Yesterday I got my first chance to drive Lincoln's redesigned 2010 MKZ. If I decide to award a Most Improved Player as part of my Best New Cars of 2010 list, the MKZ will be a definite candidate. Lincoln's benchmark was the Lexus ES350, and while you may find this hard to believe -- heck, I find it hard to believe, and I drove the thing -- they've come remarkably close. The new MKZ is quiet and smooth and has a great new interior and an improved suspension. Neat car. Full test drive coming soon. Meanwhile, you can read about what the MKZ is up against in my 2009 Lexus ES350 test drive and review. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Nice as the MKZ might be, Ford would be doing themselves a favor if they would just drop the Lincoln division altogether, and give most of its current product line to Mercury. A simple touch of Mercury “Design Language” (grille and wheels) applied to the current Lincoln cars would give the Mercury line models with at least a little distinction. Since Lincoln has sunk to essentially what Mercury was 30 years ago, I think it would be appropriate.
I own a 2006 Ford Crown Vic. I recently sat in a 2009 Town Car. Although I know that both cars are built on the same chassis, it struck me just how similar the two models are compared to 30+ years ago. The Town Car shared the same dash, had basically the same interior only with more leather, padding, and chrome baubles, and appeared from the outside to be about the same length and wheelbase. It was essentially, a really fancy Crown Vic. The only real difference was in the aft roofline. The current Town Car reminds me of the 49-51 Mercury in contemporary form.
The same holds true for much of the rest of the Lincoln lineup. Mercury has basically become, “the other Ford.” Most Ford/Mercury models are shared in some fashion with Lincoln. The MKX is really no different. It’s just a really fancy Taurus. It would be better rebadged and grilled as a Mercury and sold as the Sable.
Pass…
Ludicrous front grill…this car stirs absotely nothing in me. Perhaps Ford needs to totally change direction if it wants to save this venerable marque…unfortunately, I don’t have any suggestions, other than making Lincoln its 100% green automotive line of cars.
Wow I have never seen such negative attitudes about a car that only Aaron has driven.
I have to admit that I don’t like the looks that much but then I have not seen it in real life. Some cars look better in person. The simple matter is that I am not fond of most new cars looks. We seem to have gone back the late 50s early 60s as far as styling goes. Even the new BMWs are a bit too gaudy for my taste. The best looking current car line IMHO is Audi but that is just my opinion.
The MKZ has got very good reliability and safety ratings. If it is comfortable and nice to drive then it really could be a good car for some people.
I do agree that Ford has got to separate the divisions more. If I ran Ford.
Ford needs to be the Value/Mainstream line. It would and does compete with Honda/Toyota/VW/Nissan/Chevy.
Mercury would be the Adult Performance line. Sporty cars with a European flavor and a US price tag. It would be in the style of Infinity/BMW/Audi.
Lincoln means luxury. Think MB/Lexus.
Mercury as a “Green” line? The very idea of a Green line is a con. Every car maker will have “greener” cars. Frankly the car makers have been building greener and greener cars every year. It has been the consumers that where buying the buying SUVs and Pickups.
You will see more fuel efficient vehicles in all the lines and that is how it should be.
Ford is doing a good job making good cars. I think they are ugly but then maybe I am odd. I tend to like the Audi. I really liked the Aero look that we where getting in the 90s. What people called the Jelly Bean cars. But then I like sleek clean function over form design.
I’m sitting on the MKZ review until after I can get the Camaro review written and posted, but I think a lot of people are going to be really surprised. I sure was. Lincoln did a really nice job with this car. — Aaron
I find it interesting how many people will, without a test drive, belittle the accomplishments of American Auto makers. How many of the American bashers know that the Lexus ES350 is a Camry in in drag? Really, though, lots of makers use a lower price chassis for entry level luxury cars. As for Ford vehicles looking the same, change is in the wind, my friend. Check out the 2010 and beyond models.