The Lincoln MKX has bested the Lexus RX350 in the near-luxury SUV segment of the 2007 Strategic Vision Total Value report. "The MKX really stood out in things like technical innovation, the standard equipment that came with it and the refinement in the interior in comparison to what the Lexus had to offer," said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision's automotive division.
Things that I observed about the MKX include sub-par plastics, such as a very flimsy glove box door and mismatching trim in the hatch area. A recaltricant alarm system that went off in the showroom and a hood that unevenly aligned with the body of the car. Granted this car was probably one of the earlier models produced. I will say that the MKX is an attractive car, but even with a $3,000 price difference there is no way that I could honestly recommend this car over the RX. Especially with nearly identical Ford Edges tooling around the streets. The RX has a proven reliability and resale record. The RX also has a much more polished feel about it. I do want to root for the home team, but I cannot give away points just for trying. The MKX is an decent entry, but it needs to be more than that to knock the RX off its lofty perch.
Volkswagen of America was seen as the best full-line corporation in value overall. That's another pick that I would quibble with. I like Volkswagen products, especially the GTI, but I don't feel that their current lineup is as strong as it has been in the past. From a value for money perspective, I don't think that Volkswagen is tops, especially when factoring in VeeDub's less than stellar reputation for quality. Most Volkswagen owner's that I know love their cars, but they also freely admit that they are in the shop way too often.
You can read the press release here and the rest of the picks by category below:
Small Car
Toyota Yaris Honda Civic Honda Civic Hybrid
Small Multi-Function
Toyota Yaris Hatchback
Medium Car
Volkswagen Jetta
Medium Multi-Function
Volvo V50 Wagon
Larger Car
Hyundai Azera*
Near Luxury Car
Acura TSX
Luxury Multi-Function
Audi A3
Luxury Car
Lexus LS 430*
Small Specialty Under $28,000
Mini Cooper*
Small Specialty Over $28,000
Chevrolet Corvette Coupe*
Mid-Specialty Car
Honda Accord Coupe*
Convertibles Under $30,000
Mini Cooper Convertible*
Convertibles Over $30,000
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible*
Minivan
Honda Odyssey
Small SUV
Hyundai Santa Fe
Medium Crossover
Ford Edge
Medium SUV
Toyota 4Runner
Large SUV
Ford Expedition EL
Near Luxury SUV
Lincoln MKX
Luxury SUV
Mercedes-Benz ML
Standard Pickup Truck
Honda Ridgeline*
Full-Size Pickup Truck
GMC Sierra 1500
Heavy Duty Pickup Truck
GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Classic
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