Used 2012 Lincoln MKZ Sedan Review & Ratings

With good performance, loads of high-tech devices and a plush and pretty cabin, the Lincoln MKZ Sedan just barely makes the grade as a mid-size luxury sedan. Despite its gadgetry and appeal the MKZ, as Lincoln's entry level-luxury contestant, just feels like a Ford Fusion with a slap and dash of added beauty; if you took the Fusion and added some higher-quality materials and a few extra luxury features, you'd probably be looking at something like this Lincoln 'luxury' sedan. The problem with the MKZ is that unless you're looking at the hybrid version, you just aren't going to get nearly enough luxury out of this vehicle to atone for its sticker price. And amongst such august company as the Lexus ES, Infiniti G37 and the BMW 3, the MKZ fails to appeal to the luxury connoisseur as a true crowd pleaser.

The problem isn't exactly the performance, although the heavy body style in conjunction with the 3.5 liter V6's 263 horsepower isn't quite what you'd expect from a midsize luxury vehicle. In fact, the acceleration is strict middle of the road in its category, attaining zero to sixty in 7.2 seconds. The Lincoln MKZ Sedan does however get decent mileage, with an EPA estimated 21 miles per gallon combined, at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. And you can get this model in an automatic six speed transmission, although for those who prefer a little more control a manual shift is added standard. The MKZ is also offered in Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD), so depending on your choice and your driving style, you could in theory improve upon the EPA estimate.

The Lincoln MKZ Sedan's performance is, however, lukewarm at best. While it responds to the driver's manipulation, it just isn't as stirring as most buyers would expect. If you're looking for something that drives like a sport sedan you're better off looking elsewhere, unless you go with the MKZ's Sport Appearance package, which at this time is sadly not available on the hybrid version. This package actually brings a little more thrill to the driving experience, making it a more fun at the expense of the soft suspension Lincoln is famed for. Because of its more firm suspension, the Sport package takes the Lincoln out of the luxury field, while not quite achieving a true sport sedan. Really, it seems the fate of the MKZ to be forever stuck in limbo, neither here nor there in vehicle classifications.