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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Lincoln MKX

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Overview

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2008 Lincoln MKX Review

By KBB.com Editors

Introduced along with the nicely reworked Navigator SUV in 2007, Lincoln's MKX continues for 2008 as the first crossover utility vehicle (CUV) to wear the Lincoln badge. The 2008 Lincoln MKX is a welcome addition to the luxury brand's stable. Lincoln is far from first to the car-based "crossover" party, but the MKX is fresh in terms of its generally excellent blend of style, function, features and driving dynamics. One thing it does not have -- somewhat surprisingly, given its fairly substantial size -- is an available third-row seat. Three-seat CUV seekers can check out Ford's less expensive and more conservatively styled Freestyle, but there is no Lincoln version of that.

You'll Like This Car If...

If the styling appeals, the features delight, the price is right and you're ready for a credible alternative to some better-known imports, this handsome 2008 Lincoln MXK CUV may be an excellent choice.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're not yet ready to welcome a "near luxury" Lincoln onto your crossover consideration list, or if your needs absolutely require a third-row seat, there are plenty of alternatives out there.

What's New for 2008

New for 2008 are standard heated and cooled front seats, Reverse Sensing System, memory seats and mirrors and power lumbar support for both the driver and passenger. New options include the SYNC hand-free communication and entertainment system which allows for the synchronization of cell phone and MP3 player media through the vehicle's stereo and two new limited trims: The Limited Edition and Monochrome Limited Edition Packages.

Driving the MKX

Driving Impressions We found the 2008 Lincoln MKX's acceleration subjectively excellent from rest or almost any speed, though no manu-matic feature is provided for those who sometimes like to select their own...

gears. The MacPherson strut front suspension uses ride-smoothing hydro bushings on an isolated subframe. The four-link independent rear suspension has outboard rear shocks for improved wheel control. The available "intelligent" all-wheel drive monitors and predicts traction at all four wheels and delivers torque to those with the best grip. It all works surprisingly well to deliver a near-car-like ride and agile handling despite its 4,220-pound base curb weight. This may be the quietest Lincoln ever built, but (partly to accommodate the huge Vista Roof) there's no front passenger assist handle.

Favorite Features

Adaptive Front Lighting
The MKX's projector-beam headlights pivot with the steering to illuminate as much as 36 more feet of road during cornering.

Panoramic Vista Roof
A giant 27.3- by 29.4-inch optional forward sunroof slides open fully or tilts to vent at the touch of a switch, while a 15.75- by 31.3-inch fixed rear moon roof gives rear-seat passengers an overhead sky view. Dual power sunshades operate concurrently to block out glare when desired.

2008 Lincoln MKX Details

Interior

The ultra-quiet cabin features large, legible gauges and a well-organized center stack housing the audio and optional DVD navigation systems. Accents are satin nickel or optional wood, and interior lighting is cool white. The large, deep console box has adjustable inserts that can accommodate CDs, purses or laptop computers. The 60/40-split second-row seat provides impressive roominess in all dimensions and can fold forward into a level floor or recline up to 15 degrees with the same easy-to-use handle. The large rear liftgate opens to 31.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row or 68.7 with it folded.

Exterior

The 2008 Lincoln MKX (unlike its full-size SUV big brother Navigator) is noticeably devoid of gratuitous chrome, or "bling." Its handsome look begins with a heritage Lincoln grille, integrated fog lamps and a steeply-sloped windshield, extends along its high-shouldered, flare-fendered flanks with blacked-out rocker panels and finishes with a fast-sloping rear window under an integrated roof spoiler, wrap-around taillights connected by edge-to-edge LEDs across the liftgate and sporty dual exhausts. To enhance its stance and optimize interior room, the standard 18-inch wheels are pushed as far as possible toward the corners.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The nicely-equipped 2008 Lincoln MKX comes with automatic headlamps, leather seating, ten-way power heated and cooled front seats, driver and passenger power lumbar support, Reverse Sensing System, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, dual air conditioning with particulate filter, six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, power rack-and-pinion steering, 18-inch machined-aluminum wheels, power mirrors, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry with keypad, premium MP3-capable audio with six-CD changer, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and four 12-volt outlets. Standard safety features include four-wheel disc four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control with Roll Stability Control (RSC) and six airbags: Dual-stage fronts, seat-mounted side bags and a Safety Canopy air-curtain system with rollover detection.

Optional Equipment

Among the many MKX options are all-wheel drive, 20-inch chromed wheels, adaptive front lighting, a panoramic Vista Roof, heated rear seats, three choices of wood interior trim, a 600-watt, 14-speaker THX Certified audio system and DVD navigation with voice technology that can read turn-by-turn directions in three languages, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with an eight-inch drop-down screen, an Easy Fold remote switch that drops the second-row seats flat and an MP3 input jack. The new Lincoln SYNC hands-free communication and entertainment system allows MP3 devices and cell phone control through the audio system via push-button input or voice command.

Under the Hood

The MKX's 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum Duratec 35 V6 delivers 265 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque through a new six-speed multiple-clutch automatic transmission. It boasts variable intake cam timing, a dual-plenum intake manifold and a relatively high 10.3:1 compression ratio to optimize its balance of performance and efficiency.

3.5-liter V6
265 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
250 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 (FWD), 15/22 (AWD)

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2008 Lincoln MKX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 156 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.6/10

Are you kidding me!!!

By Paul 25 (NY) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,000

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: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Nice Ride"

Cons: "Better gas milage"

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

"I have had many cars over my 54 years and have been driving since 17. This car is a must see and must drive. You cannot get a more complete vehicle."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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love this car

By melrob (NC) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "great ride, great price, great value"

Cons: "no 3rd row seat"

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

"This car drives like a luxury vehicle. Is wider than the RX, about same as MDX. Drives/rides so smooth. Handles very nicely and feels roomy in front as well as the back seat. Have not had any issues with it at all during the past 6 years of owning and have over 130,000 miles. Easy to maintain."

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Best vehicle money can buy

By Gerry (CA) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

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

Pros: "Great Vehicle for the money"

Cons: "None at this time.."

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

"I have driven this car to another State and has given no problem or shown likelyhood of problems mechanically or electronically. Car is smooth, excellen breaking control with abs and has real positive steering wheel guidance. Firs american car I've learn to trust and love. Ride is smooth and quiet; comfortable seats and lots of leg space. All amenities installed in this car continue to perform excellently.. In my opinion, LINCOLN MKX is worth the investment I have so far expended. I have driven this car for almost two years, trouble free since I purchased the car.."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love the 2013 MKX

By carlover (IA) on Saturday, March 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

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

Pros: "The price was right and yes I would recommend it."

Cons: "None"

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

"I purchased the 2013 MKX after purchasing a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited and have no regrets at all. Every time I look at the Lincoln I know I made the right decesion. The MKX for me is the right vehicle because the Explorer seats 7 and I don't require that big vehicle and I like the 5 passenger style better. The MKX is great in all aspects so far and I have people turning heads often. There is not one thing I can say I don't like about the MKX. I wish it got 35 mpg but I knew the possible mpg when I bought the MKX so can't complain. Great car and fun to drive."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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I Hate This Car!!!!!!!!!!!

By Jo (AR) on Saturday, March 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,700

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Looks Good"

Cons: "The Ride"

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

"I have owned the 2013 MKX for six months now. This is by far the worse car purchases I have ever made (and I trade every 3 years)!!!! The gas mileage is horrible. I am only getting 20 miles HWY. Not to mention the gas tank is tiny so you will have to fill up twice a week. The ride is worse than my husband 4WD truck. You feel every bump, crack or dimple in the road. For a luxury car the engine is loud but is muffled by the horrible road noise. The air and radio controls are a pain to work. To increase the heat or air you have to push a SMALL button over and over and over again. The My Lincoln Touch has malfunctioned several times stating the "sims" card has been removed. When I get in to start the car and the seat adjusts it rubs on the seatbelt clip and makes a horrible noise. My driver side window has come loose so it raddles when I raise it up or down(yet another reason to go to the shop). Lets just say I could go on. Good part: I like the look of the car inside and out. Unfortunately I can't just stare at it all day, I have to drive it."

8 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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low quality rating because of SYNC system

By speedy on Thursday, January 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Adaptive cruise control . best car for the price"

Cons: "Sync should not even be on car"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"Great Car! Ford SYNC system stinks! It doesn't work with all carriers and doesn't work with all phones.They don,t say a word about that when they tell you how great it is on the car.That is because Ford doesn't tell their dealers."

14 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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See all 156 reviews