2008 Lincoln MKX Review

The MKX is Lincoln’s first crossover, and debuted in 2007. With its elegant look and plethora of luxury features, it’s taken the market by storm. The MKX is one of Lincoln’s hottest models in years.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Lincoln MKX is perhaps their best model in recent memory. It has vintage ’60s style, along with a number of modern features. While it may not hold as much prestige as some imports, it should not be overlooked.

What’s New For 2008:

The front seats now feature power lumbar support, and are heated and cooled. Also added are auto-dimming mirrors and memory for the driver’s seat and side mirrors. Ford’s new Sync system is now included.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power information is not available. First-year issues included power steering leaks, hill rollback, brake drag, and failure to start. No recalls were issued. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The MKX received 4.5 stars in government frontal crash tests and 5 stars in side tests. It earned perfect IIHS scores, and was chosen as one of their ‘Top Safety Picks’ for 2008. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and stability and traction control come standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Safe
+ Easy to get in and out
+ Roomy

Cons
- Poor visibility
- Uncomfortable front seats
- Subpar braking

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Chrysler Aspen Limited costs a few hundred less, includes AWD, and has a larger engine with 40 more hp, but lacks traction control, navigation, leather, a CD changer, and gets 7 fewer highway miles. The GMC Acadia SLT-2 stacks up about equally to the MKX. The Hyundai Veracruz at the same price is very similar, and includes AWD.

What Others Are Saying:

‘The MKX is not necessarily a car you would expect from Lincoln, but the company hopes to sell it to some folks who wouldn’t necessarily buy a Lincoln.’ – The Boston Globe

‘The MKX is not as tall as some SUVs, so it’s relatively easy to climb in and out. With its tall profile, handling obviously is not up to sports-sedan standards, but the MKX transits curves competently and tracks true on the straights. The suspension system is biased toward a comfortable ride.’ – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

‘Lincoln MKX is a crossover but exudes a high-end car’s frills. The new Lincoln MKX crossover vehicle isn’t a car, but it strikes me as being more reminiscent of luxurious old Lincolns than the also-new Lincoln MKZ sedan. That’s partly because the MKX has larger dimensions than the MKZ.’ – Chicago Sun-Times

Read more about the 2008 Lincoln MKX at the Lincoln manufacturer web site.