2007 Lincoln MKZ Review

The 2007 Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan (formerly known as the Zephyr) is long on luxury, comfort, and quiet. It is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and both versions are stacked with standard luxury items including dual zone automatic temperature control, wood trim, heated front seats with power adjusters, 17-inch alloy wheels, and leather seating surfaces.

Even more luxury is available through the MKZ's extensive options list. Even still, adding a power moonroof, DVD-based navigation, THX-quality sound, cooled front seats, and high-intensity discharge headlights still keeps the FWD MKZ under $35,000.

The Lincoln MKZ may share its basic chassis with the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, but under the hood is the modern Ford 3.5L Duratec V6 engine. It puts out 263 horsepower and a healthy 249 lb-ft of torque, whereas the optional V6 found in the Fusion and Milan remains the 221-horsepower 3.0L. Thanks to a six-speed automatic transmission, acceleration is right in line with the competition. The fuel economy is commendable for a 3,543-pound vehicle. The $29,305 front-wheel drive MKZ gets 19/27 mpg city/highway and the $31,175 AWD is rated at 18/26 by the EPA.

The road manners of the MKZ are what you'd expect from a Lincoln. The cabin is quiet enough that we were really able to appreciate the marvelous sounds that emanated from the premium in-dash, six-CD audio system. The four-wheel ABS-equipped disc brakes provide good stops. Road feedback through the delightful leather steering wheel is excellent considering how smooth a ride these tires deliver.

Aside from its supple ride, the MKZ stands apart from the competition in safety. No other mid-size luxury sedan offers the same level of equipment designed to protect you and yours. Of course you'll find dual stage front air bags; but there are also front seat-mounted bags and side curtain bags that protect all outboard occupants of the MKZ. Standard traction control helps keep the Duratec engine's power properly modulated to avoid wheel spin in slippery conditions. Keyless entry is possible, and the key fob also has a panic button and remote trunk release. There is also an alarm system standard in every MKZ.

The MKZ makes a great family vehicle for those who love the Lincoln look. If you value quiet, comfort, and plenty of passenger space in a stylish package, the MKZ is for you.
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr becomes the Lincoln MKZ for 2007. Besides the nameplate change, there's big news under the hood. Ford's 3.5L Duratec V6 engine boosts this mid-size sedan's propulsion power to 263 horsepower. The suspension strikes a better balance between ride and handling than the 2006 Zephyr, and an all-wheel-drive variant joins the fold. see less