2nd Sep 2009, 17:35
"It may not appeal to people who think it's a Fusion/Mazda M6 in drag..."
I hate to burst your bubble, but the MKZ IS a Fusion in drag. My family owns one of each, and if you were blindfolded and taken for a ride in each, you'd never know which one you're in.
With that said, BOTH the Fusion and the MKZ are absolutely awesome cars. My millionaire boss is so impressed with my Fusion (we take it on trips for business) that he wants one. Mom bought the MKZ for the ego appeal, but admits there is no difference between it and the Fusion. If she wasn't involved with the society set, she'd have saved a bundle on a loaded Fusion SEL, which offers everything the MKZ does.
6th Nov 2009, 16:05
You haven't burst my bubble. I know that the MKZ essentially shares the same platform and many mechanical components of the Fusion/Mazda. It does however have proprietary components specific to Lincoln.
The suspension and ride characteristics may mimic the Fusion to a degree. There are however, subtle yet distinctive characteristics that are perceptible to a discerning driver.
All one need do is drive both vehicles over a very bumpy road at speed. You'll notice the difference.
10th Nov 2009, 22:18
I've driven both our Fusion and our MKZ over bumpy roads at speeds from 30 to 80. There is no noticeable difference. The MKZ has more sound insulation, which dampens road noise ever so slightly, but the ride is virtually identical. Having both vehicles has definitely convinced us to save our money next time and opt for the Fusion SEL. It has all the options the MKZ does. The only real advantage to the MKZ is the more powerful engine. It is fun to show up BMW's in stoplight drags.
1st Nov 2010, 09:08
I have 46,000 miles on my 07 MKZ and it's a rattle box.
The velcro holding the headliner in place makes noise, there is another mysterious noise coming from the headliner that 2 dealerships have acknowledged but neither can fix. Now there is a loud clunking noise that is coming from inside the door panels. The PTO (AWD system) was leaking and replaced.
Forget comparing this car to a German car, it's not even comparable to a non-luxury Japanese car. Those who swear that Lincolns are great have either never owned another brand or work for Ford Motor Co.
13th Nov 2010, 13:35
This fall, four adults took a 3400 mile cross country trip in my beautiful 2007 FWD MKZ, getting 24 mpg. It's very stable in rain or snow. Did not buy a AWD that eats power and adds weight.
The six changer CD won't eject, but the radio search always found stations.
We heard rattles, which turned out be a pen and over stuffed compartments, which could be larger.
We got confused with the dual heat/AC, so we got the owners manual out to reset.
Earlier was warranty work on a R.F. stabilizer bar that couldn't be felt, but rattled, cracked boot?
Dad's Lexus was used on the last long trip. The MKZ impressed us with the drivers sporty feel. The big difference was purchase price. Both worked great on trips.
11th Aug 2009, 18:18
I just purchased a 2009 MKS, the next model up from the MKZ. This car is incredible, I can't say enough about the ride and the features this MKS offers. I've only owned it a week but I know this car is going to be with me for a long time. I drove the MKZ and would have opted for it if I hadn't driven the MKS.
The MKZ is a delight to drive. I don't think you could find a better value in it's class! It may not appeal to people who think it's a Fusion/Mazda M6 in drag but it's engineered to make the best of what this platform has to offer. You really need to drive an MKZ to appreciate the difference. This is a world class offering!
As for my MKS, well it's built on the Tarus/500 platform. It's extremely responsive and handles like a Mercedes. It has heated and cooled English leather seats, 255/45/19 tires and it goes like stink. Best of all, my wife loves this car!
I'll post a review in about a year, that should be enough time to ferret out any problems or annoyances that may pop up.