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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Lincoln MKS

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Lincoln MKS

Overview

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2011 Lincoln MKS Review

By KBB.com Editors

While the 2011 Lincoln MKS is loosely based on the excellent Volvo-derived architecture that underpins the new Ford Taurus, it bears little resemblance to its lesser cousin. The successful delivery of Lincoln's flagship MKS (S for sedan), and its well-received twin-turbo EcoBoost engine should put an end to the rumors and grumblings of Lincoln's demise, as well as put competitors such as Cadillac and Lexus on notice. About the only thing we question is Lincoln's move from names with heritage to MK-this and MK-that, but at least (unlike some) that key third letter helps identify the model.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like this new Lincoln's look, especially its heritage-based "double-wing" grille, there's not much to dislike about it. With an agreeable balance of performance, efficiency, room and value, and front- or available all-wheel-drive, it lacks only most rivals' rear-wheel drive and a prestigious import nameplate.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While Lincoln's flagship sedan punches most of the right buttons, competition at this level is tough. Most competitors offer rear-wheel drive, available higher performance and better-respected brand names. If you're willing to pay more for it, a German or Japanese or a domestic Cadillac luxury sedan may suit you better.

What's New for 2011

For 2011, HD Radio is added to the Lincoln MKS' available voice-activated navigation system.

Driving the MKS

Driving Impressions The MKS follows through on its good first impression. Power from its 3.7-liter V6 is strong, smooth and responsive, and its cabin is unusually quiet and serene at any reasonable...

speed. The MacPherson-strut and lower-control-arm front suspension maximizes travel, while the fully independent rear arrangement isolates noise and harshness without isolating the driver from feeling the road. One unique element is rear shock absorbers mounted vertically at the outboard ends of the suspension arms, near the wheels, to accommodate the available 20-inch wheels while allowing precise suspension tuning. The power rack-and-pinion steering is precise and responsive, the brakes are powerful and secure, and the car feels surprisingly agile for its size.

Favorite Features

Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link
This state-of-the-art system integrates climate control and SIRIUS Satellite Radio into a large, easy-to-use touch-screen display. It also provides up-to-the-minute traffic and weather information, current gas prices, sports scores and movie listings, and it can store, catalog and play more than 150 hours of music.

SYNC
Jointly developed by Ford and Microsoft and standard on the MKS, this industry exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle.

2011 Lincoln MKS Details

Interior

The 2011 Lincoln MKS cabin marries best-in-class interior and cargo volume to a precision-crafted environment of hand-wrapped, double-stitched premium leather, genuine wood and sculpted aluminum accents. The symmetrical instrument panel, an updated version of the design found in the Lincoln Navigator, MKZ and MKX, is bisected by a strip of sculpted wood, and its upper surface is durable leatherette. The standard leather seats have supportive side bolsters, the leather-wrapped steering wheel is topped by a strip of real wood, the round gauges are ringed in delicate chrome, and a large, integrated information/navigation screen tops the center stack.

Exterior

The MKS was the first new production Lincoln with design elements harvested from signature Lincoln cues of the past, styling that is now standard across the brand's lineup. Its most striking exterior feature is a double-wing grille inspired by that of the 1941 Lincoln Continental. A sculpted hood, a fast-raked windshield and a beltline that kicks up slightly over the rear wheels are highlighted by polished stainless steel side window surrounds. Around back, vertical white light strips separate LED tail lamps from the decklid edges, and a horizontal chrome strip along the rear deck is inset with a Lincoln star.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

This well-equipped Lincoln packs all expected bells and whistles and some Ford exclusives, including a next-generation "SecuriCode" keypad that unlocks the driver's door, a capless fuel filler system and the SYNC hands-free entertainment and communications system. Also standard are premium AM/FM/six-CD changer 6-speaker audio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio; premium leather seating; leather-wrapped shifter; 12-way power, heated and cooled driver and front passenger seats with power lumbar; heated rear seats with pass-through; power tilt/telescope steering wheel with memory; dual-zone automatic climate control and reverse sensing. Also standard are adaptive headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, forward sensing system, rear-window power sunshade and "Intelligent Access" key fob with push-button start. Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac stability control; anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist; Dual-stage front, front side and roof Canopy System airbags.

Optional Equipment

Most notable among the MKS' many available features are all-wheel drive; 19-inch bright machined or 20-inch polished aluminum wheels; THXII Certified 14-speaker premium surround sound; voice-activated navigation; rear-view camera; adaptive cruise control; dual-panel power moonroof, Active Park Assist and "PowerCode" remote starting. Most of these features are bundled into two Rapid Spec option packages, one with the Navigation Package (navigation, surround sound and rear-view camera) and one that combines the Navigation package with the dual panel moonroof, 19-inch wheels and color-keyed suede seat trim. Also available is the EcoBoost Appearance package that adds unique leather seating and appliques, body colored grille, fog lamp openings and rocker panels and 20-inch chrome wheels.

Under the Hood

The 2011 MKS offers a choice of two V6 powerplants. The first is a normally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 that develops 273 horses and 270 pound-feet of torque. Based on Ford's award-winning 3.5-liter V6, it shares the same die-cast aluminum block, lightweight four-valve heads and variable valve timing. To save fuel, its fuel pump shifts to a lower-speed setting when conditions allow and cuts off fuel to the injectors when the driver backs completely out of the throttle in fifth or sixth gear. The second option is a 3.5-liter V6 with two turbochargers bolted on for a big jump in horsepower and torque, but very little sacrifice in fuel economy. Both engines are teamed to the standard SelectShift six-speed automatic that can be manually shifted when desired. The available all-wheel-drive, which can distribute up to 100 percent of torque between the front and rear wheels, is offered only with the normally aspirated V6.

3.7-liter V6
273 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
270 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (FWD), 16/23 (AWD)

3.5-liter V6 turbocharged
355 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
350 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

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2011 Lincoln MKS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 55 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.4/10

Best car ever, Great Handling, Cool seats - sound

By Bear (TX) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Very responsive, 2500 plus songs on hard drive, 14 speakers, powerful pick up and rapid breaking. AWD turns on a dime! Fun to drive. I love the adaptive cruise control, heared and cooled seats Well built. Only negative would be road noise that should be fixed with 2013 yr."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Fastest car I ever owned.

By Stankin (MI) on Monday, April 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very quite ride"

Cons: "Needs a storage compartment in console"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this vehicle design and performance. The Ecoboost engine is the way to go, and the Ecoboost package gives it a sportier appearance. NICE"

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Most comfortable car I have owned

By Godsgirl99 (FL) on Tuesday, March 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 63,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I prefer luxury cars and have owned several types including Mercedes and Cadillac. My Lincoln MKS is the most comfortable and quiet car that I have ever owned. I am hesitant to trade it for anything other than another Lincoln."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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great car to drive, turbo makes it special

By Dave (FL) on Wednesday, March 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"MKS with the 3.5 ltr turbo is great. Roomy, power, handles great, comfortable, sync and navigation work great, as does collision cruise...my only negative is the cup holders in the front are too small for 2 cups of coffee. Would buy this car again in a heartbeat!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great car for the money

By Jessica (MT) on Tuesday, February 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable, sync, nav, blower heat/cooled seats"

Cons: "Gas mileage, cup holders small, trunk opening"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car as a cpo from Lincoln and could not be happier. Comfortable and user friendly. FYI... Get the backup camera otherwise don't plan on parking with the small back window. Trunk size is large however the opening is strangely small. Even with these things I would buy it again."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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love driving this car

By bruco (NJ) on Friday, February 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"handles great,looks very stylish and aerodynamic we love the sync system it holds 2300 songs and we just tell the car what song we want to here and it plays the song. Nicest car I ever owned. My wife and I absolutely love this car. Once you go MKS you'll never go back."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 55 reviews