2010 Lincoln MKS

The 2010 Lincoln MKS ranks 12 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 15 published reviews and test drives of the Lincoln MKS, and our examination of reliability and safety data.

The MKS was intended to bring the Lincoln brand up to date after the aging Town Car gave the brand a poor reputation.  It looks like something that would be at home in the Lexus or Infiniti stable, and comes with a long list of standard features. These include the Ford SYNC system, which allows drivers to control Bluetooth-enabled devices with voice commands through the car's stereo system.

The Lincoln MKS has been an underwhelming performer but a comfortable luxury cruiser since its introduction last year. A more powerful engine option for 2010 may make the MKS a more spirited choice for luxury car shoppers.

But the MKS of 2009 was underpowered -- a fact that contributes to its relatively low ranking here. Reviewers were forced to evaluate it with similarly priced cars, nearly all of which outperformed it easil.

The big news this year, then, is the introduction of a new, more powerful engine. The EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 may make the MKS more competitive with imported luxury cars.  Last year, many reviewers advised buyers to wait for it.  It's here, and the hardly any reviewers who have tested the new powerplant say it's a drastic improvement over the base engine, which is too sluggish to compete in this class.  But most reviewers haven't driven the EcoBoost version of the car, so its scores here still largely reflect the base model's lack of power.