Lincoln MKS aims high, comes close

Check out the Lincoln MKS on AOL Autos

For those who want performance, that will be a letdown. Rear-wheel drive, which puts acceleration and steering at opposite ends of the car, allows for better road feel and improves traction under hard acceleration.

Drivers who just want to get where they're going safely won't mind that the MKS is powered from the front. In fact, they may even prefer it. Modern computer assisted-systems have made rear-wheel drive cars much easier to handle in the snow and rain, but many drivers have learned to trust front-wheel drive to pull them through.

It's true that the MKS isn't as much fun to drive as the Cadillac CTS, despite having a base V6 engine that's just as powerful. It handles securely, though, and there's enough steering feel that you don't feel separated from the car.

The MKS' six-speed transmission shifts smoothly and responds well when quick acceleration is demanded. You can also select gears manually, if you want, but most drivers rarely see the need.

A hi-tech turbocharged engine will be available early in the 2010 model year. It might just give the MKS the extra kick of excitement some drivers will want.

Ford touts the MKS' quiet ride and, yes, on smooth roads, the car is hushed. But the noises that creep through just don't sound good. The engine can sound strained when pushed hard, as unpleasant vibrations come up through the gas pedal. Hard bumps send hollow-sounding "whumps" through the cabin.

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