Ask the Car People.SM


Where Is Ford taking the Lincoln Motor Company?

4163 messages,  Last post on May 17, 2013 at 6:43 AM

You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKX

    

Messages Page 393 of 417

#3917 of 4163 Re: ouch [steve_] by brucelinc

Dec 17, 2012 (11:48 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Dec 17, 2012 8:56 am)
I look forward to examining and test driving an MKZ. I enjoy reading reviews and comparison tests but I put far more importance on MY opinions than those of others.
 
Aside from opinions, however, it is a fact that the rear seat room in the MKZ falls short. Furthermore, the acceleration results for the V6 are disappointing. I don't know if the chassis is robust enough to handle the 3.5 ecoboost but that is the optional engine this car needs. While the review does not mention overall noise levels, the test results show very low noise at a 70 MPH cruise. It would have likely been even quieter if it had the correct tires. Very stupid move for Lincoln to put ringer tires on a test car. Other publications have mentioned the performance tires but implied that they were an option. They are certainly not mentioned on Lincoln's site.
 
Lincoln (and Ford) have some work to do around ergonomics. When I checked out a 2013 MKS some time ago, I was very disappointed in the "sliders" for some of the controls, the way they buried the suspension settings in sub-menus and a number of other idiosyncrasies. It sounds like the MKZ followed that same format.
 
None of the reviews for the MKZ so far have been particularly positive. Maybe expectations are too high. Maybe it is just too easy to disrespect Lincoln, based on the way the brand has been ignored up until the past year or so. It will be interesting to see how buyers react to the car.

#3918 of 4163 Re: ouch [brucelinc] by akirby

Dec 17, 2012 (1:40 pm)

Replying to: brucelinc (Dec 17, 2012 11:48 am)
I think it's a combination of expectations being unrealistic and some shortcomings with the vehicle.
 
Even so I think it's a far better car than the old MKZ and shows progress in several areas.
 
If the next new Lincoln has the same probems, then I'll start to worry.

#3919 of 4163 Re: ouch [akirby] by gregg_vw

Dec 17, 2012 (5:53 pm)

Replying to: akirby (Dec 17, 2012 1:40 pm)
It is interesting that GM Customer Service monitors Edmunds forums, and chimes in if people are experiencing questions or problems. I have never seen Ford or Lincoln customer service people do that here. I think it would be a good idea. It certainly could not hurt.

#3920 of 4163 Re: ouch [gregg_vw] by berri

Dec 17, 2012 (6:29 pm)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Dec 17, 2012 5:53 pm)
Nah, my experience with corporate on a problem child Explorer was just as bad as with GM and a problem plagued Oldsmobile. Do those reps online in the GM forum really resolve anything? Not sure from reading that they do. I think the key is to pick your dealership carefully, not just by low price. They are the one who is going to make the difference because they buy the cars from Ford, GM, etc. in much greater volume than your individual purchase. Both of the company reps I dealt with above really were just BS artists blowing off the problem and hoping you just got tired and went away. After that I started paying more attention to customer feedback about dealers. A good dealer will help you out a lot more than some low level corporate suit in my opinion as long as you're not a jerk dealing with them.

#3921 of 4163 Re: ouch [gregg_vw] by akirby

Dec 17, 2012 (7:32 pm)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Dec 17, 2012 5:53 pm)
Ford has been doing that through Facebook for some time. I agree all mfrs should do a much better job with customer service. Maybe this is an area where Lincoln will try to separate itself.

#3922 of 4163 Re: ouch [akirby] by steve_ HOST

Dec 17, 2012 (8:01 pm)

Replying to: akirby (Dec 17, 2012 7:32 pm)
I just recommended that a Honda owner contact the manufacturer with Twitter over on Answers. You never know what's really going to grab their attention. Earlier today there was a story about an older gentleman getting ripped off by an Acura dealer and his kids got satisfaction by contacting the AARP.
 
The guy who made YouTube fame with his song about how United Airlines trashed his guitar started a "social media" gripe company recently.
 
There has been a Ford rep around; ditto Subaru and BMW, Toyota and probably some others.
 
Damage control Customer relations is an international effort these days.

#3923 of 4163 Re: ouch [steve_] by gregg_vw

Dec 18, 2012 (8:32 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Dec 17, 2012 8:56 am)
It is odd how they managed to lose eight cubic feet of interior space compared to the Fusion. The MKZ roofline is not any more rakish or low than the Fusion's. At least not in appearance. And what's the point of cutting interior space if the roofline outline is not much different from most of the new mid-size sedans? It reminds me of the MKS. Although it is taller, longer and wider--and less gracefully drawn--than a rival (XTS), it has less interior space. Ford needs to work on that. It has been shown that great styling and good interior room can be combined. Lincoln is just not doing it yet.

#3924 of 4163 Re: ouch [gregg_vw] by akirby

Dec 18, 2012 (1:25 pm)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Dec 18, 2012 8:32 am)
Definitely a mystery. I'll see if my insider has any info.

#3925 of 4163 Re: RWD [gregg_vw] by hpmctorque

Dec 26, 2012 (7:24 am)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Dec 15, 2012 11:49 am)
Your message #3914 makes the most convincing and well expressed arguments on the FWD/RWD issue that I've read.
 
As you may know, I've argued that Lincoln needs at least one RWD based platform to differentiate itself from Ford, and to effectively compete with Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. Infiniti is doing a decent job of competing against BMW. Acura hasn't done consistently well with its Honda derived vehicles, and Audi neutralizes the FWD/RWD architecture issue by heavily promoting its Quattro system. My point regarding your excellent post, however, is that it puts the FWD/RWD issue into clear perspective, and it has tempered my thinking on the course Lincoln should take. I now think that Lincoln could follow Audi's business model if it doesn't reintroduce a RWD platform.

#3926 of 4163 Wow by gregg_vw

Dec 30, 2012 (9:29 am)

Audi is going to spend 17 billion dollars in the next 3 years to overtake BMW. They are already #1 in Europe and China. Meanwhile, Mercedes is intent on being #1. This market is heating up. Lincoln does not have the resources anymore to be a substantial purveyor of luxury vehicles. Niche maybe, like Volvo. But even Volvo sells far more cars worldwide.

Messages Page 393 of 417

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement