USA Today: Lincoln MKS' "Just OK"

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

Oh dear. When USA Today car critic James R. Healey finds a car underwhelming, you can bet it has very, very little to recommend it. In fact, Healey is less impressed with the big Lincoln than our Justin Berkowitz. Where Berk praises the MKS' mission critical waftability, Healey says the MKS' ride and handling is "not so good. The former was a bit stiff, even harsh, on moderate bumps in one test car equipped with 20-inch-diameter wheels and their stubby-sidewall tires. The tester with 18-inch wheels was smoother, but still delivered an unpleasantly choppy ride… [The] MKS lacks the firm, lively, well-controlled feel of an Infiniti, which Lincoln says will be a rival. Nor does it match the creamy feel of Lexuses, also potential competitors." Although Healey couldn't top Justin's "Sucko the Clown" description of the MKS' six-speed, the USA Today guy was similarly unimpressed with the cranky cog swapper. So… what then? "It has the right size, features and power. But MKS is not knockout gorgeous, and it lacks the sweet, lively integrity of the best luxury sedans." Ford doesn't have much time to sort-out the MKS' deficiencies. The Blue Oval Boys better hop to it.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Anonymous Anonymous on Jul 13, 2008

    There's a good idea. 340 HP TT V6 with FWD biased AWD. Can't Ford do anything right?

  • Cheezeweggie Cheezeweggie on Jul 13, 2008

    Critics are a pain in the butt. If you are really that interested, go drive one yourself and form your own opinion.

  • NetGenHoon NetGenHoon on Jul 14, 2008

    I, for one, am watching the Ford product pipeline. I also enjoy having 'inside people' (dwford, nullomodo) in on the conversation. It is true that little things about the ownership experience that make a car special. As mentioned, Lincoln has a bit of work to do to come into the same mindspace as BMW and Infiniti. They can start with a proper manual/top of the line trim combination. Lincoln may not want to court the luxo-sports crowd, BUT Ford has proven they have the platform for a serious car in this segment (Mondeo, Ms3). With the TSX in limbo, the sinking dollar inflating cost on the 1- and 3- series along with A4 and C-class, there is a growing market a solid driving nicely appointed luxo-sedan sedan that sticks to the 'entry-lux' price point.

  • Aaofsaa Aaofsaa on Jul 14, 2008

    Okay so you haven't driven the new 2009 Lincoln MKS yet. Give it time this new vehicle will be coming out more and more each day to the showroom. For those that did drive the MKS already and somewhat like it drive it again it can nothing but grow on you you'll enjoy it. Gotta go now good motoring; Oh, and remember the "Lincoln Owner Travels Well."

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