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2008 Lincoln MKZ Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
Also in the 2008 Lincoln MKZ Review:
5.
6.
Lincoln MKZ Full Review
7.
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2008 Lincoln MKZ Review
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ gets a few new standard features. This premium midsize sedan has a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. A 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Previously optional rear obstacle detection and heated and ventilated front seats are newly standard on the 2008 MKZ. Also standard is Ford's Sync, which offers voice control for cell phones and MP3 players.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
News
MKZ should see no major change through decade's end. That's because Ford Motor Company is very busy preparing a slew of fresh models in hopes of making money again in North America.
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2008 Lincoln MKZ Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Available all-wheel drive | Climate controls |
| Quietness | Navigation system controls |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
AWD version is the only MKZ made available for us to test so far. It has sufficient power for most any situation and is confidently strong in highway merging and passing. The transmission is generally smooth and prompt. Unlike virtually all rivals, however, MKZ does not offer a manual shift gate.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 |
AWD version is the only MKZ made available for us to test so far. It has sufficient power for most any situation and is confidently strong in highway merging and passing. The transmission is generally smooth and prompt. Unlike virtually all rivals, however, MKZ does not offer a manual shift gate.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 19.4 mpg in city/highway driving, 23.2 mpg with more highway use. MKZ uses regular-grade gas.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 19.4 mpg in city/highway driving, 23.2 mpg with more highway use. MKZ uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
A good blend of firm control and bump absorption, though it's not as composed overall as the class leaders. MKZ takes highway-speed dips and humps with only a trace of wallow and float.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.3 |
A good blend of firm control and bump absorption, though it's not as composed overall as the class leaders. MKZ takes highway-speed dips and humps with only a trace of wallow and float.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Steering feel is accurate but somewhat artificial and, for better or worse, isolated from the road. There's some noseplow and body lean in fast turns. AWD quells most torque steer and furnishes secure all-weather traction. The lack of an antiskid system is a curious omission, especially at this price level. A wide turning circle makes tight maneuvers a chore.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 7.1 |
Steering feel is accurate but somewhat artificial and, for better or worse, isolated from the road. There's some noseplow and body lean in fast turns. AWD quells most torque steer and furnishes secure all-weather traction. The lack of an antiskid system is a curious omission, especially at this price level. A wide turning circle makes tight maneuvers a chore.
Quietness
MKZ's tires are heard only on the coarsest surfaces. The engine has a pleasant hum while cruising but has a slightly ragged growl in rapid acceleration.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 |
MKZ's tires are heard only on the coarsest surfaces. The engine has a pleasant hum while cruising but has a slightly ragged growl in rapid acceleration.
Controls
The main gauges are clear and unobstructed--though some testers found reflection off instrument glass reduced legibility in certain lighting conditions. The navigation system holds no mystery, but its controls are small and poorly marked.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.1 |
The main gauges are clear and unobstructed--though some testers found reflection off instrument glass reduced legibility in certain lighting conditions. The navigation system holds no mystery, but its controls are small and poorly marked.
Details
Squared-off Lincoln-retro dashboard shape and minor rearrangement of controls help distinguish MKZ's interior from that of the Fusion and Milan. Unfortunately, the interior is let down by unconvincing plastics designed to look like metal. Other cabin materials disappoint as well, trailing premium competitors in richness.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 7.4 |
Squared-off Lincoln-retro dashboard shape and minor rearrangement of controls help distinguish MKZ's interior from that of the Fusion and Milan. Unfortunately, the interior is let down by unconvincing plastics designed to look like metal. Other cabin materials disappoint as well, trailing premium competitors in richness.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Six-footers get ample headroom and legroom. The seats are a rewarding blend of soft padding and comfortable backrest contours. During aggressive cornering, the seat cushion is too flat to provide best support, however.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7.3 |
Six-footers get ample headroom and legroom. The seats are a rewarding blend of soft padding and comfortable backrest contours. During aggressive cornering, the seat cushion is too flat to provide best support, however.
Room/Comfort (rear)
There's no excess knee space with the front seats set far back, but room and comfort are class-competitive otherwise. Relatively long doors benefit entry and exit but are a hassle in close quarters.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.2 |
There's no excess knee space with the front seats set far back, but room and comfort are class-competitive otherwise. Relatively long doors benefit entry and exit but are a hassle in close quarters.
Cargo Room
The trunklid's strut hinges don't intrude, and the cargo area is useful in shape and volume, if ill suited to tall boxes and lined with cheap-feeling material. Small bins and pockets shortchange cabin storage space.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.1 |
The trunklid's strut hinges don't intrude, and the cargo area is useful in shape and volume, if ill suited to tall boxes and lined with cheap-feeling material. Small bins and pockets shortchange cabin storage space.
Value within Class
MKZ is a premium midsize sedan that tilts toward comfort rather than sportiness. As such, it's a good match against the Lexus ES 350. This Lincoln is not as refined, but MKZ is competitive for roominess, quietness, and overall performance. It trumps the Lexus in price and is available with all-wheel drive, too.
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.2 |
MKZ is a premium midsize sedan that tilts toward comfort rather than sportiness. As such, it's a good match against the Lexus ES 350. This Lincoln is not as refined, but MKZ is competitive for roominess, quietness, and overall performance. It trumps the Lexus in price and is available with all-wheel drive, too.
Total Score
| AWD w/navigation | Class Average |
| 65 | 68.3 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 56 | |
| Average Score | 68 | |
| High Score | 78 |
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2008 Lincoln MKZ Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/25/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan | $30,980 | $28,562 | $740 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Base 4-door sedan | $32,850 | $30,245 | $740 |
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
3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, tilt/telescopic wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated/cooled 10-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, iPod adapter, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, voice recognition, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,895
|
$1,630
|
|
Includes voice recognition.
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THX sound system
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||
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Base
|
$995
|
$856
|
|
Power sunroof
|
||
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Base
|
$1,200
|
$1,032
|
|
Aluminum interior trim
|
||
|
Base
|
$195
|
$168
|
|
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel. Deletes wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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||
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Remote engine start
|
||
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Base
|
$295
|
$254
|
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Rubber floormats
|
||
|
Base
|
$75
|
$65
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Xenon headlights
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||
|
Base
|
$495
|
$426
|
|
Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$895
|
$770
|
|
|
||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Lincoln MKZ Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lincoln MKZ 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3469 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /213 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 263 @ 6250 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 249 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed automatic | 18/28 |
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 MKZ 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 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 | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 6/70,000 | -- |
| 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:
Mexico
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Lincoln MKZ Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lincoln MKZ Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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