2008 Lincoln MKZ Review
2008 Lincoln MKZ Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Available all-wheel drive, many standard features, comfortable ride.
Cons
- Can't get stability control, subpar interior quality and design, traditional Lincoln styling unlikely to appeal to younger buyers.
What’s new
Heated and cooled front seats and satellite radio become standard on the 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The innovative "Sync" hands-free communication and entertainment interface, developed in a partnership between Ford and Microsoft, becomes standard equipment later in the year. The optional navigation system is now voice activated, and buyers can now opt for reverse parking sensors.
Edmunds says
Despite adding more power last year and more standard features this year, the 2008 Lincoln MKZ still faces a difficult battle as competitors offer sharper handling dynamics, higher-quality interiors and greater overall refinement.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$194/mo for MKZ Base
MKZ Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Deciphering the names of Lincolns nowadays is starting to be like cracking Soviet spy code. The 2008 MKZ is joined by the MKX and soon by the MKS, plus there's inexplicably the Mark LT. Unlike the LT and eight previous Lincoln Marks, using quasi-acronyms is apparently way cooler and more likely to attract a younger group of buyers -- younger as in south of 65. The logic behind that, though, is like handing Ed McMahon a skateboard and expecting him to host the X Games. While the MKZ is certainly more lively than the geriatric Town Car, it has a long way to go before it can be considered a realistic competitor for other entry-level luxury sedans.
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ is more or less a Ford Fusion with different front and rear styling, an overcooked retro interior and 42 more horses. While models like the Acura TL and Lexus ES 350 are related to lesser Honda and Toyota vehicles, respectively, they possess completely distinctive styling. That's not to say the Fusion is a bad car to be based on, though, as this family of midsize sedans features competent handling, good steering feel and plenty of interior space. Plus, the MKZ adds a more comfortable ride to the mix, along with the 263-horsepower V6 found in the much larger MKX.
The MKZ also offers a lot of standard features, with cooled front seats and satellite radio added to the docket for 2008. Later in the model year, Ford's potentially revolutionary Sync hands-free communications and entertainment technology debuts. With Sync, drivers and passengers can access and operate their cell phones, PDAs, USB storage devices, iPods or other MP3 players using voice commands. The cell phone's address book is also wirelessly and automatically transferred to the vehicle.
In other aspects, however, the 2008 Lincoln MKZ comes up a bit short for a premium sedan. Cars like the TL, ES 350, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS and Volkswagen Passat can surpass the Lincoln in terms of performance, interior luxury, safety equipment and design, though they can't likely match the MKZ's price. Lincoln's new naming scheme may not do so much to attract younger buyers, but value is certainly something any generation can appreciate.
Performance & mpg
All Lincoln MKZs come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It's good for 263 hp and 249 pound-feet of torque and is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system can transfer power from side to side as well as front to rear. In testing, an MKZ AWD went from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, which is a little below-average for its class. For 2008, the front-wheel-drive MKZ gets 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway in EPA fuel economy testing, while the AWD version gets 1 mpg less.
Safety
Standard safety features include front-seat side impact airbags as well as full-length head curtain airbags. Those head airbags include a "roll-fold" feature that helps to keep the airbag against the glass even if the occupant is out of position. All MKZs include four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Traction control is also standard, but oddly, stability control is not available. In government crash tests, the 2008 Lincoln MKZ received five out of five stars for driver and front passenger safety. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset test, the Lincoln MKZ received a rating of "Good," the IIHS's highest rating. It also earned an "Acceptable" rating in IIHS side-impact testing. Altogether, these are rather average crash ratings for a car in this class.
Driving
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ is essentially a more luxuriously equipped Ford Fusion, and as such, the Lincoln shares that car's fine handling and overall dynamic characteristics. But the MKZ still fails to achieve the same athletic driving experience boasted by other sedans in this price range. Despite having more power than the original 2006 Zephyr, the MKZ's 3.5-liter V6 is merely adequate. On the other hand, the MKZ does offer a typical Lincoln "big car" ride on the highway, making it an excellent candidate for road trips.
Interior
Those interested in cutting-edge interior design should look someplace other than the MKZ. The dash is reminiscent of the blocky design found in the Navigator, with a high cowl dominated by big, round air vents. The center stack is dominated by Lincoln's satin nickel trim, which basically looks and feels like Ford's standard plastic switchgear painted silver. The MKZ's cabin style and quality pale in comparison to those of other top entry-level luxury cars. However, the Lincoln comes very well equipped, is slightly bigger than many entry-level luxury sedans and offers a fully usable backseat. Trunk space is ample at 15.8 cubic feet and should you need more capacity, the rear seat is split 60/40 and folds down.
2008 Lincoln MKZ models
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ is a midsize premium sedan that comes in a single trim with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It comes nicely equipped with such standard features as 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, wood trim, heated and cooled power front seats with driver-side memory, dual-zone automatic climate control and a seven-speaker CD stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. Later in the model year, the Sync hands-free communication and entertainment integration system will be standard.
Notable options include chrome wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, an upgraded THX-certified sound system, reverse parking sensors and a voice-activated navigation system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#13 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lincoln MKZ from 2008-2022.$481/yr
vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.86x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).9.3%
vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Lincoln MKZ.
5 star(80%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
83 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
2008 MKZ FWD
weekst11, 01/07/2011
2008 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
After having the vehicle for 3 years now with 58K on the odometer I thought that now was a appropriate time for a real world review, and this is what I found.
I have had ZERO issues with reliability and have gotten everything I wanted out of the car. True, it is not exactly the most stylish car out there(pales in comparison to say a CTS) but also costs a good 10K less. Gas mileage has … been 23.3 avg over highway (80mph) and city. I do about 20K miles a year.
The heated and cooled seats are a fovorite in the winter/summer, I know it sounds somewhat rediculous to have A/C seats but trust me...when summer gets here it is a wonderful perk!
Great car for the money.
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent snow machine and more !
R, 11/30/2018
2008 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Although not the most ‘beautiful’ car in the world, this vehicle is quite amazing. Throughout the entire length of ownership only one major issue happened at 120k miles(which ended up not being a big deal at all). It was a power steering leak because a hose had unattended at the clamp. At nearly 7 in. of ground clearance to the center brace on the frame together with it’s AWD system this … car does so much better in the snow than it’s looks would perceive. This is a very reliable car. The only thing that disappoints me of this car is the chrome wheels. If you live in a place like I do that receives a moderated amount of snow - with all the salt and slush the chrome has basically disintegrated and peeled down to the bare metal. Very cheap quality wheels. Nonetheless if you’re looking at this car to purchase used I would say go for it! It’s really a good car.
5 out of 5 stars
Lincoln-USA
bige1982, 12/31/2010
2008 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Despite what the report says about not attracting the younger crowds, I am 28 and own 2 Lincolns MKX & MKZ.
I looked at BMW, Mercedes, Audi and I still liked the Lincoln vehicles better.
The options and value are by far the best on the market.
Since I have bought mine 2 of my friends have purchased similar Lincolns.
First and foremost I am a Ford fan, and Lincoln has just earned a my … business for years to come.
5 out of 5 stars
Bought Used
Don, 02/05/2018
2008 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Purchased the MKZ used with 120,000 miles. vehicle is solid runs feels and looks great. Comfort is excellent. The only thing I noticed is that at lower speeds right around 20 miles per hour there is a vibration. It seems to warm up and stop doing this after it drives a while. As you speed up it stops. I’ve read that a new rear 2 piece drive shaft will fix this issue. The 2 piece drive … shaft is 433 dollars for the part. In almost all cases this has fixed the problem. Wish Lincoln would make a recall but they have not done so yet. In any event I plan on replacing the driveshaft part from this website. https://www.wholesaleimportparts.com/Lincoln_MKZ_Driveshaft.php?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuDTBRDUARIsAL41eDrjw9QT5f1Y4eykQY6ROt8YgggtZyArrxXtCoVYsACxGu_-zne2XlcaAgwVEALw_wcB Hope this review helps. The car is really fantastic. I’m very happy with it. At 120,000 miles it still looks and rides great. I will post again when my part is replaced.
Well had the part replaced for free under the used car dealers terms and could not be more happy. The drive shaft did eventually develop a loud banging you could feel and hear in the cockpit. The problem was the original 3 piece drive shaft. It was replaced with a re manufactured 2 piece drive shaft and is back running sweet again. Love the Car and the dealer PAAUTOSELECT.COM was excellent.
2008 MKZ Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,980 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $194/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the MKZ include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestAcceptable
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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