score

4WD Base	Class Average
53	50.5

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		37
Average Score		50
High Score		60

2006 Lincoln Mark LT Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/15/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Base crew cab	$38,680	$34,105	$875

4WD Base crew cab	$42,235	$37,163	$875

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

5.4-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated power front captain chairs, driver-seat memory, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, chrome bumpers.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

265/60R18 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 275/65R18 all-terrain tires. Deletes: traction control.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Trailer Tow Pkg.
Base	$350	$287
Heavy-duty cooling, Class IV hitch receiver, 7-pin wiring harness.

Overhead Storage Bin Pkg.
Base	$110	$90
Includes first-aid kit. NA w/rear-seat DVD entertainment system, power sunroof.

Powertrain
Limited-slip differential
Base	$300	$246


Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
Base	$245	$201


Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system
Base	$1,295	$1,062
NA w/power sunroof.

Satellite radio
Base	$195	$160
Requires monthly fee after 6th month. NA w/rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Power sunroof
Base	$995	$816


Power-adjustable pedals
Base	$120	$98
Includes memory.

Power sliding rear window
Base	$250	$205


Rubber floormats
Base	$75	$54


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bed extender
Base	$195	$160


Bed mat
Base	$400	$288


Chrome bed rails
Base	$250	$205


Black running boards
Base	$250	$205


Chrome running boards
Base	$495	$406


Special paint
Base	$495	$406


Bug shield
Base	$115	$77


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
4WD	$160	$131


Polished alloy wheels
Base	$995	$816
Includes 275/55R20 tires.

Chrome alloy wheels
Base	$695	$570

2006 Lincoln Mark LT Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Lincoln Mark LT crew cab

Wheelbase, in.	138.5

Overall Length, in.	223.8

Overall Width, in.	78.9

Overall Height, in.	73.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	5312

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	1620

Fuel Capacity, gals.	30.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	39.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	5.4 /330

Horsepower @ rpm.	300 @ 5000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	365 @ 3750

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	15/19

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Lincoln Mark LT crew cab

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	1/12,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
Trim Level: Base
Arrival Date: 05/19/2005
Engine: sohc V8
Bodystyle: crew cab
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $42,700
Price as Tested: $47,605
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 4553
Mileage at End of Test: 5345
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 56.017 gals.

Major Options: Preferred Equipment Pkg., Limited Slip Axle, Power Adjustable Pedals, Platform Running Boards, Skid Plates, Power Sliding Rear Window, Trailor Tow Pkg., Bed Extender, Chrome Box Rail Bars, Reverse Sensing System, Rear Seat Entertainment

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 14.14 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
John Biel There is absolutely no good reason to select the Mark LT over a high-end F-150 crew cab, unless you're the fussy sort who needs a pickup, but appreciates the orderliness of being able to have an all-Lincoln garage. Like we said, there's no GOOD reason . . .

< 2006 Lincoln Mark LT Photos

Also in the 2006 Lincoln Mark LT Review:

Lincoln Mark LT

Lincoln Mark LT Road Test

Lincoln Mark LT Prices & Equipment

Lincoln Mark LT Specs & Safety

Lincoln Mark LT Photos

Lincoln Mark LT Full Review

All Lincoln Mark LTs

All Lincolns

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