2008 Lincoln MKX

Ask the woman (or man) who owns one. Lincoln is beaming so proudly about some rave customer reviews for its larger, premium MKX crossover for five, that it posts the positive feedback front and center on its site.

2008 Lincoln MKX Interior

Some accolades? How about a 10-way power adjustable passenger seat unique to the MKX...Good visibility and handling...Affordable and "HOT!"...Love the SIRIUS (satellite radio)..."Amazing" trunk room and "Expansive" Vista roof...Top safety pick...His wife wants to trade her Honda keys for his MKX's..And the list goes on.

Such words must be music to Ford Motor Co.'s ears. As parent to Lincoln, this was a long sought and deliciously revered success story after Lincoln had languished for years without a true crossover to sell. Now, as cousin of Ford's Edge, and in its second year, the 2008 Lincoln MKX adds some refinements to an already full plate of amenities.

Biggest 2008 news is the addition of Lincoln Sync as standard. It's the customizable electronic voice-activated connectivity that suddenly makes a vehicle cabin a combination of concert hall and hands-free communications center against a backdrop of luxurious quiet that's friendly even to hushed conversations. Also standard are reverse sensing system, cooled and heated front seats, memory seats and mirrors and driver and passenger lumbar support.

Two new trims are added. A Limited Edition gets 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, chrome door handles, ebony wood accents, and premium Charcoal Black leather seating with Medium Light Stone insets and piping. A Monochrome Limited Edition Package, in black only, adds to those features a monochromatic body color grille.

One can enter the world of MKX for around $35 K base. Well-optioned features build on that. Standard is the 3.5-liter, 265-horsepower V-6 with Ford's new, highly acclaimed six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some other higher end crossovers, Lincoln doesn't diss the driver as much at the gas pump. Regular works fine, with best mileage (front-drive version) of 17 city/24 hwy. With optional AWD, the mileage rating is 15 city/22 hwy.