2007 Lincoln MKZ debuts at $29,890
09-13-06, 09:40 AM
#1
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
2007 Lincoln MKZ debuts at $29,890
2007 LINCOLN MKZ DEBUTS UNDER $30,000: A FRESH DESIGN, MORE POWER, AND AVAILABLE AWD
Key standard features include:
* New 263 hp 3.5L V-6 with 6-speed automatic transmission
* Luxurious interior, with genuine wood, leather, and satin nickel trim
* 17-inch machined and painted aluminum 8-spoke wheels
* LED tail lamps
* Dual-zone electronic air temperature control
* New MP3 audio input jack
* 10-way power adjustable driver/passenger seat with power lumbar and recline
* Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
* Excellent NVH characteristics and unique suspension
* Heated front seats
* Driver memory seats and mirrors
Available options include:
* Intelligent AWD
* SIRIUS™ satellite radio
* THX II-Certified ® audio system with 14 speakers, a six-disc player compatible with normal audio, MP3 compressed or text format CDs
* DVD-based navigation system with a 6.5-inch-wide screen and text-to-speech technology for travel directions aloud in English, Spanish or French. Includes THX II-Certified ® audio system.
* High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps designed to produce more light, last longer and use less energy than typical incandescent headlamps
* 17-inch 8-spoke chrome wheels
* Perforated premium leather cooled front seats
* Power moonroof
* Interior satin nickel trim in lieu of wood on doors, console and IP
* The new 2007 Lincoln MKZ is the latest example of Ford’s Way Forward commitment to deliver greater value to consumers through straightforward pricing, new features and an extended powertrain warranty.
* The new Lincoln MKZ midsize luxury sedan gives customers entry into the Lincoln brand at under $30,000.
* Powered by a new fuel-efficient 263 hp 3.5L V-6 engine, the Lincoln MKZ starts at $29,890 for FWD and $31,765 for AWD models, including destination and delivery.
* Lincoln MKZ is the brand’s first all-wheel drive car and one of four new 2007 Lincoln models entering the marketplace.
Key standard features include:
* New 263 hp 3.5L V-6 with 6-speed automatic transmission
* Luxurious interior, with genuine wood, leather, and satin nickel trim
* 17-inch machined and painted aluminum 8-spoke wheels
* LED tail lamps
* Dual-zone electronic air temperature control
* New MP3 audio input jack
* 10-way power adjustable driver/passenger seat with power lumbar and recline
* Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
* Excellent NVH characteristics and unique suspension
* Heated front seats
* Driver memory seats and mirrors
Available options include:
* Intelligent AWD
* SIRIUS™ satellite radio
* THX II-Certified ® audio system with 14 speakers, a six-disc player compatible with normal audio, MP3 compressed or text format CDs
* DVD-based navigation system with a 6.5-inch-wide screen and text-to-speech technology for travel directions aloud in English, Spanish or French. Includes THX II-Certified ® audio system.
* High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps designed to produce more light, last longer and use less energy than typical incandescent headlamps
* 17-inch 8-spoke chrome wheels
* Perforated premium leather cooled front seats
* Power moonroof
* Interior satin nickel trim in lieu of wood on doors, console and IP
* The new 2007 Lincoln MKZ is the latest example of Ford’s Way Forward commitment to deliver greater value to consumers through straightforward pricing, new features and an extended powertrain warranty.
* The new Lincoln MKZ midsize luxury sedan gives customers entry into the Lincoln brand at under $30,000.
* Powered by a new fuel-efficient 263 hp 3.5L V-6 engine, the Lincoln MKZ starts at $29,890 for FWD and $31,765 for AWD models, including destination and delivery.
* Lincoln MKZ is the brand’s first all-wheel drive car and one of four new 2007 Lincoln models entering the marketplace.
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 11, 2006 - Lincoln is building on the success of its strong-selling Zephyr mid-size sedan with the introduction of the 2007 Lincoln MKZ – a five-passenger luxury sedan that boasts a refined look, a new, more powerful engine, and the confidence of available all-wheel drive. The new Lincoln MKZ features a starting manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of $29,890 for front-wheel drive and $31,765 for all-wheel drive models.
“The new Lincoln MKZ is moving Lincoln to a modern vision of American luxury,” says Al Giombetti, president, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. “It enters the market from a position of strength, following the outstanding success of the Zephyr. With the Lincoln MKZ, we’re adding great new features and delivering outstanding value that American luxury customers demand.”
Since its debut last year, Zephyr has paved the way for the Lincoln MKZ with a solid foundation in customer satisfaction and quality. It achieved the best performance by a Lincoln nameplate ever with its second-in-segment showing in the 2006 JD Power Initial Quality Study. Its hallmark Lincoln craftsmanship was honored with Ward’s 2006 Best Premium Interior Car Award. It also has attracted a younger, more diverse customer to Lincoln and helped position the brand for growth. Nearly half of Lincoln Zephyr customers are new to Lincoln.
The Lincoln MKZ presents a refined interpretation of Lincoln’s traditional waterfall grille. Its clean lines, new 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, distinctive lighting and chrome accents create a dynamic, uniquely American interpretation of luxury.
The Lincoln MKZ is powered by Ford’s new 263 hp 3.5L V-6 engine paired with a fuel-efficient 6-speed automatic transmission. The all-aluminum, four-valve engine features intake variable cam timing, delivering exceptional refinement and more power than comparable V-6 engines from GM, Nissan, Chrysler and Honda. The engine eventually will power one out of five Ford Motor Company vehicles in North America. With the new engine, the Lincoln MKZ chassis has been retuned to deliver a more athletic driving experience.
Rounding out the performance story is newly available all-wheel drive (AWD), a feature that 50 percent of luxury owners say they want on their vehicle. Lincoln MKZ is the first Lincoln car to offer available AWD, a feature not found among many vehicles in its competitive set. The intelligent AWD system on the Lincoln MKZ is specifically tuned for luxury performance, offering confident all-weather driving. It seamlessly delivers torque to all four wheels as needed. Ford Motor Company leads the industry in delivering AWD capability. The company will have 28 vehicles with this technology this year.
Responding to the explosive popularity of MP3 audio players, the Lincoln MKZ features a standard auxiliary audio input jack. Available SIRIUS™ satellite radio helps customers stay connected and in command.
When it arrives in showrooms next month, the Lincoln MKZ will offer Lincoln’s no deductible, fully transferable extended powertrain limited warranty of six years or 70,000 miles along with complimentary roadside assistance. It’s also expected to have a strong 36-month lease-end residual value of nearly 50 percent when it goes on sale, comparable to recently launched vehicles like the 2007 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.
The 2007 Lincoln MKZ is one of four new models joining the Lincoln showroom this season, along with the all-new Lincoln MKX crossover, the redesigned Navigator and the all-new Navigator L extended length full-size SUV. The next major step in establishing Lincoln as America’s luxury brand comes in 2008 with the debut of the Lincoln MKS full-size flagship sedan, based on the concept vehicle first shown at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.
“The new Lincoln MKZ is moving Lincoln to a modern vision of American luxury,” says Al Giombetti, president, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. “It enters the market from a position of strength, following the outstanding success of the Zephyr. With the Lincoln MKZ, we’re adding great new features and delivering outstanding value that American luxury customers demand.”
Since its debut last year, Zephyr has paved the way for the Lincoln MKZ with a solid foundation in customer satisfaction and quality. It achieved the best performance by a Lincoln nameplate ever with its second-in-segment showing in the 2006 JD Power Initial Quality Study. Its hallmark Lincoln craftsmanship was honored with Ward’s 2006 Best Premium Interior Car Award. It also has attracted a younger, more diverse customer to Lincoln and helped position the brand for growth. Nearly half of Lincoln Zephyr customers are new to Lincoln.
The Lincoln MKZ presents a refined interpretation of Lincoln’s traditional waterfall grille. Its clean lines, new 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, distinctive lighting and chrome accents create a dynamic, uniquely American interpretation of luxury.
The Lincoln MKZ is powered by Ford’s new 263 hp 3.5L V-6 engine paired with a fuel-efficient 6-speed automatic transmission. The all-aluminum, four-valve engine features intake variable cam timing, delivering exceptional refinement and more power than comparable V-6 engines from GM, Nissan, Chrysler and Honda. The engine eventually will power one out of five Ford Motor Company vehicles in North America. With the new engine, the Lincoln MKZ chassis has been retuned to deliver a more athletic driving experience.
Rounding out the performance story is newly available all-wheel drive (AWD), a feature that 50 percent of luxury owners say they want on their vehicle. Lincoln MKZ is the first Lincoln car to offer available AWD, a feature not found among many vehicles in its competitive set. The intelligent AWD system on the Lincoln MKZ is specifically tuned for luxury performance, offering confident all-weather driving. It seamlessly delivers torque to all four wheels as needed. Ford Motor Company leads the industry in delivering AWD capability. The company will have 28 vehicles with this technology this year.
Responding to the explosive popularity of MP3 audio players, the Lincoln MKZ features a standard auxiliary audio input jack. Available SIRIUS™ satellite radio helps customers stay connected and in command.
When it arrives in showrooms next month, the Lincoln MKZ will offer Lincoln’s no deductible, fully transferable extended powertrain limited warranty of six years or 70,000 miles along with complimentary roadside assistance. It’s also expected to have a strong 36-month lease-end residual value of nearly 50 percent when it goes on sale, comparable to recently launched vehicles like the 2007 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.
The 2007 Lincoln MKZ is one of four new models joining the Lincoln showroom this season, along with the all-new Lincoln MKX crossover, the redesigned Navigator and the all-new Navigator L extended length full-size SUV. The next major step in establishing Lincoln as America’s luxury brand comes in 2008 with the debut of the Lincoln MKS full-size flagship sedan, based on the concept vehicle first shown at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.
09-13-06, 10:43 AM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
They sure seem to model closely after the ES/TL when designing this car. Very close in specs, options and pricing. Not sure if I'll ever want to be seen driving a Lincoln though.
09-13-06, 12:02 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
I've seen quite a few Zephyers, not bad looking to me. So these idiots use the Zephyer name for a year and change it to another useless MKZ or whatever name. USELESS and LOST in the sea of RANDOM NAMES!!
Its like SCRABBLE!! I SEE A 1SICKRANT COMING!!! MKX MDX RX FX LM X5 AHHHHHHH
Pricing is okay, they should have been MORE aggresive, TSX priced...
Its like SCRABBLE!! I SEE A 1SICKRANT COMING!!! MKX MDX RX FX LM X5 AHHHHHHH
Pricing is okay, they should have been MORE aggresive, TSX priced...
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09-13-06, 12:52 PM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Massachusetts
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I've seen quite a few Zephyers, not bad looking to me. So these idiots use the Zephyer name for a year and change it to another useless MKZ or whatever name. USELESS and LOST in the sea of RANDOM NAMES!!
Its like SCRABBLE!! I SEE A 1SICKRANT COMING!!! MKX MDX RX FX LM X5 AHHHHHHH
Pricing is okay, they should have been MORE aggresive, TSX priced...
Its like SCRABBLE!! I SEE A 1SICKRANT COMING!!! MKX MDX RX FX LM X5 AHHHHHHH
Pricing is okay, they should have been MORE aggresive, TSX priced...
Reading the article, it doesn't say this is replacing the Zephyr for some reason.
They talk like this goes along side it which doesn't make sense since this looks just like the Zephyr and is about the same price.What the heck are they doing???
I agree, stupid designation
MKZ??? No ring to that one.
11-28-06, 07:37 PM
#12
Quieter than ES
MKZ Could be Zowie Lincoln Needs
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — If you believe the guiding principle espoused by Carlos Ghosn, the successful CEO of Nissan and Renault — that there's no problem at a car company that good products can't solve — then you can consider the Lincoln MKZ a problem-solver.
Lincoln, a Ford Motor (F) luxury brand, needs hip, high-profile cars to elevate its image and get it onto high-profit shopping lists that its aging Town Car sedan can't and its more modern but neglected LS haven't.
Lincoln hopes its new crossover utility vehicle, MKX (Test Drive, Nov. 17), will grab a share of the lucrative crossover market, and that this week's subject, the MKZ sedan, will shore up the brand's position among entry-luxury buyers.
Lincoln's tumble has been swift. Just six years ago at this time, Cadillac and Lincoln were in what was essentially a four-way tie with Lexus and Mercedes-Benz in the race for best-selling luxury brand. Now, Lexus dominates, BMW and Mercedes come next. Caddy, in fourth place, outsells Lincoln 2-to-1, says sales tracker Autodata. Lincoln sits seventh among the nine high-volume luxury brands, ahead of only Infiniti and Audi, Autodata reports.
MORE TEST DRIVE: Index of Healey's columns
Thus, Lincoln needs a zowie car. MKZ could be it.
What a sweetheart, this rapid evolution of the midsize sedan Lincoln launched a year ago under the name Zephyr (Test Drive, Dec. 23). The decision to revamp it just a year into its life shows Lincoln's urgency. Usually, such overhauls are done three or four years into the model's life.
Renaming it at the same time seems unsavory, like a crook taking an alias to start a new life. The controversial plan to rename Lincoln models was underway when Peter Horbury became executive director of design, so, Horbury joshes, "If you don't like it, nothing to do with me. If you like it, it's amazing what you can get done in a short period of time."
The significant differences that make MKZ more than a warmed-over Zephyr:
•A new-design 3.5-liter V-6 replaces the 3-liter V-6 in Zephyr. The new engine is more powerful, quieter, smoother and much more fun. It gives up just one mile per gallon to the smaller Zephyr engine. That engine's not available in two less-expensive Ford Motor vehicles similar to MKZ, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.
•All-wheel drive (AWD) is available. It's $1,875, costs one mpg vs. the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version of MKZ, and holy moly does it overhaul the personality of the car.
The obvious benefit is surefootedness in slick conditions. But it's also able to forecast when it should send power to the rears in brisk driving on dry surfaces, instead of operating in FWD until front-wheel spin signals it to feed power rearward. As a result, AWD removed the nose-heavy feel typical of FWD and made MKZ nimble to the point of exciting on mountain switchbacks.
•Suspension is a bit firmer. Ditto "nimble" above, plus more poise on less-challenging roads. And, face it, a little firmer feels better than a little squishier.
•Steering is modified to be more direct. Given that steering is something you're always using, the improvement is welcome and helps make the MKZ the delight that the Zephyr never really was.
•Interior is designed to be especially quiet. Lincoln says it's quieter than the Lexus ES 350 sedan (Test Drive, Oct. 13).
The real wood inside is handsome, and if you don't think so, you can opt for metallic-finish trim. It's easy to adjust the seat and steering column into a good driving position, which not all cars can claim.
Back seat is roomy enough, and the angle of the backrest is proper for comfort, something not all cars can claim.
Not perfect; let's not get carried away.
Brakes could use some hurry-up mojo. Languid stopping isn't what you want in a car that's so happy to prowl. Pshaw, Lincoln says. Brakes are fine and, besides, MKZ is about "business-class" accommodations, not on-the-edge sportiness.
Nor are right-now brakes and other dynamics the long suit of the Lexus ES 350, which is Lincoln's favorite comparison. But the ES has no AWD and can't run so ably when the road winds. Give a car the capabilities the MKZ now has, and you best give it the whole treatment, including fast-acting, sure-feeling brakes.
The turning-circle diameter is an unusually large 40 feet, meaning you'll be backing and forthing a lot in tight parking spots.
Fuel economy is poor compared with the ES 350, but Lincoln calls for regular gas, while Lexus recommends premium.
MKZ has no manual-shift mode for the otherwise laudable six-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox has a sport-shift mode, but the transmission, not the driver, still decides when to change gears. Sometimes that's midcorner, which can upset the balance and make the car a handful.
Lincoln says no manual mode is needed because its "business-class" drivers want things done for them.
Maybe, but they surely want control now and then, if they're the confident, hardworking, self-made successes that Lincoln says. Here's a side bet: The justification is just chin music. There's no manual mode because it costs more, and money-losing Ford Motor needs to save pennies.
The climate control in the test car was hard to regulate, keeping the interior either a little too cool or too warm. Aluminum-tone trim reflected in the side windows, which was distracting.
It could seem outrageous to suggest that MKZ is a fair rival of the Lexus ES 350, an extraordinary automobile.
But the Lincoln is more fun to drive, is priced thousands of dollars less and could be as reliable. Ford Motor says the Zephyr forerunner of the MKZ is the company's best-quality vehicle, based on warranty claims and in-house scoring.
What's more, Consumer Reports said last month that its data predict that Zephyr will be second in reliability among upscale cars, behind only the ES 350.
MKZ has a new engine, always a question mark on reliability no matter how thorough an automaker's testing. And the AWD system is new to the car. So Zephyr's good reliability showing isn't a guarantee that MKZ will do as well.
The Lexus' 25% better fuel economy is a selling point for the ES 350.
Lexus would also argue that ES is more technologically sophisticated than the Lincoln. But there never was a moment in the test drive when the MKZ seemed to be missing anything important. Technology sometimes is like chrome: Less is more.
The question isn't whether the MKZ is any good. Evidence suggests it is. The question is whether buyers soured on Detroit generally and stodgy-imaged Lincoln specifically are open-minded enough to try it.
2007 Lincoln MKZ sedan
•What is it? Update of the Zephyr midsize sedan just one year into its life, instead of the typical three or four. MKZ has a more-powerful engine than Zephyr, offers all-wheel drive, features a few interior and exterior changes. Manufactured at Hermosillo, Mexico.
•How soon? On sale since October.
•How much? Front-wheel drive (FWD) model starts at $29,890, including $715 destination charge. All-wheel-drive (AWD) model starts at $31,765. AWD with all factory options is $37,735.
Selling for close to full window-sticker price, less any current rebates, say the online car-shopping sites. Edmunds.com says a $500 rebate is available.
•Who'll buy? Typical: 38-year-old college grad making $95,000 a year, married with a young child. Lincoln says both adults in the household are likely to work, and the annual household income is $150,000. Lincoln says 60% will be men; 40% will be new to Ford Motor.
•How many? About 30,000 a year, Lincoln says.
•What's the drivetrain? 3.5-liter V-6 rated 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm, 249 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; six-speed automatic transmission with sport-shift mode but no manual-shift mode; traction control.
AWD system, same as in MKX crossover SUV, runs in FWD normally, sends power to rear wheels when fronts slip or when system anticipates need for rear power, as during hard acceleration; can shift nearly 100% of power to rear wheels.
•What's the safety gear? Expected bags and belts, plus side-impact bags for front-seat occupants, head-curtain bags front and rear, anti-lock brakes.
Stability control is not available. Ford Motor has pledged to make it standard on all vehicles by the end of 2009.
•What's the rest? Dual-zone climate control; AM/FM/six-CD/MP3-compatible stereo with MP3 input jack; power steering, brakes, windows, mirrors, locks, seats; heated front seats; remote-control locks; rear-window and outside-mirror defrosters; auto-dimming inside mirror; tilt-adjustable and telescoping steering column; auto on/off headlights; cruise control; fog lights; P225/50VR-17 tires, temporary-use spare.
•What's the warranty? Four years/50,000 miles, basic; six/70,000, powertrain; five/unlimited, corrosion.
•How big? Within an inch every which way of the Lexus ES 350 that Lincoln uses for comparison. MKZ weighs less than ES 350, has a bigger trunk, smaller fuel tank and slightly more head, leg and overall passenger room. MKZ is 190.5 inches long, 71.7 inches wide, 57.3 inches tall on a 107.4-inch wheelbase.
Passenger space is listed as 100 cubic feet. Trunk is 15.8 cubic feet. Weight is listed as 3,410 pounds for FWD, 3,560 pounds for AWD. Lincoln doesn't recommend towing with the MKZ. Turning circle diameter is 40 feet, curb-to-curb.
•How thirsty? Rated 17/24/20 with AWD, 18/25/21 with FWD. Tank is 17.5 gallons. Regular-grade (87-octane) gasoline is specified.
Trip computer in AWD test car showed 18.2 mpg in 100 miles driving vigorously in mostly hilly terrain, often using the transmission's sport-shift mode to keep engine revs high for best performance.
•Overall: Remarkably appealing, especially for the price.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — If you believe the guiding principle espoused by Carlos Ghosn, the successful CEO of Nissan and Renault — that there's no problem at a car company that good products can't solve — then you can consider the Lincoln MKZ a problem-solver.
Lincoln, a Ford Motor (F) luxury brand, needs hip, high-profile cars to elevate its image and get it onto high-profit shopping lists that its aging Town Car sedan can't and its more modern but neglected LS haven't.
Lincoln hopes its new crossover utility vehicle, MKX (Test Drive, Nov. 17), will grab a share of the lucrative crossover market, and that this week's subject, the MKZ sedan, will shore up the brand's position among entry-luxury buyers.
Lincoln's tumble has been swift. Just six years ago at this time, Cadillac and Lincoln were in what was essentially a four-way tie with Lexus and Mercedes-Benz in the race for best-selling luxury brand. Now, Lexus dominates, BMW and Mercedes come next. Caddy, in fourth place, outsells Lincoln 2-to-1, says sales tracker Autodata. Lincoln sits seventh among the nine high-volume luxury brands, ahead of only Infiniti and Audi, Autodata reports.
MORE TEST DRIVE: Index of Healey's columns
Thus, Lincoln needs a zowie car. MKZ could be it.
What a sweetheart, this rapid evolution of the midsize sedan Lincoln launched a year ago under the name Zephyr (Test Drive, Dec. 23). The decision to revamp it just a year into its life shows Lincoln's urgency. Usually, such overhauls are done three or four years into the model's life.
Renaming it at the same time seems unsavory, like a crook taking an alias to start a new life. The controversial plan to rename Lincoln models was underway when Peter Horbury became executive director of design, so, Horbury joshes, "If you don't like it, nothing to do with me. If you like it, it's amazing what you can get done in a short period of time."
The significant differences that make MKZ more than a warmed-over Zephyr:
•A new-design 3.5-liter V-6 replaces the 3-liter V-6 in Zephyr. The new engine is more powerful, quieter, smoother and much more fun. It gives up just one mile per gallon to the smaller Zephyr engine. That engine's not available in two less-expensive Ford Motor vehicles similar to MKZ, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.
•All-wheel drive (AWD) is available. It's $1,875, costs one mpg vs. the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version of MKZ, and holy moly does it overhaul the personality of the car.
The obvious benefit is surefootedness in slick conditions. But it's also able to forecast when it should send power to the rears in brisk driving on dry surfaces, instead of operating in FWD until front-wheel spin signals it to feed power rearward. As a result, AWD removed the nose-heavy feel typical of FWD and made MKZ nimble to the point of exciting on mountain switchbacks.
•Suspension is a bit firmer. Ditto "nimble" above, plus more poise on less-challenging roads. And, face it, a little firmer feels better than a little squishier.
•Steering is modified to be more direct. Given that steering is something you're always using, the improvement is welcome and helps make the MKZ the delight that the Zephyr never really was.
•Interior is designed to be especially quiet. Lincoln says it's quieter than the Lexus ES 350 sedan (Test Drive, Oct. 13).
The real wood inside is handsome, and if you don't think so, you can opt for metallic-finish trim. It's easy to adjust the seat and steering column into a good driving position, which not all cars can claim.
Back seat is roomy enough, and the angle of the backrest is proper for comfort, something not all cars can claim.
Not perfect; let's not get carried away.
Brakes could use some hurry-up mojo. Languid stopping isn't what you want in a car that's so happy to prowl. Pshaw, Lincoln says. Brakes are fine and, besides, MKZ is about "business-class" accommodations, not on-the-edge sportiness.
Nor are right-now brakes and other dynamics the long suit of the Lexus ES 350, which is Lincoln's favorite comparison. But the ES has no AWD and can't run so ably when the road winds. Give a car the capabilities the MKZ now has, and you best give it the whole treatment, including fast-acting, sure-feeling brakes.
The turning-circle diameter is an unusually large 40 feet, meaning you'll be backing and forthing a lot in tight parking spots.
Fuel economy is poor compared with the ES 350, but Lincoln calls for regular gas, while Lexus recommends premium.
MKZ has no manual-shift mode for the otherwise laudable six-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox has a sport-shift mode, but the transmission, not the driver, still decides when to change gears. Sometimes that's midcorner, which can upset the balance and make the car a handful.
Lincoln says no manual mode is needed because its "business-class" drivers want things done for them.
Maybe, but they surely want control now and then, if they're the confident, hardworking, self-made successes that Lincoln says. Here's a side bet: The justification is just chin music. There's no manual mode because it costs more, and money-losing Ford Motor needs to save pennies.
The climate control in the test car was hard to regulate, keeping the interior either a little too cool or too warm. Aluminum-tone trim reflected in the side windows, which was distracting.
It could seem outrageous to suggest that MKZ is a fair rival of the Lexus ES 350, an extraordinary automobile.
But the Lincoln is more fun to drive, is priced thousands of dollars less and could be as reliable. Ford Motor says the Zephyr forerunner of the MKZ is the company's best-quality vehicle, based on warranty claims and in-house scoring.
What's more, Consumer Reports said last month that its data predict that Zephyr will be second in reliability among upscale cars, behind only the ES 350.
MKZ has a new engine, always a question mark on reliability no matter how thorough an automaker's testing. And the AWD system is new to the car. So Zephyr's good reliability showing isn't a guarantee that MKZ will do as well.
The Lexus' 25% better fuel economy is a selling point for the ES 350.
Lexus would also argue that ES is more technologically sophisticated than the Lincoln. But there never was a moment in the test drive when the MKZ seemed to be missing anything important. Technology sometimes is like chrome: Less is more.
The question isn't whether the MKZ is any good. Evidence suggests it is. The question is whether buyers soured on Detroit generally and stodgy-imaged Lincoln specifically are open-minded enough to try it.
2007 Lincoln MKZ sedan
•What is it? Update of the Zephyr midsize sedan just one year into its life, instead of the typical three or four. MKZ has a more-powerful engine than Zephyr, offers all-wheel drive, features a few interior and exterior changes. Manufactured at Hermosillo, Mexico.
•How soon? On sale since October.
•How much? Front-wheel drive (FWD) model starts at $29,890, including $715 destination charge. All-wheel-drive (AWD) model starts at $31,765. AWD with all factory options is $37,735.
Selling for close to full window-sticker price, less any current rebates, say the online car-shopping sites. Edmunds.com says a $500 rebate is available.
•Who'll buy? Typical: 38-year-old college grad making $95,000 a year, married with a young child. Lincoln says both adults in the household are likely to work, and the annual household income is $150,000. Lincoln says 60% will be men; 40% will be new to Ford Motor.
•How many? About 30,000 a year, Lincoln says.
•What's the drivetrain? 3.5-liter V-6 rated 263 horsepower at 6,250 rpm, 249 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; six-speed automatic transmission with sport-shift mode but no manual-shift mode; traction control.
AWD system, same as in MKX crossover SUV, runs in FWD normally, sends power to rear wheels when fronts slip or when system anticipates need for rear power, as during hard acceleration; can shift nearly 100% of power to rear wheels.
•What's the safety gear? Expected bags and belts, plus side-impact bags for front-seat occupants, head-curtain bags front and rear, anti-lock brakes.
Stability control is not available. Ford Motor has pledged to make it standard on all vehicles by the end of 2009.
•What's the rest? Dual-zone climate control; AM/FM/six-CD/MP3-compatible stereo with MP3 input jack; power steering, brakes, windows, mirrors, locks, seats; heated front seats; remote-control locks; rear-window and outside-mirror defrosters; auto-dimming inside mirror; tilt-adjustable and telescoping steering column; auto on/off headlights; cruise control; fog lights; P225/50VR-17 tires, temporary-use spare.
•What's the warranty? Four years/50,000 miles, basic; six/70,000, powertrain; five/unlimited, corrosion.
•How big? Within an inch every which way of the Lexus ES 350 that Lincoln uses for comparison. MKZ weighs less than ES 350, has a bigger trunk, smaller fuel tank and slightly more head, leg and overall passenger room. MKZ is 190.5 inches long, 71.7 inches wide, 57.3 inches tall on a 107.4-inch wheelbase.
Passenger space is listed as 100 cubic feet. Trunk is 15.8 cubic feet. Weight is listed as 3,410 pounds for FWD, 3,560 pounds for AWD. Lincoln doesn't recommend towing with the MKZ. Turning circle diameter is 40 feet, curb-to-curb.
•How thirsty? Rated 17/24/20 with AWD, 18/25/21 with FWD. Tank is 17.5 gallons. Regular-grade (87-octane) gasoline is specified.
Trip computer in AWD test car showed 18.2 mpg in 100 miles driving vigorously in mostly hilly terrain, often using the transmission's sport-shift mode to keep engine revs high for best performance.
•Overall: Remarkably appealing, especially for the price.
11-28-06, 08:19 PM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Lincoln renamed it the MKZ to bring it in line with their new policy of designating all of their models with three letters around a common Lincoln theme, instead of giving each model a different single-word name.
Acura did more or less the same marketing trick several years ago, when it first dropped the mid-size Vigor and the full-size Legend, and started substituting two-letter combinations ( TL, CL, RL, etc.....) it was done to bring atention to the Acura nameplate in general, rather than individual cars instead.
I don't entirely agree with the way either Lincoln or Acura have done this but that is the way the marketers will have it, at least for now. They call the shots.
However, it is interesting that Mazda tried to do this with the MX-5 Miata when they introduced the current 3rd-generation model....drop the " Miata " designation and just keep the MX-5, as they have done with most of their other products. No dice.....the Miata's hard-core faithful, always zealous about the car, wouldn't have it, so Mazda reluctantly kept the name Miata in the official designation.
Back to the MKZ, though. An additional treat on this car is that, along with its corporate cousins Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, it has earned a much-better-than-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports.....a quite unusual for a first-year domestically-designed vehicle.
Acura did more or less the same marketing trick several years ago, when it first dropped the mid-size Vigor and the full-size Legend, and started substituting two-letter combinations ( TL, CL, RL, etc.....) it was done to bring atention to the Acura nameplate in general, rather than individual cars instead.
I don't entirely agree with the way either Lincoln or Acura have done this but that is the way the marketers will have it, at least for now. They call the shots.
However, it is interesting that Mazda tried to do this with the MX-5 Miata when they introduced the current 3rd-generation model....drop the " Miata " designation and just keep the MX-5, as they have done with most of their other products. No dice.....the Miata's hard-core faithful, always zealous about the car, wouldn't have it, so Mazda reluctantly kept the name Miata in the official designation.
Back to the MKZ, though. An additional treat on this car is that, along with its corporate cousins Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, it has earned a much-better-than-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports.....a quite unusual for a first-year domestically-designed vehicle.
Last edited by mmarshall; 11-28-06 at 08:23 PM.
11-29-06, 07:00 AM
#14
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NYC Raised But ATL is where I stay.
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I like this car but please bring back the LS. That was so slept on it's not even funny. They could have done a lot more with that car. It still catches my eye today.
11-29-06, 12:02 PM
#15
Lexus Champion
Weren't they selling the last of the Lincoln LS V8 brand new with like a 10,000+ dollar discount straight off the dealer lots? That would have been a heck of a bargain. I mean that car's interior was kinda cheap typical parts-bin Ford Motor Company hardware... but I drove one and it was impressively quiet and refined and still handled pretty well.
It was like a 40k dollar 300hp V8 car for under 30k!
It was like a 40k dollar 300hp V8 car for under 30k!