2009 Lincoln MKZ Review
2009 Lincoln MKZ Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Generous array of standard features, available all-wheel drive, serene ride, competent chassis.
Cons
- Mediocre interior design and materials, traditional Lincoln styling cues may not appeal to younger buyers.
What’s new
The Lincoln MKZ receives standard electronic stability control for 2009 but is otherwise essentially unchanged.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Lincoln MKZ is an adequate midsize premium sedan on its own merits, but its staid styling and obvious family-sedan roots render it an also-ran in this hotly contested segment.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$187/mo for MKZ Base
MKZ Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
As with most cars these days, there's nothing glaringly wrong with the 2009 Lincoln MKZ. It rides smoothly, handles well, accelerates with alacrity and comes well-equipped even in base form. However, much the same could be said of the Ford Fusion, on which the MKZ is based. The problem is that Lincoln simply hasn't done enough to distinguish the MKZ from its competent but commonplace platform-mate.
Sure, the MKZ receives the full Lincoln styling treatment inside and out -- but the younger demographic isn't likely to approve of the MKZ's chromed-out mug and staid retro-themed interior. And under the skin, it's basically a Fusion with 42 extra horsepower. That might be a good thing if the MKZ were a family sedan, but Lincoln is sending it into battle against heavy hitters like the Acura TL, Lexus ES350, Nissan Maxima and VW Passat. As competent as the MKZ is in most respects, it can't match the upscale ambience and dynamic excellence of these models.
Of course, the Acura and Lexus are also related to family sedans from parent companies Honda and Toyota, respectively. But the difference is that Acura and Lexus have worked overtime to dial out that family-sedan feel. Drive those models back to back with their plebian progenitors and you'll be struck by how much they've been transformed. Drive the MKZ back to back with the Fusion, though, and you likely won't notice much beyond the restyled interior and some additional get-up-and-go.
To Lincoln's credit, the MKZ offers a slew of standard luxury items, with electronic stability control belatedly joining the list for 2009. All-wheel drive is also available, which can't be said of many competitors. And then there's the price; if you want one, chances are you'll be able to get a pretty good deal. Indeed, if you knock a few grand off the MKZ's MSRP, it stacks up nicely against well-optioned family sedans. But at the end of the day, that's really all the 2009 Lincoln MKZ is -- a well-optioned family sedan. For a true premium ownership experience, we'd recommend looking elsewhere.
Performance & mpg
The 2009 Lincoln MKZ is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 263 hp and 249 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while the optional electronically controlled AWD system can transfer power from side to side as well as front to rear.
In performance testing, we hustled an AWD MKZ from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, which is a tad off the pace for this segment. The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive MKZ at 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined, while the AWD version comes in at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway but an identical 19 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety features include front-seat side-impact airbags as well as full-length head curtain airbags. The 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 antilock disc brakes and electronic stability control.
In government frontal-impact crash tests, the 2009 Lincoln MKZ received five out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection, while in federal side-impact tests, the MKZ received five and four stars for front and rear passengers, respectively. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the MKZ its highest rating of "Good" in frontal-offset crash-testing. The IIHS also deemed the 2007-'08 model of the MKZ "Acceptable" in side-impact testing.
Driving
Not surprisingly, the 2009 Lincoln MKZ feels almost the same as the Fusion from the driver seat. That means it handles well and rides comfortably but fails to impart the premium feel of other sedans at this price point. Moreover, the 3.5-liter V6's performance is somewhat of a letdown, although it's an improvement over the Fusion's optional 3.0-liter V6.
Interior
We don't mind retro interiors when they're well-executed, but the MKZ's tall, angular dual-cowl dashboard would look more at home in an SUV than a luxury sedan. And it's not just the styling that's problematic -- materials quality pales in comparison to other entry-level luxury cars. The MKZ is larger than many competitors, however, and it boasts a fully usable backseat. Trunk space is also ample at 15.8 cubic feet, and the rear seat folds down to increase cargo capacity.
2009 Lincoln MKZ models
The 2009 Lincoln MKZ midsize premium sedan is available in only one well-equipped trim level. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, wood trim, heated and cooled power front seats with driver-side memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-speaker CD stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack, and the Ford/Microsoft Sync multimedia integration system.
Major options include chrome wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, an upgraded THX-certified sound system and a voice-activated navigation system. The new-for-2009 ultimate package bundles all of these options together, and the new Midnight Black package adds a charcoal and tan interior color scheme with maple accents.
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 2009 Lincoln MKZ.
5 star(52%)
4 star(37%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(4%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
my hot rod Lincoln
chuck s, 08/09/2015
2009 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Bought used with 74,000 miles. Have driven for 5,000 miles with no problems. Very comfortable. Handles well in part to AWD. Could use a little more power. Difficult to see controls below the radio. Very small and not intuitive. Climate control works very well but would be easier to use with a knob to turn and set highway temp. We drive 85% highway and get 21.5 mpg. I use a mobility … scooter and it breaks down and fits in the trunk with room left over.
update 85,000 miles...Have found a leak under the carpet since we finally started getting rain. It's on the front passenger side. have to take it in to see what the problem is. 95k miles... several problems with front suspention expensive!!!! Update 103,000 miles. Almost 2 years since purchased. still runs well. everything still works. No additional problems. suspenstion cost $110 to fix. not too bad.
Update 114,500 miles. No additional problems. Just bought new conte tires. Runs quieter and got 1 mpg better. Use full synth. oil. seems to keep engine clean and running well.
124,500 update. change oil, filter, and air filter abt. every 7,500 miles.
Update 139,500 Still no major mechanical problems. Just replaced brake pads all around. Going to have to replace tires soo
n. 145,000 miles. Trans seems to be slipping. Added fluid. Almost time for an oil change.
5 out of 5 stars
I'm a Ford man
Wichard, 08/12/2016
2009 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
1969 Mustang, 1971 Mustang, , 1976 Maverick, 1979 Fairmont Futura, 1990 Ranger PU, 1994 F150 PU, and now a 2009 Lincoln MKZ. Bought used in 2015 with 50k miles on it. Runs great. Only problem was with the gumming up of the variable valve timing [VVT] cam advance due to low mileage and not using synthetic oil. Love the big bright tail lights. Dosen’t come standard with daylight running … safety lights for some reason. Took it from Texas to Florida and it ran great down IH10. Wife likes the heated and cooled seats.
5 out of 5 stars
Loving it
Wisconsin, 01/19/2009
2009 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
So far, an excellent car. Was between this, a SAAB 9-5 and Volvo S60. This car is superior hands down, great ride and very fun to drive. Classy interior with the dash vent open.
4.13 out of 5 stars
A GOOD WORK IN PROGRESS
workingschmo, 01/15/2014
2009 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Bought my Lincoln used and got a great deal on it thus my high marks on value. However, would never buy this new because I believe Lincoln could've done better compared to the competition. First off is the trunk problem that many complain about. Poor design - you can live with it though. Second - the interior is definitely more Ford than lincoln and could use some more upscale touches. … The OEM Brakes are a bit mushy but replacements improved that drastically. Now the good - car feels solid and handles wonderfully with a nice ride and quiet interior.
The navigation and SYNC work flawlessly and make this car a true pleasure. 70K miles and no problems whatsoever.
2009 MKZ Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,695 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $187/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
- Stability Control
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 RestraintGood
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