2011 Lincoln MKZ Review
2011 Lincoln MKZ Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+82
Used MKZ for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent infotainment features
- comfortable seats and driving position
- responsive steering.
Cons
- Non-premium feel
- not enough differentiation from Ford Fusion
- rough ride with sport suspension.
What’s new
The optional navigation system gains HD radio for 2011.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ is a perfectly competent midsize premium sedan, but it does not represent enough of an improvement over the similar Ford Fusion in order to warrant its Mercedes-like price.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 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 $3.46 per gallon for regular unleaded in Georgia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Georgia
$196/mo for MKZ Base
MKZ Base
vs
$177/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ offers loads of available features, smart electronics integration, sufficient power, a spacious cabin, comfortable seats and surprisingly nimble handling. The MKZ's problem, though, is that it just doesn't feel as solidly engineered, sophisticated and luxurious to drive as a proper luxury sedan should be.
Maybe it's too much to expect, as this car has its origins in the stretched platform from the previous-generation Mazda 6 that it shares with the Ford Fusion. While other brands take the platforms of regular family cars and significantly augment them for luxury duty to the point of being unrecognizable, the MKZ's roots are readily apparent. So the MKZ shares the 263-horsepower V6 from the Ford Fusion Sport and drives in a very similar fashion.
Yes, there are some improved materials within the interior like real aluminum trim and Bridge of Weir leather upholstery, yet otherwise most everything is much like the Ford Fusion. This level of polish is impressive when you're paying $28,000 for it. But at $40,000, it's another story.
At this price point there are many other cars we'd suggest, like the 2011 Audi A4, 2011 BMW 3 Series, 2011 Cadillac CTS, 2011 Hyundai Genesis, Infiniti G37, 2011 Lexus ES 350 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, all of which exhibit a greater level of engineering excellence and attention to detail that cannot be quantified by feature lists or specification sheets. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ is a good car; it's just not good enough.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 263 hp and 249 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission, but it includes a manual shift control. Front-wheel drive is standard, while the optional AWD system is notable because it can transfer power from side to side as well as front to rear.
In performance testing, an all-wheel-drive MKZ went from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is competitive in this premium class. Fuel economy is also fairly impressive with an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined for the front-drive model and 17/24/19 with all-wheel drive.
Safety
Standard safety features include stability and traction control, blind spot mirrors, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ also comes standard with Ford's programmable MyKey system, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume for their teenage drivers.
In government crash testing, the MKZ's mechanical twin, the Ford Fusion, achieved a perfect five stars for front protection and driver side protection. It earned four stars for rear side protection.
Driving
The base 2011 Lincoln MKZ feels like a Fusion Sport minus the "Sport," which should be fine for most buyers seeking a quiet and comfortable luxury vehicle. Yet once you add the sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels of the optional Sport Appearance package, the MKZ is suddenly transformed into an agile, fun-to-drive car that you wouldn't necessarily associate with the Lincoln brand. The steering in particular is communicative and well-weighted. There is a downside, though, because it comes with a rough ride that you also wouldn't associate with Lincoln. There are no complaints about the power from the MKZ's V6, but its soundtrack is less pleasing than other six-cylinders at this price point.
Interior
The MKZ is spacious compared to most of its similarly priced luxury sedan competitors, and it benefits from comfortable seats, a widely adjustable driving position and a big trunk (16.9 cubic feet). In order to get the most out of the MKZ, we recommend loading up with the Navigation package and its wealth of handy, user-friendly technologies like navigation and Sirius Travel Link. The optional THX-certified sound system is also quite strong.
Nevertheless, the MKZ is let down by its interior. Although the materials are a bit nicer than those in the Ford Fusion Sport, the MKZ still feels more like a premium family sedan than something that should be competing with Audi or Mercedes-Benz. Though it boasts things like ventilated seat upholstery and fancy-sounding Bridge of Weir leather, the MKZ falls short of being considered a true luxury car.
2011 Lincoln MKZ models
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ is a midsize entry-level luxury sedan available in a single trim level. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, foglamps, full power accessories, a keyless entry pad, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Sync (voice controls, Bluetooth, navigation assistance, 911 assist and iPod interface) and a nine-speaker audio system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.
The Navigation package includes a rearview camera, a blind spot warning system and a navigation system that includes a touchscreen, single-CD/DVD audio player, 10GB of digital music storage, HD radio and Sirius Travel Link. A THX-certified premium surround-sound system can be added to the navigation package or obtained within the Ultimate package, which further adds 17-inch chrome-clad wheels, a sunroof (also a stand-alone item), adaptive xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, ambient lighting and all Navigation package items.
The Sport Appearance package adds 18-inch polished alloy wheels, a sport-turned suspension, contrasting seat piping, aluminum interior trim and a unique darkened exterior trim. The Executive package adds upgraded leather upholstery and interior trim.
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 2011 Lincoln MKZ.
5 star(74%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(3%)
58 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
What more do you really need
penpat2020, 08/18/2014
2011 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
I bought this 2011 Lincoln MKZ used with just over
23,000 miles for under $20k! Car has everything you could want in a luxury car, leather, 10 speaker surround sound, rear-back up, navigation with Sync and bluetooth, chrome, etc. For a car of similar size and quality in it's class you would easily be paying $7-12k more. Value is unbeatable.
As for drive quality, I have test-drove an A4, … TL, C300, and 328i as well as previously owned a Cadillac CTS. They all had their quirks and pros and cons. This car stands up to all of them. It may not be the best of the best, but the value in the package is unbeatable.
5 out of 5 stars
Love my used Mkz
Mike H, 12/05/2018
2011 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Grabbed this great car used two weeks ago for only $9,900 with only 34k miles. It was in pristine condition as it was a one owner little ol grandma driven car. The car itself is very comfortable, quiet, and smooth, makes a great highway car. So far everything has been great and reliable which I don't expect to change since they receive very high marks on reliability. The V6 is smooth … and has great power. The only thing I could complain about is the transmission is on the slow side of shifting gears but this is meant to be a cruiser and not a sports car. So far I absolutely love my MKZ!
5 out of 5 stars
Very solid. Nice ride.
Wayde, 08/05/2016
2011 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
A high quality automobile that continues to look and perform great after 5 years.
5 out of 5 stars
Owned 7 years & over 200K
StephenDIV, 10/22/2019
2010 Lincoln MKZ 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
After thoroughly reviewing cars, I purchased a used (business leased) MKZ in 2012, with around 36K miles. Since then it’s been my daily driver for the last 7 years, and currently sits with 217K miles on the odometer.
3 sets of tires, brakes, struts, 2 batteries, and soon to be a tie rod are all I’ve had to replace on the car- pretty low maintenance compared to most automobiles on the … market in my opinion.
Only thing that I have a complaint on is the door handles- have replaced 2 since owning and another one is going bad as we speak. This is due to the internal parts all being plastic and not metal. Poor design, due to inferior parts, but not the end of the world.
I bought the car due to large cabin room for a car. I’m 6’4” and needed something I wouldn’t feel cramped in with kiddos filling the back seat most times. The seats are very comfortable, even on long trips.
The MPG is reasonable- still getting mid 20s on my daily commute.
A little rust is showing up in front of the rear wheel wells (like every ford for the last 50 years).
Had a few minor plastic interior parts break.
Engine is still running like a top, and haven’t had any issues with the drive train either.
I’d purchase this car again without question, possibly with the AWD feature, just for better handling in the snow. It’s been dependable, with little shop time and reasonable cost for upkeep.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Lincoln MKZ, so we've included reviews for other years of the MKZ since its last redesign.
2011 MKZ Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $34,645 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $196/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.5 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
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall3 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall4 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat3 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.5%
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 – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
4.9 average Rating out of 9 reviews. |
Starting at $46,305 |
Starting at $143,200 |
4.3 average Rating out of 15 reviews. |
Starting at $16,750 |
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 2011 Lincoln MKZ info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2019
- Used Kia K900 2016
- Used Volkswagen Golf GTI 2010 For Sale
- Used FIAT 500L 2015
- Used Honda Element 2010
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Lincoln Zephyr 2015
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2011
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2014
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2019
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2017
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2012
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2010
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2018
- Used Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 2011
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2013 For Sale
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Dodge Challenger 2023
- Santa Fe Plugin Hybrid
- 2025 Toyota Sequoia News
- Jaguar E Pace
- 2023 Escape
- 2023 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2023 Silverado 2500HD
- 2025 Honda Civic News
- 2023 Cadillac CT5
- Genesis G90 Sedan
Research other models of Lincoln
- Lincoln Aviator
- 2024 Lincoln MKC
- Lincoln Navigator 2023
- 2023 Aviator
- 2023 Lincoln MKX
- 2025 Lincoln Aviator
- Navigator
- Lincoln Nautilus Price
- Lincoln Aviator 2023
- 2023 Lincoln Corsair
Research similar vehicles
- Genesis G80 Sedan
- 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
- 13 Subaru Legacy
- Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Giulia
- Polestar 2 2024
- Lexus Is 300 For Sale
- Benz Mercedes S Class
- Nissan Sedan Maxima
- Genesis G70 Sedan
Other models
- Used Toyota Prius-C in Provo, UT
- Used Lotus Evora-400 in Keller, TX
- New BMW 8-Series for Sale in Morehead City, NC
- Used Genesis GV60 in Merrimack, NH
- Used Porsche 928 in Hemet, CA
- Used Scion Ia in West Des Moines, IA
- Used GMC Yukon-Xl in Freehold, NJ
- Used Lexus Es-330 in Chelmsford, MA
- New Polestar 2 for Sale in Jacksonville, FL
- Used Chevrolet Impala in Temple, TX