The 2008 Lincoln MKZ is old-school plush with comfortable leather seating, bump-eating suspension and a library quiet interior. But this midsize sedan is also loaded with the gadgets that define 21st-century luxury -- including a THX II-certified sound system that operates by voice command.
ABOUT THE LINCOLN MKZ:
Body style:
Midsize sedan
Price:
Base MSRP $30,980-$32,850
Drive:
Front-wheel, all-wheel
Seating:
Two in front, three in back
Engine:
3.5-liter V-6
Transmission:
Six-speed automatic
Miles per gallon of fuel:
18 city, 28 highway
WHAT'S SPECIAL:
You would have to go to Best Buy to find more electronics than what's packed into the cabin of the MKZ. Standard equipment includes the Sync system that allows you to change the music by talking aloud. There is a USB port and an iPod jack in the center console. Sirius Satellite Radio is also standard.
WHAT WE LIKE:
The MKZ is a very comfortable ride. Driver and passenger have 10-way power seats upholstered in perforated leather that permits cooling as well as heating. No more sticky seats during long drives. The 263-horsepower V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission provide a smooth cruise.
WHAT ISN'T THERE:
Crisp handling. The ride is soft, nice for comfort, but soft translates into sort of mushy compared with a luxury midsize sedan like the BMW 3 series. We suspect those test-driving a Lincoln are more interested in comfort over road feel.
YOU OUGHTA KNOW:
The MKZ has a trunk big enough for Tony Soprano, if you know what we mean. The official measurement is 15.8 cubic square feet. If you have extra bodies, er, cargo, there is a 60/40 split folding rear seat that provides some uncommon versatility for a sedan.
EXTRAS:
The array of safety equipment includes side impact air bags for driver and front passenger and side curtain air bags for folks in front and back. There is traction control, but not stability control. A backup sensor is helpful in parking, sounding a beeping alarm that becomes more rapid as you ease closer to an object. There is no rear-view camera, however, even with the optional navigation system. The THX sound system is among the best in anything with wheels.
AND ANOTHER THING:
You have a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive will cost about $2,000 more.
