2008 Lincoln MKZ Review

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The 2008 Lincoln MKZ comes with a 3.5L V6 engine making 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that's tuned to make especially smooth gear changes. There are two different models-one with front-wheel drive, and another with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that's oriented for slippery road conditions and can seamlessly send more torque to the back wheels even before the front ones slip. The system adjusts power from side-to-side as well as front-to-back.

As is expected in a Lincoln, the MKZ has a smooth and quiet ride; a front perimeter subframe helps reduce noise and vibration, yet a stiff body structure and special attention to suspension tuning allow sharp handling response, too.

The sedan offers an... see more

The 2008 Lincoln MKZ comes with a 3.5L V6 engine making 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that's tuned to make especially smooth gear changes. There are two different models-one with front-wheel drive, and another with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that's oriented for slippery road conditions and can seamlessly send more torque to the back wheels even before the front ones slip. The system adjusts power from side-to-side as well as front-to-back.

As is expected in a Lincoln, the MKZ has a smooth and quiet ride; a front perimeter subframe helps reduce noise and vibration, yet a stiff body structure and special attention to suspension tuning allow sharp handling response, too.

The sedan offers an especially roomy back-seat area, with best-in-class legroom according to the automaker, and a 60/40-split back seat that is spring-assisted and folds forward to expand the trunk space when needed. At 15.8 cubic feet with the back seat up and in place, the trunk is said to be the largest in its class also. The MKZ comes with anti-lock brakes, plus front side air bags and side curtain bags that protect outboard occupants in both rows.

The top-rated premium sound system uses THX surround sound technology and has a total of 12 channels, 14 speakers, two subwoofers, and 600 watts of power, plus separate modes to get the best sound depending on how many people are aboard. The available navigation system, also top-rated, now includes voice-activation features.

The standard-equipment list for the MKZ is extensive, including heated and cooled ten-way-adjustable front seats, a reverse-sensing system, dual-zone climate control, painted aluminum wheels, and LED taillamps. Standout options include the THX II-certified audio system, voice-activated navigation, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, and a power moonroof.
The Lincoln MKZ, which was new for 2007 and previously called the Zephyr, enters 2008 with increased standard features. Sirius satellite radio and perforated leather-trimmed seats-heated and cooled in front-are now standard.

Later in the model year, the new Sync communications and entertainment interface, which provides hands-free, voice-activated access to cell phones and portable multimedia devices such as iPods was made standard. The available navigation system now includes voice activation as well.

Four new clear coat exteriors-Dark Blue Ink Metallic, Moss Green Metallic, Vapor Silver Metallic, and White Suede-join the palette of colors. see less

Trims	City MPG	Hwy MPG	MSRP	Invoice	Displacement	Engine
4dr Sdn AWD	17	24	$32,850	$30,245	3.5L/213	Gas V6
4dr Sdn FWD	18	28	$30,980	$28,562	3.5L/213	Gas V6

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Â 2008 LINCOLN MKZ STYLING | [7 out of 10]

Car and Driver: "The styling is plebeian"
Kelley Blue Book: "casual, confident and more understated design"
Washington Post: "It looks dated, like something for little old people"

Classic Lincoln styling helps the 2008 MKZ stand out from other luxury cars. The look is clean, crisp, and modern with just enough heritage to make the car immediately recognizable as a Lincoln without being slavishly retro.

The Lincoln MKZ carries a theme of "angular styling touches" throughout its sheetmetal and interior, Cars.com says. Edmunds agrees that the "exterior styling includes the familial Lincoln waterfall grille and tasteful chrome trim." Car and Driver notes "the styling is plebeian," and the Washington Post finds that the Lincoln MKZ "looks dated, like something for little old people." Kelley Blue Book, though, remarks the Lincoln MKZ has a "casual, confident and more understated design," and adds, "with its bold waterfall grille, jewel-like quad projector-beam headlamps, judicious use of chrome trim and low-profile tires on 17-inch, eight-spoke machined aluminum wheels, the 2008 Lincoln MKZ certainly looks the part of a credible midsize luxury sedan."

(see full review)

2008 Lincoln MKZ

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