2007 Lincoln MKZ Review

Now we've got a ballgame. Lincoln's new entry-level, mid-size MKZ sedan is generally as good as premium rival Japanese cars such as the costlier Lexus ES350 and Acura TL. Revised styling, more power and newly available all-wheel drive are the new model's major improvements.

The fun-to-drive MKZ reminds me of the fabulous early 1950s Lincolns, which won long, hard road races against stiff foreign and U.S. competition in fairly stock form. Unfortunately, the victories did little to enable Lincoln to get close to Cadillac sales, so Lincoln began concentrating on larger, more luxurious cars.

Most new models keep the same name for years, but the MKZ debuted for 2006 as the Lincoln Zephyr, sharing major parts with Ford Motor's also-new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. 

Ford Motor controls Mazda, so the front-wheel-drive trio was derived from the lively Mazda6 sedan. That practically assured they'd be above-average. Which they were. All became a sales success.

So why the Lincoln name change? The 2006 Zephyr borrowed its rather poetic name from an advanced, streamlined 1930s and early 1940s Lincoln, which had a V-12 engine. It's all the rage to give new vehicles letters and numbers instead of regular names, but at least the 2007 Fusion and Milan keep their original names.

The Zephyr gets much more than a new name for 2007 because Ford Motor's Lincoln-Mercury division is urgently trying to distinguish Lincoln from its other nameplates. Changes given to this 2007 Lincoln usually aren't given a new model for three or four years.

For one thing, the MKZ has Ford Motor's potent new 3.5-liter 263-horsepower V-6. The engine replaces last year's 3-liter 221-horsepower V-6 and provides stronger acceleration in town and on highways.

The more plebeian Fusion and Milan might have to wait until 2008 to get the larger V-6, although they're pretty fast with the 3-liter engine.

The MKZ V-6 is paired with a responsive, electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. It has no manual shift mode but provides smooth upshifts and always seems to have the right gear waiting for a driver command, such as for passing.

The Zephyr's standard front-wheel-drive setup is retained, but all-wheel drive is newly available as an $1,875 option. The front-drive MKZ thus lists at $29,175, while the AWD version goes for $31,050.

The MKZ offers lots of upscale standard equipment for the money. It includes leather upholstery, heated power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls, real wood (or satin nickel) interior trim, AM/FM radio with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer, remote keyless entry and the usual power accessories.

Safety features include front-side and curtain-side air bags and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution for surer stops.

Options include a $1,200 power sunroof, $495 cooled front seats, $895 chrome alloy wheels, $2,495 navigation system and $195 Sirius satellite radio, which requires a monthly fee. The industry's first THX II Certified 14-speaker audio system costs $995.

A surprisingly large number of car buyers are opting for all-wheel drive, although it's not really needed for Chicago area driving.

The MKZ has a standard traction control system. But all-wheel drive provides better grip on both wet and dry roads, providing an extra safety margin. But it adds weight, complexity and friction, which lower fuel economy a bit.

The MKZ thus gets an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway with front-drive and 18 and 26 with all-wheel drive. Only 87-octane fuel is required.

Other changes include revised styling, with a new front fascia. The new "waterfall" grille gives the MKZ a more assertive, upscale look, although the Zephyr's styling was pretty muscular to begin with.

There's no lack of tasteful glitz, as shown by chromed trim at the car's beltline just under the windows and on rearview mirror covers.

Also new are sporty looking 17-inch aluminum wheels with fairly wide 50-series tires to enhance handling and stopping.

The rear bumper surface is nearly flush for a cleaner appearance. Twin chrome exhaust pipe tips are set wide apart for a traditional American performance car look.

The rigidly built MKZ has stiffer springs and dampers and thicker anti-sway bars for sharp handling. While firm, the ride is well-controlled and shouldn't be rejected by Lincoln buyers -- although the automaker is shooting for more younger buyers with the MKZ. The typical buyer is projected to be a 38-year-old college graduate.

The rack-and-pinion steering is quick. However my test car's steering had a slightly rubbery feel, perhaps because it was equipped with the all-wheel-drive system. The turning circle diameter is a rather large 40 feet. Some might find the brake pedal a bit too soft, but it has a linear action and stopping power is good.

Front seats provide good side and thigh support. Gauges can be read fairly quickly, but should be larger, despite their electro-luminescent lighting. Sound-system and climate controls also can be easily used, and white light-emitting diodes backlight controls and switches at night.

The quiet, upscale interior has impressive rear-seat room. Even the center of the back seat is fairly comfortable, which isn't the case with most cars. The rear seat also has a large fold-down armrest containing dual cupholders.

The large trunk has a low, wide opening. Its lid moves up smoothly on compact struts that don't impinge on trunk volume or crush cargo. But rear seatbacks don't sit entirely flat when flipped forward to enlarge the cargo area.

Ford Motor says the Zephyr was one of its top-quality vehicles, which suggests that the MKZ should be very reliable. But Lincoln's problem will be having potential buyers check out the MKZ and not automatically head straight for a Japanese car showroom. 

2007 LINCOLN MKZ 

PRICE: $29,175-$31,050

LIKES: Sharper styling. Stronger new V-6. Fun to drive. Posh. Roomy. Available all-wheel drive. Price competitive.

DISLIKES: Rather large turning circle. Small gauges. Folded rear seatbacks don't sit entirely flat.