What's New for 2007

The Lincoln Mark LT receives a few minor upgrades for the 2007 model year. Cosmetically, the grille and headlights have been slightly revised, while chrome trim has been added to the rear taillights. There's also a new monochromatic appearance package, optional 20-inch chrome wheels and optional dual power-folding outside mirrors. Inside, there's a revised center console, a standard auto-dimming rearview mirror and a new optional navigation system. Lincoln has also added an extended-wheelbase Mark LT to the lineup that features a longer, 6.5-foot cargo bed. Lastly, the drivetrain warranty has been expanded to six years/70,000 miles on all Lincoln products.

Introduction

Lincoln's Mark LT is now in its second year and the brand's second attempt at building a luxury pickup truck. A few years ago, Lincoln offered the Blackwood, a luxury-themed pickup that never caught on with consumers due to its minimal utility. Thankfully, the 2007 Mark LT is a more comprehensive package. It can actually be used as a truck, should owners feel so inclined. This usefulness is enhanced this year with a newly available long-bed version.

On the outside, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT's waterfall grille, special trim and flashy wheels make it look a little more upscale than the Ford F-150 on which it's based. At first glance, the interior would seem to be upscale enough to impress most luxury SUV owners, but there is simply too much plastic considering the LT's near $50,000 price. Still, the truck is spacious and comfortable. There are also some newly added options for the 2007 model year that put the Mark more in line with vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade EXT. Most notable is the new navigation system, a feature that was previously unavailable.

For better or for worse, the Lincoln Mark LT stays close to its Ford roots. The good news is that it has exceptional ride and handling characteristics, a usable cargo bed and decent towing capacity. The downside is that you can pretty much get the same truck in the less expensive F-150 King Ranch.

As luxury pickups go, there aren't many choices other than the Mark LT, Escalade EXT and Hummer H2 SUT. The EXT is a better truck, but is more expensive by about $10,000. The Hummer also costs more, and it's the least practical of the three for day-to-day driving. Overall, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT isn't a bad choice. It's a little light on true luxury but makes up for it by providing workhorse qualities only a handful of luxury SUVs can offer.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2007 Lincoln Mark LT is a luxury pickup truck offered in one body style with a slight variation. All Mark LTs are crew cabs and come with a 5.5-foot bed. A larger 6.5-foot bed is newly available for 2007, and both versions are available with two- or four-wheel drive. All Mark LTs come nicely equipped and include such standard exterior features as 18-inch wheels, chrome bumpers and a chrome grille. Inside, the LT comes with leather upholstery, real wood trim, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and two-position driver-seat memory. A 300-watt stereo with an in-dash CD changer and steering-wheel-mounted controls is also standard.

There are several new options for 2007, the most notable being a DVD-based navigation system. A rear-seat entertainment system is offered, as is satellite radio. Many of the Mark LT's options come in large packages, and most of those are designed to enhance the truck's appearance. For example, 20-inch wheels are now available, as are features like "Chocolate Clearcoat" paint, chrome running boards and a monochromatic paint scheme. More practical options include a limited-slip rear axle, park assist, skid plates and more aggressive all-terrain tires.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2007 Lincoln Mark LT is offered with just one engine, a 5.4 liter V8 that's good for 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque and is hooked up to a four-speed automatic transmission. With its smooth power delivery, the Ford-sourced V8 is well suited to Lincoln's luxury and has enough torque to give the Mark LT solid towing capability. Its towing capacity is rated at 8,900 pounds.

Safety

Antilock disc brakes are standard on all Mark LTs. Unlike some other pickups, the vehicle lacks side airbags and stability control. The NHTSA gives the Mark LT a perfect five-star rating for its crashworthiness in frontal impacts. The IIHS has not crash-tested a Lincoln Mark LT, but the agency did give the mechanically similar Ford F-150 a rating of "Good" (its highest rating) in frontal-offset crash testing.

Interior Design and Special Features

With wide, accommodating seats the Lincoln Mark LT's interior looks the part of a luxury car. Contrasting piping around the seats give the cabin an extra measure of elegance, while lots of leather and chrome drive the point home. As good as it looks, however, a few seams start to show when you start poking around. Ford's King Ranch trucks have nicer leather and the Lincoln has far too many plastic surfaces for a luxury vehicle in this price range.

Driving Impressions

Despite the Mark LT's powerful V8, the truck isn't really very quick. We recorded a 0-60 mph time of 9.8 seconds, and the big Lincoln got through the quarter-mile in a leisurely 16.9 seconds. However, it has enough torque to handle typical towing jobs with ease. Around town, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT has a remarkably refined ride, and negotiating the mall parking lot is easy thanks to the truck's quick, well-weighted steering. On the other hand, we wish the brake pedal had a firmer, more positive feel.