2010 Lincoln MKZ: My thoughts

I probably never updated this thread since I actually test drove the 2010 MKZ for myself. I thought the interior was wonderfully appointed, I liked the fit and finish of the interior as well as the various cabin materials. The center console is a tad busy, yet very symmetrically and nicely laid out at the same time.

I drove just a base model here over the summer, but I'm still DYING to test drive the MKZ w/ Sport package but there are none within a few hundred miles from here. I'm thinking, a few months down the line when I might be ready for a new car purchase, and I still haven't been able to test drive one w/ Sport. If I set my mind on getting the MKZ, I'll probably have to get a factory order in (maybe have to wait on the 2012 model?)

But still--has anyone here actually have driven the MKZ with Sport Appearance package? I have no reservations about the handling capability--only how rough/firm the suspension is. It's probably just as harsh as the Hyundai Sonata SE, which was borderline unpleasant for me.

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But still--has anyone here actually have driven the MKZ with Sport Appearance package? I have no reservations about the handling capability--only how rough/firm the suspension is. It's probably just as harsh as the Hyundai Sonata SE, which was borderline unpleasant for me.
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Hi Simpson. :wavey: Yes, I have driven the MKZ Sport (And MKZ, Fusion, Fusion Sport etc.).

Keep in mind that what follows is my personal opinion and opinions will vary: In the same manner that the differences in ride quality between the Fusion SEL V-6 and Fusion Sport are not very glaring, the differences in ride quality/firmness between the MKZ/MKZ Sport are minimal. In fact, since the base MKZ already has the 3.5L V-6, the differences are even less noticeable than the Fusion pair and owe more to the larger wheel/tire combo than the suspension calibrations. And in no way is it anywhere near "as harsh as the Hyundai Sonata SE". Unless you are very sensitive to ride imperfections, you could be happy with either (again, my opinion).

In reality, I would consider the choice to come down to one of style preference than ride/handling differences, since the engine is the same in both the MKZ and MKZ Sport (other than the suspension tweaking, the only big non-style difference in the Fusion/Fusion Sport comparison). And even the style differences are more interior styling than exterior, since other than the wheels, the exterior styling differences are very subtle.

The interior appointments in the two MKZ's differ (real wood/versus aluminum and seating appointment changes etc.). Exterior wise? The wheel size/style difference and some dark tinting/less chrome on the MKZ Sport.

Another way to look at it? In the MKZ, the Sport version is really only an interior/exterior trim, wheels and minor suspension tweaks option package, as opposed to the Fusion Sport which is an entirely different power-train than other Fusion models.

I am in a similar situation as you. We will be replacing my wife's car soon, and I am also torn between the MKZ Sport and MKZ. Wish there was a way to pick and choose between the two. We would like to get the Sport with the wood trim and everything but the moonroof, but the way the option packages are set up, it is not possible. The MKS EcoBoost? Would love the EcoBoost, but just do not need a bigger car (according to wifey :hugglez.

Anyway, good luck with your shopping. :cheers:

Moonroofs are nice, but I'm totally indifferent to them. I could definitely do without having one.


Ok bbf....The moment of truth. You say we're in the same boat in what we want in our MKZ...

So, what's your desired color? My choice is the new Bordeaux Reserve w/ the Cashmere interior.

Thought process:

I think Black looks sharp, so does White (Platinum or Suede), but they are a pain to keep clean.

Silver is safe, but due to this, it comes off as too bland.

Red Candy looks good on the MKZ, but red cars are huge targets for the police.

That leaves Sterling Gray and Bordeaux Reserve as the best options. Considering the Executive Package, I think the Gray exterior contrasts best with the Dark Charcoal interior and the Bordeaux Reserve exterior contrasts best with the Cashmere interior. Both combinations look great, but I think every car in any segment offers a gray exterior color, but none offer quite the same shade of red/brown as the Bordeaux Reserve and that's what truly stands out to me.

You be the judge:

[quote author=SimpsonTide985 link=topic=169509.msg3870914#msg3870914 date=1291074301]
You be the judge:






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Hi Simpson. :wavey: Had my MKZ in for service before the holiday. The Dealership had an MKZ exactly like that one in the showroom. Bordeaux Reserve/Cashmere with the Executive Package wood trim. Very nice color combination.

While I was there, I also test drove a 2011 MKZ (non-Sport) and a 2011 Fusion Sport they had in stock.

My color choices? Well, MKZ/MKZ Sport color availabilities notwithstanding, I would lean towards the Sterling Gray Metallic or maybe Steel Blue Metallic exteriors with either the Dark Charcoal or Cashmere interiors.

My current MKZ is Alloy Metallic Clearcoat with the Light Stone interior, which is pretty much the same as the Sterling/Cashmere combination now available on the 2011's.

I also like black and have had a long string of them (wife's current car is black w/gray leather interior), so I might go for the Tuxedo Black Metallic (no metallic blacks were available back then). But as you stated, black is just a pain to keep clean, especially if you are fanatic about it (pollen, dust etc. :bash.

So those are my (and my wife's :hugglez decisions, decisions, decisions to make.

Good luck. :cheers:

PS - Just curious: What is the name of the Dealership on that front plate (it looks like "Tom's") and where is the Dealership located?

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[quote author=SimpsonTide985 link=topic=169509.msg3870914#msg3870914 date=1291074301]
You be the judge:






[/quote]Well, MKZ/MKZ Sport color availabilities notwithstanding, I would lean towards the Sterling Gray Metallic or maybe Steel Blue Metallic exteriors with either the Dark Charcoal or Cashmere interiors.


PS - Just curious: What is the name of the Dealership on that front plate (it looks like "Tom's") and where is the Dealership located?
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Yeah, it's weird how the Steel Blue is the only exterior color that cannot be purchased with the Executive Package. It really makes no sense to me. Perhaps they are forecasting that the Steel Blue will be the least popular color so they may be limiting the options.

and yep, Tom's Ford in New Jersey:
http://www.tomazdaforumsord.com/

The biggest downside to the Cashmere interior is that stains, wear, and anything else will be much more noticeable and probably a bigger hassle to keep clean. I still like the Charcoal interior as well with the contrasting suede inserts.

Here's your Gray/Charcoal:

Oh yeah, those were just some random pics and it was the first of very few Bordeaux Reserve MKZs w/ Cashmere interiors that I could find! How ironic!

The 2010 MKZ that I drove this summer is this one...and another coincidence, STERLING GRAY!

(Mind the half-popped hood)









I almost want to wait for the 2012 models and see what changes or updates the MKZ may occur. I'd like to see the MKZ in Kona Blue, as seen on the 2011 MKS and Taurus, but I'm not holding my breath. It's still possible.

I am very well aware that wood comes in a variety of finishes, but this picture is what scares me:



I'll have to go see one up close. Does anyone know or is it listed somewhere what kind of wood it actually is?

[quote author=Canadian_LX link=topic=169509.msg3871163#msg3871163 date=1291096730]
I am very well aware that wood comes in a variety of finishes, but this picture is what scares me:


I'll have to go see one up close. Does anyone know or is it listed somewhere what kind of wood it actually is?
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Hi Canadian. :wavey: Just as the 2006-2010's did, the 2011 MKZ still has genuine/real wood accents (all of them). It's listed right in the MKZ brochures and on the Lincoln website and MKZ homepage. In those pictures it is the "Walnut Swirl" wood trim. It is a dark walnut wood. In MKZ's with the lighter wood, it is "Olive Ash".

Two things to keep in mind: First, real wood trim in modern cars (those that actually have real wood) is highly rubbed/refined and has a protective coating added (maybe a urethane?), similar to leather seats in most modern cars. It is not bare wood, so it will need no treatment other than simple wiping/cleaning, will not crack and will stay looking new for years longer, even in the high stress (heat/cold) environment of an automobile interior. Second, pictures are always deceiving, what with the non-3-D image, reflections etc..

I am not trying to talk you into liking it, as we are all certainly entitled to our own opinions on subjects like this. You will be able to decide that when you see it in person. However, it is real wood trim.

Good luck. :cheers:

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[quote author=SimpsonTide985 link=topic=169509.msg3870706#msg3870706 date=1291060334]

But still--has anyone here actually have driven the MKZ with Sport Appearance package? I have no reservations about the handling capability--only how rough/firm the suspension is. It's probably just as harsh as the Hyundai Sonata SE, which was borderline unpleasant for me.
[/quote]We will be replacing my wife's car soon, and I am also torn between the MKZ Sport and MKZ. Wish there was a way to pick and choose between the two. We would like to get the Sport with the wood trim and everything but the moonroof, but the way the option packages are set up, it is not possible.
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So, what did you think about the 2010 MKZ (non-sport) as far as driving dynamics go? I really liked the immediate power delivery, the gauges and gauge cluster, the center console, like I said, is very nicely laid out and the car has a very non-intrusive premium feel, which I like. The only thing that I didn't like was the suspension, which I felt was a bit too soft and left the car open to some heavy body roll in the turns.

As far as technology and features go in its segment it's definitely among the most competitive in the entry-level segment. I suppose if there was one other thing that I would like to see in the MKZ it would be some side view mirror turn signals.
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Hi Simpson. :wavey: I think they are very nice. I like what they have done with the exterior styling and really like the new interior styling and upgrades (quality of leather etc.). Definitely quieter, tighter and more refined than my 2007. But then again, cars do usually become more refined as the design progresses, so that normally goes without saying (EDIT - Forgot the SelectShift transmission. Having some manual control is also a nice addition! :csweeney.

I don't see the heavy body roll in turns aspect, but then again, I don't drive the car in a manner that would show me heavy body roll. Also, being a bit older than you, I have driven cars (and some of them considered premium cars) in the past that would absolutely scare you to death if you think the MKZ has too much body roll in turns. :eek4: :lmao:

But I respect your opinion, so if you feel that way about the base MKZ, then the MKZ Sport package may be the way for you to go. Or aftermarket suspension upgrades on a base MKZ suspension. :csweeney:

There is certainly no reason I can think of to keep me from purchasing a new one.

Me? The only reason I am even undecided between the two models at all is I don't like the base MKZ wheels and I don't want the optional new-style "chrome clad" ones (they are the integral wheel cover type). My 2007 "chrome clad" are not the wheel cover type of chrome clads. Therefore, I prefer the Sport for the polished aluminum wheels. But as discussed before, I prefer the wood accent interior of the Executive package (which is not available with the Sport). And to add to that, I prefer the body color door handles and tinted chrome trim on the Sport (which are not available on the base MKZ) and so on and so on and so on... :blah: :lmao:

I could go into much more detail, but that covers the basics.

Good luck. :cheers: