Article Comments- 2007 Lincoln MKZ Full Test

26 messages, Last post on Aug 22, 2007 at 10:40 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lincoln MKZ, Sedan

Article comments for Full Test: 2007 Lincoln MKZ - While the 2007 Lincoln MKZ is comfortable and drives well, its lower standard of overall refinement keeps it a step behind the luxury leaders. (more)

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#17 of 26 Re: No suprise here [theman123] by gregg_vw Aug 18, 2007 (7:43 pm)
Replying to: theman123 (Aug 18, 2007 4:18 pm) Sheesh, guys! Can you say thin-skinned? I read the Edmunds review of the MKZ and taken as a whole, it seems to me that it at least suggests the MKZ be considered on its merits, and value for the money is a major one. Yes, if you focus on the criticism only, then that is all you see. But they didn't say the car is a POS (like I am apt to say about the 08 Focus, because rather than using the new Focus architecture, they cobbled together some new stuff for the 2000 Focus...but I digress). For example: a stopwatch can't convey how forceful the new engine feels; it takes but one foot-to-the-floor shove to realize that the MKZ zooms ahead with abandon compared to last year's Zephyr. There's even a faint snarl from the exhaust as you reach the quarter-mile mark in 15.7 seconds at 89.6 mph. But this is no dynamic dud. Quick steering and 50-series tires put a fair degree of eagerness in the car's cornering attitude, and the MKZ's double-wishbone suspension has been stiffened enough to keep body roll under control. Factor in a fairly smooth ride and powerful disc brakes, and you have the essentials of a capable daily driver. For the record, this Lincoln's navigation system has been recognized by others for outstanding customer satisfaction. For all its compromises in refinement, the MKZ's cabin is still a relaxing place to pass the time. The front seats might not offer a huge amount of headroom, but they offer comfort that lasts for the long haul, and their seat coolers are addicting in hot weather. Even our test car with its long list of options — including all-wheel drive, the THX audio and satellite radio, a navigation system, front-seat coolers and xenon headlights (basically, every option but the sunroof) — ducked in under $35,000. Ford never intended the Zephyr/MKZ to be world class out of the box. Bad planning had left almost nothing in the pipeline for Lincoln. Given it was a later and fairly rushed add-on (in very lean times) to the Fusion program, it turned out to be a credible first effort and not just a Fusion with leather and Lincoln badging. Ford will eliminate the prop rod, improve the feel and sound of the controls, add stability control, a headrest for all seats, etc. But meanwhile it remains a bargain in its category. Replies to this message: theman123 (Aug 18, 2007 8:07 pm) gregg_vw (Aug 19, 2007 1:40 pm) brucelinc (Aug 19, 2007 6:02 am)
#18 of 26 Re: No suprise here [gregg_vw] by theman123 Aug 18, 2007 (8:07 pm)
Replying to: gregg_vw (Aug 18, 2007 7:43 pm) *gregg_vw* buddy Edmunds called the Lincoln MKZ "Cheap Luxury" And the only thing that it can compete on is "Price." gregg_vw The MKZ is the best built car in it's class. You mean to tell me the only thing that it has to offer is price. To say a luxury car can only compete on "Price" is the ultimate slap in the face. OK, Edmunds did not say "The MKZ is a POS" but they basically did with there overly critical review of the car. You said we are only focusing on the bad parts of the MKZ. Well, what did Edmunds say good ? Besides it having a big trunk ? The MKZ is the best built car in the 2007 Initial quality study for an entry level luxury car. The MKZ has won the Wards automotive best interior for 2 years in a row. The MKZ has the best Stereo money can buy. And has one of the best engines on the market. But, the only thing it has to offer is "Price" To me that's a nice way to call a Luxury car a "POS" Oh and the minor "tweaks" the MKZ would be what ? It's not a Ford ? It's not Domestic ? It's Not a Lincoln ? Rip out the interior and put in the Interior from a Acura ? Put an Arm-ripper stick for Stop-and-go traffic ? Oh maybe Wards doesn't know what they are talking about when it comes to interiors? I mean come on man, Edmunds could have just whipped it out and urinated on the hood !!! it would have been more respectful. Replies to this message: gregg_vw (Aug 19, 2007 1:40 pm)
#19 of 26 Re: No suprise here [gregg_vw] by brucelinc Aug 19, 2007 (6:02 am)
Replying to: gregg_vw (Aug 18, 2007 7:43 pm) Sheesh, guys! Can you say thin-skinned? Gregg, you are working a tough crowd here! It is good to see so much passion around a car that I didn't really think would evoke much. FWIW, I don't recall reading very glowing reviews of the MKZ in enthusiast publications like C & D or MT, either.
#20 of 26 Test drive experience by harrison310 Aug 19, 2007 (7:08 am)
I've actually been in the market for a car to replace by 03 CTS, and I testdrove an MKZ. The MKZ's interior, IMO, looked unique and interesting compared to the very similar Lexicura dashes, but I didn't like the texturing of the dash or the thinness of the steering wheel. I was very impressed at how smooth that car drove, but it was very clear to me the limitations (or differences) of FWD dynamics. As someone who has always tried to buy domestic first, I think Lincoln needs to be bolder with its styling. The MKZ may have an acclaimed interior, engine, THX sound, etc... but ultimately, it's in a body that has way too conservative styling for my taste. By comparison, I also testdrove a used Lincoln LS - wow, very nice car. A shame FoMoCo didn't update the LS styling and put in the MKZ interior. That would have been a great ride. Looking at the success of the Chrysler 300, it's clear that buyers choose cars largely on styling as opposed to quality, etc... as JD Power continues to report that Chrysler is at the bottom of their quality surveys while Lincoln is what, 2nd or 3rd place? For now, I wait for the 08 CTS.
#21 of 26 Re: No suprise here [theman123] by gregg_vw Aug 19, 2007 (1:40 pm)
Replying to: theman123 (Aug 18, 2007 8:07 pm) I realize you love the MKZ and even Edmunds lists some positive attributes (see my previous post). It has won awards and that is great too. But many people shopping in this class of car will pay more attention to the feel of the details than to initial quality ratings. Today I just sat in a 2008 MB C Class and I was wowed by how slick the controls work, how silently the computer screen appears, and the feel of everything inside. No, it is not as roomy as the MKZ, but no one will mistake it for anything but a rear drive Mercedes Benz. Lincoln will get there with all the luxury details that many buyers take for granted, but clearly notice if they are missing. Lincoln is just not there yet. But in the meantime, it is still a high quality, reliable (and inexpensive) machine. You look for different things in a car and you found them in the MKZ. But not everyone will. My '99 non-luxury VW came with seat and canopy airbags, soft touch trim, luxury feel controls, a completely hidden passenger side airbag (no cut lines at all), damped glove box door, damped pulldown grab handles above each door, tight gaps, center rear headrest, hood struts--all standard equipment. It didn't come with a great reliability rating--though mine was completely trouble-free anyway. I don't want my luxury car purchase to be a vehicle that compromises these things. But to others, these things may not matter.
#22 of 26 Re: No suprise here [theman123] by savetheland Aug 20, 2007 (4:36 pm)
Replying to: theman123 (Aug 18, 2007 4:18 pm) Import lovers most likely do not read threads like this and may be even are not aware about Lincoln. Cheap luxury – yes it is. As well as Buick and Acura. And BTW Lexus ES is also nothing other than cheap luxury. It is also true that car magazines were not impressed by MKZ. I never drove MKZ so do not know what to say. But I do not like interior. From what I saw on auto-shows – Lexus ES impresses more as a luxury car than any of Lincolns. And the reason is tremendous attention to details. What Ford cars lack – it is attention to details and tendency to save money in places where customer can see and feel. Regarding Edmunds – it is just one of Internet resources oriented more towards car sales and research than testing cars. If I want to know about reliability I look into CR. If I want second opinion about car from driver’s perspective – I read Car and Driver. Replies to this message: cowbell (Aug 21, 2007 7:41 am) savetheland (Aug 21, 2007 4:05 pm)
#23 of 26 Re: No suprise here [savetheland] by cowbell Aug 21, 2007 (7:41 am)
Replying to: savetheland (Aug 20, 2007 4:36 pm) I can't help but ask, having never driven an MKZ, how do you know that the details are not as good in the Lexus? How can you tell this from pictures? Please don't interpret this question as snide or mean. I always think these auto discussion become way too mean spirited. I can understand where you're coming from because I too can develop an opinion of a car just from seeing pictures and reading the company name on the car. In fact, from the pictures, and even sitting in it at the Washington auto show, my wife and I thought the MKZ was blah. But then when we were looking at a new Sable (I've always been interested in large cars) we test drove an MKZ that was on the lot and were very surprised how nice it was. This was after we had test drove a Lexus ES350. Replies to this message: savetheland (Aug 21, 2007 4:05 pm)
#24 of 26 Re: No suprise here [cowbell] by savetheland Aug 21, 2007 (4:05 pm)
Replying to: cowbell (Aug 21, 2007 7:41 am) I sat in MKZ several times in auto-shows and compared it side by side with Lexus ES. Design looks dated compared with new ES. As I understand Ford did not pay attention to Lincoln for many years and MKZ was half-baked product, while Toyota was pushing Lexus in earnest against Mercedes for many-many years. That creates the gap that Lincoln will need many years of honest development to close. And actually Lexus feels as a higher quality product than Mercedes. Mercedes still needs to raise its quality standards to catch with Toyota and may be it will never be able to do that. Of course it is autobahn certified, but who cares about it in USA? Yes - there is no much hope for Lincoln to compete with Lexus and Mercedes. But it still can compete with Buick. But I not so sure that Lincoln (or Buick) will survive in long run if Ford (and GM) will continue to treat it as it currently does. Hell, Ford could not make even Jaguar competitive in this segment and Jaguar had much better reputation as a luxury car maker than Lincoln!
#25 of 26 What is so horrible about a hood prop rod? by whateverdude Aug 22, 2007 (10:10 am)
Maybe I just don't know what I'm missing since I've never driven a car without one, but I find it hard to fathom why this would even be worth a complaint. If it was missing a remote trunk release (like the Mazda3 inexplicably does), now THAT would be annoying, since trunks are used almost every day. But how often do people even pop their hoods these days (especially a luxury car buyer), maybe a couple times a year? Are they really going to miss the 5 seconds of their life it takes to prop the hood? Replies to this message: gregg_vw (Aug 22, 2007 10:40 am)
#26 of 26 Re: What is so horrible about a hood prop rod? [whateverdude] by gregg_vw Aug 22, 2007 (10:40 am)
Replying to: whateverdude (Aug 22, 2007 10:10 am) Whatever, dude. I have a VW with hood struts (and therefore a hood that stays wherever you put it), and a car with a prop rod. Once you've had the strut supported hood, trust me, you don't want to be fooling with popping a prop rod in a hole just to open the hood.