2009 Lincoln MKS: Tester's Comments
2009 Lincoln MKS ▼
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- MSRP: $38,490 - $40,380
- Invoice: $35,461 - $37,162
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 Lincoln MKS. See if the 2009 Lincoln MKS is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated

| Make/Model: | 2009 Lincoln MKS |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Base |
| Arrival Date: | 05/21/2009 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 37,665 |
| Price as Tested: | 41,460 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 8991 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 9848 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 857 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 40.994 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 20.91 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Navigation Package (Voice-Activated Navigation System, Rear-View Camera, THX-II Cert Audio w/5.1 Surround)
From the Back Seat
Don Sikora
The Lincoln MKS is one of those cars that seems to be generally OK, but just doesn't come across as very compelling in any area. Most of the ingredients are there, but the whole seems to be somewhat less than the sum of its parts. Space utilization isn't impressive, the interior doesn't come across as particularly well finished for the class, and the driving experience is unexceptional.
Ed Piotrowski
Time and the less-expensive front-drive model has not sweetened the deal on MKS. It remains a relentlessly mediocre vehicle that is pretty much outclassed by just about all of its competitors.
Jennifer Geiger
I know Lincoln's ad campaign positions MKS as a contemporary luxury car aimed at a much younger audience than the brand normally attracts, but that's not the MKS I drove. While it does have some high-tech features, its level of powertrain and ride and handling performance make it feel somewhat stodgy and unrefined compared to its competitors.
John Biel
The MKS makes this tester think somebody checked off a list of all the features and amenities that ought to be in a luxury sedan, then walked away, satisfied that the job had been done. The price is right, but the verve is lacking.
Vehicle Evaluated

| Make/Model: | 2009 Lincoln MKS |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Base |
| Arrival Date: | 08/25/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 39,555 |
| Price as Tested: | 46,070 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 4264 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 5126 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 862 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 47.557 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 18.13 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Ultimate Package (Technology Package, Navigation Package, 19 inch Premium Paint Cast Aluminum Wheels, Rain Sensing Interval Wipers, Dual Panel Moonroof, Adaptive Headlamp w/Auto High Beam, Forward Sensing System, Voice Activated Navigation System, Intell Access Push Button Start, Rear Window Power Sunshade, Rear View Camera, THX-II Sound System w/5.1 Surround
From the Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski
In the remake of "Ocean's Eleven" Brad Pitt's character is explaining to Matt Damon's character how to act while portraying a member of the "Nevada Gaming Commission," as part of the con against the casino owner (Andy Garcia). Pitt tells Damon to "Be specific but not memorable. Be funny, but don't make him laugh. He's got to like you and then forget about you the moment you've left his sight." That's pretty much what it's like driving the Lincoln MKS. It's relentlessly average in just about every respect. There's nothing great about it, but nothing overtly wrong either. You can't expect every car to be a July 4th grand finale, but the least Lincoln could have done was set off one lousy bottle rocket.
Lynne Richman
Our test model included the ultimate package that raised the price from a base $39,555 to $46,070. Unfortunately, these options do not make this your grandfather's or even your father's Lincoln, which was a classically designed car that turned heads and screamed luxury and money.
Tim Healey
On its own merits, the MKS seems like a competent and comfortable large sedan. But when you start drilling down into the details--or judging it against its peers--it loses some luster. Other cars in this class ride better, handle better, and allow less noise into the cockpit. It's sad to see a flagship car raiding the corporate parts bin. The V6 makes too much noise at times. Overall refinement isn't terrible, but it's a step or two behind others in its class. Oh yeah, and the fuel economy is disappointing, to boot. All in all, this is a decent car trying to compete in a class where decent just isn't good enough.
Tom Appel
Value is overrated. Seriously. Sure the MKS comes loaded, making its base price seem reasonable, but being cheapest is a curse when it's your only real selling point. To play in this market, a maker really needs to claim a niche. BMW has performance, Cadillac overt design and sportiness, Lexus refinement and isolation. Lincoln? Value? It's not enough. No one wants to drive around in the luxury car that's "affordable." Even Hyundai aspires to more with Genesis, lavishing its car with excellent detailing and enormous available V8 power. The MKS will sell to dedicated Lincoln buyers, but no one will seriously cross shop this car against the competition. A shame, because this was Lincoln's chance to shine.
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