Major Options:  Leather Steering Wheel, Heated and Cooled Front Seats, HID Headlamps, Satellite Radio, Interior Satin Aluminum Package, Perforated Leather Seating, Audiophile Sound System, Navigation System

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  19.43 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Damon Bell I appreciated the MKZ's all-wheel drive on an extended trip over some fairly treacherous snowy highways. Still, the jump in true luxury between a Toyota Camry and its Lexus ES350 cousin is more significant than the difference between an MKZ and its downmarket cousin, the Ford Fusion... sticker prices notwithstanding.

Kirk Bell MKZ just isn't as special as competitors such as CTS, G35, TL, ES350, or even Camry or Accord. Granted, the near luxury competition costs more, and none except the G35 offer all-wheel drive, but I just don't see any compelling reason to buy this car. I'd rather have a Lincoln LS.

Rick Cotta MKZ is a fine effort marred by some small failings not suffered by most rivals. Our test AWD version had plenty of go in the snow, but lack of an antiskid system—which is not even optional—made cornering in the snow a trickier proposition. Low-set climate controls and a wiper switch incorportated into the turn-signal stalk (instead of having its own stalk) mar an otherwise well-planned, if questionably, styled interior. But the MKZ was one of those cars I liked better the more I drove it, as its blend of spirited performance, supple ride, and isolating quietness made me realize what some people like about good 'ol "American luxury".

Tom Appel There's no question that MXZ's most obvious competitor, the Lexus ES350, is more polished mechanically and has nicer interior bits. But I am prepared to take a leap and say the Littlest Lincoln has more Character than the Lexus, and that the mildly ragged engine note satisfies at least as much as it annoys. The soulless Lexus is a nearly perfect car for people who desire nothing more than passive luxury, but the edgier MKZ enjoys crisper styling, an engine you can hear, and the traction of available AWD. The car's worth a look.

Major Options:  Leather Steering Wheel; Heated/Cooled Front Seats; HID Headlamps; Sirius Satellite Radio w/6 mos. Service; Interior Satin/Aluminum Package; Navigation System

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  23.16 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Damon Bell The MKZ's logical competitor in the premium midsize class is the Lexus ES 350. The Lincoln trumps the Lexus with significantly lower sticker prices and available all-wheel drive, but it never fully escapes its pedestrian Ford Fusion roots. While the ES 350 feels markedly more upscale than the Toyota Camry on which it is based, the MKZ feels like a workaday Fusion with a little extra frosting.

Ed Piotrowski MKZ is another step backwards in Ford's mismanagement of the Lincoln brand. Yes, it does have class-competitive power. Yes, it does offer a fair amount of features for the money. However, MKZ has very little substance over a Mercury Milan, which costs thousands less and has nicer interior appointments. Pass.

Jack Stewart The MKZ seems to be a weak entry in a competitive segment until one notices that it undersells a comparably equipped Lexus ES 350 by more than $5000. Then the pleasant MKZ looks much better.

Sikora Don The MKZ is a nice car, but the problem is it is in a class filled with great cars. On the plus side MKZ prices are often significantly lower than most competitors, there is available AWD, and the interior offers a little more room to stretch out. Some shoppers might also prefer the MKZ's more laid-back personality compared to the overt sportiness of cars like the Infiniti G35.