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2009 Lincoln MKZ Quality Review

February 23, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

style and quality pale in comparison to those of other entry-level luxury cars
Edmunds

six-footers get ample headroom and legroom
AutoWeek

Lincoln MKZ trunk "best in class
Kelley Blue Book

The 2009 Lincoln MKZ has more cabin room than expected—including a very spacious backseat—but some interior trim isn’t in the league of luxury competitors.

Across the board of reviews studied by TheCarConnection, the MKZ’s seats are almost universally lauded. AutoWeek notes that "Lincoln MKZ seats are supportive without being too stiff or soft," while "six-footers get ample headroom and legroom," according to ConsumerGuide, which adds that "seats are a rewarding blend of soft padding and comfortable backrest contours." Most impressive to TheCarConnection.com’s team of auto experts is the backseat; Kelley Blue Book reports "rear-seat space is surprisingly generous, with more than three feet (!) of legroom."

The Lincoln MKZ doesn't skimp on storage space, either. Cars.com reports "the 60/40-split rear seats fold to provide access to the 15.8-cubic-foot trunk." It's not all perfect, however; ConsumerGuide says "the MKZ Lincoln cargo area is useful in shape and volume," but is "ill suited to tall boxes and lined with cheap-feeling material." Nonetheless, Kelley Blue Book calls the Lincoln MKZ trunk "best in class."

The materials used inside are hit and miss, as Lincoln apparently tried to incorporate a modern look while also keeping with more conservative tradition. That includes real wood trim, which impresses some reviewers, but abundant silver-finished plastic turns others off. ConsumerGuide says "the interior is let down by unconvincing plastics designed to look like metal...other MKZ Lincoln cabin materials disappoint as well, trailing premium competitors in richness." Motor Trend points out “plastic bits are somewhat low rent,” but adds “it's a pleasant place to live and ride.” Edmunds contends, though, that “interior materials are high in quality and come in either dark or light color schemes. Dash and door panels are adorned with genuine wood and available nickel satin accents.”

Several reviewers point out the very quiet interior in the 2009 Lincoln MKZ. According to ConsumerGuide, Lincoln MKZ tires "are heard only on the coarsest surfaces. The engine has a pleasant hum while cruising but has a slightly ragged growl in rapid acceleration."

Conclusion

The 2009 Lincoln MKZ offers traditional American luxury, with some modern improvements.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:style and quality pale in comparison to those of other entry-level luxury carsEdmundssix-footers get ample headroom and legroomAutoWeekLincoln MKZ trunk "best in classKelley Blue Book The 2009 Lincoln MKZ has more cabin room than expected—including a very spacious backseat—but some interior trim isn’t in the league of luxury competitors. Across the board of reviews studied by TheCarConnection, the MKZ’s seats are almost universally lauded. AutoWeek notes that "Lincoln MKZ seats are supportive without being too stiff or soft," while "six-footers get ample headroom and legroom," according to ConsumerGuide, which adds that "seats are a rewarding blend of soft padding and comfortable backrest contours." Most impressive to TheCarConnection.com’s team of auto experts is the backseat; Kelley Blue Book reports "rear-seat space is surprisingly generous, with more than three feet (!) of legroom." The Lincoln MKZ doesn't skimp on storage space, either. Cars.com reports "the 60/40-split rear seats fold to provide access to the 15.8-cubic-foot trunk." It's not all perfect, however; ConsumerGuide says "the MKZ Lincoln cargo area is useful in shape and volume," but is "ill suited to tall boxes and lined with cheap-feeling material." Nonetheless, Kelley Blue Book calls the Lincoln MKZ trunk "best in class." The materials used inside are hit and miss, as Lincoln apparently tried to incorporate a modern look while also keeping with more conservative tradition. That includes real wood trim, which impresses some reviewers, but abundant silver-finished plastic turns others off. ConsumerGuide says "the interior is let down by unconvincing plastics designed to look like metal...other MKZ Lincoln cabin materials disappoint as well, trailing premium competitors in richness." Motor Trend points out “plastic bits are somewhat low rent,” but adds “it's a pleasant place to live and ride.” Edmunds contends, though, that “interior materials are high in quality and come in either dark or light color schemes. Dash and door panels are adorned with genuine wood and available nickel satin accents.” Several reviewers point out the very quiet interior in the 2009 Lincoln MKZ. According to ConsumerGuide, Lincoln MKZ tires "are heard only on the coarsest surfaces. The engine has a pleasant hum while cruising but has a slightly ragged growl in rapid acceleration." ConclusionThe 2009 Lincoln MKZ offers traditional American luxury, with some modern improvements. 2009 LINCOLN MKZ STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "certainly looks the part of a credible midsize luxury sedan " Car and Driver: "The styling is plebeian" Washington Post: "It looks dated, like something for little old people" Distinctive Lincoln styling helps the 2009 ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The rear-drive cars of this group are much more sporting in terms of driving personality and dynamics. The BMW 3 Series remains a performance benchmark that few can match, including the front-wheel-drive 2009 Lincoln MKZ. The Infiniti G37 comes close to the BMW 3 Series in terms of athleticism, but the MKZ provides more room and value over both. The Audi A4 and Lexus ES 350 are primarily front-drive sedans (the ES is based on the Toyota Camry platform). The Audi is sportier than the Lincoln, but smaller and less comfortable. The Lexus is considerably more sedate than the Lincoln—and the only one in this bunch not to offer optional all-wheel drive—but the ES is Lexus’s comfort-oriented, affordable model.

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See the Lincoln MKZ in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

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