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Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ

3018 messages,  Last post on Feb 22, 2013 at 11:54 AM

You are in the Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, Sedan

Messages Page 298 of 302

#2969 of 3018 Re: MKZ! Hello??? Time to surface!! [akirby] by jerrys2

Nov 18, 2012 (1:33 pm)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 17, 2012 7:25 pm)
I will be ready to trade my SUV in about 2 years, if the upgrade is complete I will take a good look at what Lincoln has to offer, otherwise it won't be on my list ...

#2970 of 3018 telematics user? by steve_ HOST

Nov 19, 2012 (6:05 pm)

A reporter would like to speak to car owners who use Chrysler Uconnect, Cadillac CUE or Ford's MyFord/MyLincoln Touch. If you use any of these telematics systems, please send your daytime contact information to predmunds.com no later than November 20, 2012 at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET.

#2971 of 3018 First review of the 13 MKZ by gregg_vw

Nov 26, 2012 (8:41 am)

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20121121/CARREVIEWS/121129978
 
It seems to beat the new ES350 at its own game, and with a lower price to boot. Seems very well received. The downsides are few: while bigger on the outside, interior space is several cubic feet less than the Fusion. The ES350 offers more space. And like other reviews of this engine, the 2.0 liter four at full song does not sound like luxury. However, the V6 is available for those who want it.

#2972 of 3018 Re: First review of the 13 MKZ [gregg_vw] by akirby

Nov 26, 2012 (11:13 am)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Nov 26, 2012 8:41 am)
Seems to be a solid entry that should compete well especially with the hybrid drivetrain. Won't challenge BMW or MB but should do nicely against Lexus, Acura, Infinit, Audi and Cadillac.

#2973 of 3018 The tests are trickling out now by gregg_vw

Nov 30, 2012 (9:36 pm)

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-lincoln-mkz-test-review

#2974 of 3018 Re: The tests are trickling out now [gregg_vw] by akirby

Nov 30, 2012 (11:18 pm)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Nov 30, 2012 9:36 pm)
Now compare that review with the 2013 ES350 which is also based on a cheaper mid-sized sedan and which doesn't seem to have any advantages over the MKZ except maybe the sound system.
 
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-lexus-es350-first-drive-review
 
No double standard there. Nope.

#2975 of 3018 Re: The tests are trickling out now [akirby] by gregg_vw

Dec 01, 2012 (8:28 am)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 30, 2012 11:18 pm)
What double standard are you talking about?
 
First of all, Allen, do a bit more reading. The reviews of the new ES350 have judged it anywhere from namby-pampy, like this one, to mediocre. I haven't driven one, but have read that reviewers do not find it as refined feeling as the previous iteration. It certainly doesn't stand out in any way. Even this review stated they would rather be driving any number of other vehicles over the roads they tested it on. They also titled it "A Rolling Wallflower," which is hardly an endorsement.
 
Secondly, and admittedly a minor point, the ES350 is no longer based on a "cheaper mid-sized sedan." It is now based on the Avalon, which is pretty much in the same class as the ES350, albeit slightly less expensive. Comparisons of the two seem to suggest that the Avalon is not only better looking (subjective, I know...but in side profile shares a lot with the new Fusion), but is also the better car of the two.
 
Now, as for the advantages of the ES350 over the MKZ, there really aren't any substantial ones, just comparing machine to machine (leaving off brand names). Perhaps the only significant advantage is the ES350 has more interior room within a slightly smaller body. However, one could also argue that the MKZ is better looking. Driven back to back, without labels, I suspect more people would choose the MKZ. But I also think that under the same conditions, more people would choose the Fusion over the Camry.
 
But here's where Lexus will continue to win. They already have the wonderful dealer network in place. They already have their reputation. They already have many satisfied customers who will trade up to a newer model without even driving the competition. They already have the vaunted re-sale value.
 
What Lincoln needs to do in order to begin making real inroads in the established pecking order is to hit one out of the ballpark. However, the new MKZ is more akin to what the MKS was on its introduction: a perfectly adequate entry into a field of good cars. It is better than the MKS attempt, actually, because it is better looking, better equipped, and apparently feels a bit better going down the road.
 
But even hitting one out of the ballpark is is a slow way to rebuild. That too is only a start. Witness the sales of the Cadillac ATS. While it has actually won several of the comparos against the rival BMW model, and lots of good press on its own, sales so far have been a yawn, and have further depressed sales and production of the CTS.
 
It is cut-throat out there. I'd like to see this MKZ succeed, but I suspect most people will find the Fusion Titanium more satisfying. We shall see. We will also see if the next new Lincoln makes the bigger splash it needs to make.

#2976 of 3018 Re: The tests are trickling out now [akirby] by jerrys2

Dec 01, 2012 (8:55 am)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 30, 2012 11:18 pm)
As indicated previously, I got tired of waiting for the MKZ (will they now call it a 2014 ?) and purchased the Lexus 350 w/NAV. I think the car is great and am happy with it. Even if the Lincoln was available probably would have gone with the LEXUS. Was very pleased with my 2008 MKZ but the combination Ford / Lincoln dealership is the pits... bringing an entry level luxury car for service to a place more interested in trucks and their owners is far from a pleasant experience

#2977 of 3018 Re: The tests are trickling out now [jerrys2] by akirby

Dec 01, 2012 (9:31 am)

Replying to: jerrys2 (Dec 01, 2012 8:55 am)
Ford knows the dealers are a weak link and they're working to fix that but it will take several years.
 
Gregg - I'll reread the reviews but it just seemed like they dinged the MKZ for certain things but let the ES350 slide when it was the same or worse. Maybe I'm just being oversensitive.

#2978 of 3018 Re: The tests are trickling out now [akirby] by akirby

Dec 01, 2012 (9:43 am)

Replying to: akirby (Dec 01, 2012 9:31 am)
The entire first page of the MKZ review compares it to the Fusion. The ES gets one sentence. And it may be larger but the ES is still based on the Camry/Avalon platform.
 
The MKZ gets panned because they didn't like the handling when pushed hard yet the ES350 which is even worse gets a pass.
 
Obviously these were written by 2 different people using 2 different sets of requirements. It just smacks of the double standard that Lincoln has to fight and I don't think it's fair.
 
The MKZ isn't the best vehicle but objectively it's much better than the ES350 and some others and the reviews should reflect that.

Messages Page 298 of 302

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