2011 Lincoln MKS Review
2011 Lincoln MKS Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spacious interior, plentiful standard features, top safety scores, good power and fuel economy from the turbocharged V6.
Cons
- Lackluster base V6, strange combination of soggy handling and firm ride, mediocre interior materials, overpriced for what you get.
What’s new
Aside from adding a few electronic features (HD Radio, Sync turn-by-turn directions and remote starting), the 2011 Lincoln MKS is largely unchanged.
Edmunds says
Though boasting a plethora of standard features and substantial interior space, the 2011 Lincoln MKS is outclassed by the competition and less expensive sedans alike.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Lincoln MKS 4dr Sedan (3.7L 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 $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$218/mo for MKS Base
MKS Base
vs
$223/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
On outward appearances, the 2011 Lincoln MKS has the potential to battle for the hearts and minds of luxury car buyers. Underneath it all, though, is essentially a re-skinned Ford Taurus. That's a fine car, but not enough was done in the transformation from Taurus to MKS to warrant such a significant price jump, let alone choosing this Lincoln instead of any number of pure-bred luxury sedans. This year's minor feature additions do little to improve the MKS's standing.
Last year, Ford's twin-turbo "EcoBoost" engine debuted in the MKS lineup, giving buyers an engine choice that handily outperforms the base V6. However, when you consider that the considerably cheaper Ford Taurus SHO is essentially the same car underneath, and even makes an additional 10 horsepower, the EcoBoost model suddenly doesn't seem all that special. Further souring the deal is the car's lackluster handling and interior materials.
Like the Taurus, though, the 2011 Lincoln MKS benefits from a genuinely spacious interior, a long list of standard features and a gigantic trunk. Indeed, if you didn't know the Taurus existed and ignored the MKS's myriad competitors, the MKS would be a pretty nice car. But the reality is that the MKS is a rather middling choice. Instead, we think most luxury sedan shoppers would be happier with a 2011 Acura TL, 2011 Buick LaCrosse, 2011 Cadillac CTS or 2011 Hyundai Genesis. And if you're considering the EcoBoost model, a similar amount of money could likely get you into more refined sedans like the 2011 Jaguar XF and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. In short, it takes more than a tarted-up Taurus to do battle with some of the world's best all-around sedans.
Performance & mpg
Both FWD (front-wheel-drive) and AWD (all-wheel-drive) trim levels share the same powertrain, a 3.7-liter V6 matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift control and paddle shifters. This engine generates 273 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque with regular unleaded, but filling up with a premium boosts power to 275 hp and 276 lb-ft. We managed a sluggish 7.5-second sprint from zero to 60 mph in an AWD test car with this engine; expect the lighter front-wheel-drive model to shave a couple tenths off that time. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 city/24 highway mpg and 19 mpg combined with FWD and 16/23/19 with AWD.
The all-wheel-drive EcoBoost model is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that makes 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The EcoBoost is considerably quicker and actually gets better fuel economy at 17/25/20. However, premium fuel is recommended for the EcoBoost engine.
Safety
The 2011 Lincoln MKS comes standard with stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and antilock brakes with brake assist. A collision warning system with brake support comes with the optional adaptive cruise control. In government crash tests, the MKS received a perfect five-out-of-five-stars rating for occupant protection in both frontal and side-impact crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also awarded the MKS its highest rating of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side-impact testing.
Driving
All of the graceful curves, luxury features and Lincoln badging work well to mask the MKS's origins, but behind the wheel, there's no escaping the Ford Taurus underpinnings. A base V6-powered MKS would be outclassed by a Ford Fusion SEL V6 in terms of performance and its coarse engine noises further diminish it appeal -- especially when compared to other cars in its price range.
The EcoBoost engine is much more satisfying engine choice, but regardless of which powerplant is selected, handling is a bit of a disappointment. On curvy roads, the suspension feels dull and overly soft. Normally, this softness would translate to a cushiony ride quality, but oddly enough, the MKS still feels rather firm. In the end, the 2011 Lincoln MKS drives like a big sedan without the luxurious ride quality you'd expect.
Interior
The 2011 MKS features a pleasant interior design with standard leather upholstery and an attractive dash layout. Unfortunately, the cabin styling is hindered by some lesser quality materials and Ford-sourced switchgear. This is especially distressing when you realize that the MKS is not appreciably nicer than the much cheaper Taurus.
On the plus side, ventilated seats are a welcomed addition, as are the MKS's standard rear heated seats. The 2011 MKS offers plenty of interior and cargo space -- the trunk will hold 18.4 cubic feet. Rear passenger room and comfort are particularly impressive.
2011 Lincoln MKS models
The 2011 Lincoln MKS comes in three trim levels: FWD, AWD and EcoBoost. The FWD and AWD models come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors, foglights, rain-sensing wipers, heated power sideview mirrors with memory, integrated blind-spot mirror and auto-dimming on the driver side, automatic adaptive xenon headlamps, automatic high beams, keyless entry/ignition and a slick version of Ford's venerable touchpad entry system that's embedded in the base of the B-pillar.
Interior standard features include a power rear sunshade, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, power tilt-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled eight-way power front seats (with power lumbar), heated rear seats, driver memory settings, the Sync voice activation system (includes turn-turn directions), a THX-certified sound system with an in-dash six-disc MP3 changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The EcoBoost is similarly equipped but has a more powerful twin-turbocharged engine and 19-inch wheels.
Optional features include 19- or 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control and, on the EcoBoost, Ford's automatic parking system. The Navigation package adds a back-up camera, a touchscreen hard-drive-based navigation system with Sirius Travel Link, and an upgraded 14-speaker THX-certified surround-sound system with a single DVD/CD/MP3 player, HD radio, two subwoofers and 10GB of digital music storage. The Ultimate package adds all Navigation items plus upgraded leather upholstery and dual-pane sunroof (stand-alone on non-EcoBoost models). An EcoBoost Appearance package adds sporty exterior styling cues like unique 20-inch chrome wheels, exclusive seats, illuminated sill plates and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Lincoln MKS.
5 star(72%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
40 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
New (gently used rather) MKS for Me
turbo_nut, 06/18/2011
2010 Lincoln MKS 4dr Sedan AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
Brought home my MKS a couple of weeks ago, and so far have only good things to say.
The car looks great, and is a pleasure to drive.
From the excellent power of the twin turbo v-6 to the well appointed interior, it's just about everything I was looking for in a luxury sedan.
I purchased the Tuxedo Black version, and once I had the windows tinted out, it made the car look … complete.
Overall, I'm very happy with this purchase.
Just a note, if you're looking for a 'sport' luxury sedan, this isn't the car for you.
If you're after a well appointed cruiser that rides like a dream, then I would suggest checking out the MKS
4.88 out of 5 stars
Real Word Review of the 2010 Lincoln MKS
doc81, 03/23/2011
2011 Lincoln MKS 4dr Sedan AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
I bought an MKS in December 2010, after three years of exhaustive online comparisons, Edmunds reviews filled with disdain, New England Automobile Shows and test drives.
I was looking for 3 basic criteria in a new car: V-8 power, Rear-Leg
room for my in-laws, and a Large Trunk which would easily fit my golf clubs.
The MKS does all of this in spades!! The leather interior far surpasses
the … Ford Taurus.
Only the BMW 760Li, Audi L8 and 2009 Infinity M45 were comparable...for $20-80K more! Overall, the MKS is a spacious full-sized luxury car, that errs on the side of technology rather than interior detail for less than half the cost of a comparable European luxury sedan.
5 out of 5 stars
Replaced with a 2013 Lincoln MKs
Great Scotsman, 05/09/2016
2010 Lincoln MKS 4dr Sedan AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
Able to negotiate a great deal on a high mileage 3 year old luxury car with all the options and have enjoyed every moment driving it since. Began with 70,000 miles and have not had a single mechanical, functional or accessory problem. The twenty inch wheels were a problem when finding winter snow treads - so I bought eighteen inch wheels and new snow/ice tires for winter driving. Car … did great in a difficult winter. Engine [V6 ecoboast] has plenty of power when needed, otherwise delivers high mpg [22-27] on road trips. I unqualifiedly recommend searching for this model coming off lease with many miles of future driving pleasure. I bought the 3 year 36,000 miles premium warranty and should have saved my money. Not a single claim or need for it, after 17,000 miles of rigorous country driving.
5 out of 5 stars
Best Car I have ever owned.
bw134, 01/01/2011
2011 Lincoln MKS 4dr Sedan AWD w/EcoBoost (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
I purchased my 2011 MKS in November 2010.
It is the finest car I have ever owned.
I have owned two Infiniti Q45s, Chrysler 300-C (which was the worst car I have ever owned) and various other cars.
The MKS is very fast, has all the bells and whistles, fun to drive, and also looks fantastic.
Ford has done a terrific job with this one.
I disagree with the testers who complained about the … ride I feel it is very good.
The all wheel drive is fantastic in the snow.
During the snow storms of December 2010 I never got stuck while other cars were abandoned.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Lincoln MKS, so we've included reviews for other years of the MKS since its last redesign.
2011 MKS Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $41,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $218/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.8%
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