Perhaps more than any other old-school American auto brand, Lincoln needs revitalization the most.
For those in the baby boomer age range, just think about what the mention of a “Lincoln” car once meant to you. Elegance, class, luxury and excellence likely come to mind.
Alas, in recent years, Lincoln to many minds has meant: Oh, you didn’t get the Lexus?
That’s sad, especially because Lincoln is trying. Take the new-for-2007 Lincoln MKZ, which I recently had in all-wheel-drive trim for a week of testing.
The MKZ upgrades the Lincoln Zephyr sedan, which was all new itself in 2006. Two new entry-level sedans in two years; that’s some serious effort.
Having tested the Zephyr last year, I can tell you that the MKZ is definitely a step up — but not a full step up, in my view.
First off, the MKZ looks very cool, especially with the brighter-than-bright chrome, waterfall-style grille on the front end. It all but shrieks: “I am Lincoln. “
The tester wore Amethyst Clearcoat Metallic paint, which appeared to shine with thousands of amethyst stones in the bright sunlight.
Passers-by stopped and commented on the spectacular color … not an everyday occurrence in this era of countless paint schemes.
Those 17-inch, eight-spoke, machined-aluminum wheels certainly added some zip, too.
The impressive exterior look was more than upheld inside the tester.
The MKZ AWD starts at a comparatively affordable $31,050, but the tested model was gussied up with wood trim and leather. Even so, the interior cabin looked pricier than what one would expect from a car with a bottom-line sticker price of $35,445.
Even the air vents had that classy, shiny-metal look, not the cheap plastic feel you sometimes get in cars priced above $30,000. Back-seat space is good, but not cavernous. Trunk space is excellent at 15.8 cubic feet.
The tester offered the THX II Certified audio system, billed as an industry first and an absolute blast with 14 speakers pouring out a surround-sound feast for the ears. The system can be had with Sirius Satellite Radio and an MP3 audio input jack.
A navigation system, by the way, adds nearly $2,500 to the bottom line.
One of my problems with the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr was that the 3-liter V-6 with 221 horsepower was significantly lacking in oomph. Lincoln responded by putting a 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 horsepower in the MKZ.
While performance has improved, I still feel that the MKZ needs a power boost. That’s particularly true on accelerations from a standing start, which are tepid and noisy.
Once it revs up, the MKZ is a smooth freeway cruiser. Steering is responsive, and the car holds its line well in slalom runs. At the top of steep inclines, however, I sensed more struggling and heard more noise.
Surprisingly, Lincoln recommends good, old regular unleaded for the V-6 — a break for folks getting reaccustomed to the $50 fill-up this spring.
Fuel economy is a so-so 18 miles per gallon in city driving and 26 mpg on the open road.
So, has enough been done to the MKZ to make it a player in the entry-level luxury sedan segment? I think so.
There are a lot of $35,000, $40,000 and even $45,000 cars out there in midsize skin and stuffed full of customer-pleasing amenities. The MKZ stacks up very well in that group. I just wish it had a little more zing under the hood.
Quick studies will note that what Lincoln is doing has already worked for another venerable American car brand. General Motors was successful in boosting Cadillac’s fortunes in recent years by introducing some flashy models that, surprise, bore initials instead of traditional car names.
About those MKZ initials: Ford Motor Co. introduced the new Lincoln to be pronounced “Mark Z.” But folks immediately started calling it an “em-kay-zee.” Ford said: We’ll go with what the public wants. Good call … Certainly better than calling it a Zephyr, Version 2.0.
Personally, I’d call the MKZ a nice improvement over the recent past.
2007 Lincoln MKZ at a glance
Make/model: 2007 Lincoln MKZ AWD Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door, all-wheel-drive, midsize luxury sedan Base price: $31,050 (as tested, $35,445 Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 horsepower at 6,250 revolutions per minute and 249 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm EPA fuel economy: 18 miles per gallon city; 26 mpg highway (regular unleaded) Transmission: Six-speed automatic with overdrive Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with anti-lock and electronic brake force distribution Suspension: Independent short- and long-arm type on front; independent multi-link on rear (stabilizer bars front and rear) Fuel tank: 20 gallons Passenger volume: 99 cubic feet Trunk volume: 15.8 cubic feet Curb weight: 3,410 pounds Height: 57.2 inches Length: 190.5 inches Wheelbase: 107.4 inches Width: 72.2 inches Track: 61.6 inches on front; 61.3 inches on rear Ground clearance: 5.5 inches (estimated) Tires: P225/50VR17 radials Final assembly point: Hermosillo, Mexico
