2010 Lincoln MKZ Waterville ME

December 9, 2009   By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor


2010 Lincoln MKZ
DriverSide Overview  








Ever had a friend ask if you noticed something different about them? Ever embarrassingly draw a blank? That tends to happen when cars go through a mid-cycle refresh, as the manufacturers like to call it; a few tweaks here and there to update it, sometimes only seen by the discerning eye. Lincoln didn’t get the memo though, and ended up modifying so many elements of the 2010 MKZ – their entry-level luxury sedan – that you’d have to be legally blind not to notice. Less has been done with what’s under the hood than the overall design of the car, but almost every component that involves driver interaction has been put through the ringer. The outdated look of the exterior has been wiped clean and replaced with a more modern design, complete with the now signature Joker face grille. The transmission includes a standard manual mode now, and there are plenty of technology add-ons from safety systems to a melodious surround-sound audio system. However, the wow factor is all about the interior. The ‘after’ shot features materials of better quality, surprisingly comfortable and roomy seats, a whisper-quiet cabin and a dramatically altered instrument panel. We still see too many Ford vehicle components in the interior than we’d expect in a more upscale car, but the transformation of the MKZ is undeniably recognizable.
 
What's to Like 

A sport package adds much-needed drivability to the MKZ, though the base model will be fine for those wanting their ride to glide over the road. Wind noise reduction is outstanding and the V-6 has been tuned to sound throatier when punched. According to Lincoln, they’ve also shaved 0.6 seconds off its 0-60 mph time. It feels like it too.  

What's Not to Like
 
Buttons on the instrument panel – while now miles better – don’t reek of luxury like they should. The climate controls are also tiny – time to pull out the reading glasses. Steering, without the sport package, feels rubbery and snaps back to center position all too easily. 
 
The Drive: 
DriverSide Driving Impressions 
A major requirement of the entry-level luxury segment is to feel at ease behind the wheel and for the most part, Lincoln delivers on that sense of drivability. The 3.5-liter V-6 emits a nice engine note when the throttle is really pushed, and quiets down when a relaxed driving style is sought. Delivering power to the front wheels provides less control out of turns than we’d like and if that bothers you, we’d recommend all-wheel drive. The carryover six-speed transmission isn’t the most responsive we’ve felt and shifts that should be silky smooth disappoint in the lower gears. Imperfections are hidden by a high overall comfort level, aided by a newly refined suspension ...

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