Lincoln MKZ
Ford reworks its small luxury model creating an impressive car.
By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com staff writer
2007 Lincoln MKZ
2007 Lincoln MKZ
Cost: $29,175 - $31,050 ($33,000 as tested)
Photos and details

The MKZ was introduced last year as the Lincoln Zephyr. It was one of three mid-sized sedans based on the same platform: Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and the Zephyr.

When I drove the Zephyr last year, I found it the most disappointing of the three. Since it was supposed to be a Lincoln, Ford loaded the Zephyr down with lots of sound-deadening insulation. It deadened more than the sound.

With the same engine as those other two cars, a 3.0-liter V-6, the Zephyr felt overburdened, slow and heavy. In fact, everything about the car was dulled down to imitate the feel a large luxury sedan. The only problem is you don’t get the spaciousness of a big car in return.

Along with an unfortunate name switch - what was wrong with Zephyr? - the MKZ gets a new, more powerful engine and some improvements to the steering and suspension. Those are all good changes; the MKZ feels bright, lively and nimble. This is a Lincoln that's actually fun to drive while still offering a smooth and quiet ride.
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Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.