2007 Lincoln MKZ Road Test Ratings

While the performance of the 3.5-liter, 263-hp V6 represents a step in the right direction for Lincoln, it remains a generation or two behind the segment leaders' engine offerings in terms of smoothness and refinement. Front- or all-wheel drive are available, but the softness of the suspension relegates the AWD MKZ to an all-weather upgrade rather than one intended for added enthusiastic performance. The six-speed automatic remains a mystery: Only two forward gear selections are available (D or L) with unpredictable pre-programmed gear logic.

Soft springs combined with tall tire sidewalls and conservative all-season rubber add up to a relatively plush ride that sometimes becomes nautical in nature. Road noise is on par with some of its competitors. Front seats are well contoured, but the rear bench isn't particularly comfortable and lacks a center-position head restraint.

The gauges are crisp and easy to read, the turn indicators and headlamp function as you'd expect, but the sea of same-shaped similarly sized buttons that control everything else make non-visual adjustments nearly impossible. Interior storage is adequate, as are the cupholders. The competitively deep options list includes uprated THX audio with satellite radio, navigation, front seat coolers and all-wheel drive. The large (15.8 cubic-foot) trunk features a 60/40-split pass-through.

With a slightly revised exterior (to go along with its slightly revised model name) the MKZ, nee Zephyr, still looks like a tarted-up Ford Fusion (on which it is based). Satin-nickel trim produces too many surfaces that try and ultimately fail to pass for metal. Assembly and exterior finish are average for the price point and don't necessarily bolster Lincoln's luxury-brand intentions.