2014 Lincoln MKZ

The 2014 MKZ is Lincoln's mid-size sedan, the one that shares its bones with the Ford Fusion but dresses it up with a much more distinctive look. It's tuned for a smooth, quiet ride rather than sporty responses, which suits its luxury mission, though it's not the most agile thing in its class. Inside, the cabin looks sharp with a sweeping dash, but some owners note the materials feel a bit plasticky and rear headroom is tight for taller passengers. A few owners have reported issues like a popping door handle cover, a lumbar support that stops adjusting, and water leaking into the trunk. The base MKZ is the entry point, so you skip the Hybrid's efficiency and the 3.7L V6's extra power, but you still get the same quiet cabin and distinctive styling. Its 2.0L I4 makes 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, routed through a six-speed automatic to all-wheel drive, which gives you confident traction in rain or snow without the fuel-economy penalty of a V6. The base trim comes with 17-inch wheels and a standard suspension, so the ride is noticeably softer than the optional adaptive dampers you'd find on higher trims.