The handsome, early
2006 Lincoln Mark LT competes in the tight little world of luxury pickup trucks, which are in one of few markets Japanese and Korean automakers haven't entered -- yet.
The only direct rivals to Ford Motor's Mark LT are General Motors' Cadillac Escalade EXT and GMC Sierra Denali Crew Cab pickups, both of which have all-wheel drive. (The GMC nameplate isn't as upscale as Cadillac's outside truck circles, but the Sierra Denali Crew Cab is very much a luxury boat.)
The five-passenger Mark LT also is a Crew Cab model, with four carlike doors and a roomy back seat. It's based on the popular, deftly designed Ford F-150 pickup truck, but has such items as a dominant Lincoln "waterfall'' grille and hefty chrome band that wraps around it.
The posh, understated interior really sets off the Mark LT, being suitable for a luxury car. There are ebony wood accents and Nudo leather seating, with French-style pleating. Helping keep the interior quiet are thick side window glass and doors with double-layer seals.
Front seats are large, but flat and not fully power-adjustable; you must manually adjust the seatback angle. One might expect a power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, but the steering column just tilts and adjusts manually.
The problem was that the Mark LT was rushed to market, and Ford Motor didn't want the extra costs of giving this low-volume truck features that couldn't be easily adapted from the F-150. For instance, the F-150 has no navigation system, satellite radio or full-time all-wheel-drive system, so neither does the Mark LT.
The Mark LT still might seem like a bargain next to the $53,335 Escalade EXT Crew Cab, because the new Lincoln pickup costs much less: $39,200 with rear-drive and $42,700 with a part-time four-wheel-drive system that shouldn't be left engaged on dry pavement. (A more sophisticated full-time all-wheel-drive system is being considered.)
The Mark LT generally is well-equipped with luxury-car comfort and convenience features, but its moderately long list of options can cause the price to escalate. Some of the options raised the price of my four-wheel-drive test vehicle from $42,700 to $46,810.
Extras include a $1,295 DVD entertainment system, $995 power sunroof, $250 running boards that help allow entry to the high truck, $120 power adjustable pedals, $250 power sliding rear window for fresh air lovers and a $245 obstacle detection system that's almost a "must'' because of limited visibility when backing up. The $695 chrome alloy wheels significantly enhance the appearance.
The EXT and Denali, which is priced closer to the Mark LT at $41,735, have a 6-liter, 345-horsepower V-8. It easily trumps the Lincoln's 5.4-liter, 300-horsepower V-8. However, the 5,370-pound Mark LT is lighter than the 5,886-pound EXT and thus arguably doesn't need as large or potent a V-8 as the Cadillac's.
The Mark LT has lively acceleration in town and a decent 65-75 mph passing time. But it's no lightweight, even when empty; the engine thus sounds a little strained when asked to work hard even with only a driver aboard. Steady high-speed highway cruising seems effortless, though.
The Lincoln's four-speed automatic transmission isn't as modern as a five- or six-speed automatic, but upshifts smoothly and downshifts efficiently.
Estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway with rear-drive and 14 and 18 with all-wheel drive.
The steering is nicely geared, and handling is good, assisted by big tires on large 18-inch wheels. The suspension is rather firm, but the ride is generally smooth -- although a few roads caused a slight side-to-side rocking motion. The standard anti-lock all-disc brakes worked well, with good pedal feel.
The Mark LT doesn't offer side impact or curtain air bags. But a stability control system is planned for later in 2006, with a navigation system optional for 2007 models. Sirius Satellite Radio might arrive later this year.
The 2002-2003 Blackwood was Lincoln's first attempt at a luxury pickup, but was far too specialized to last very long. While large, it wasn't very utilitarian, with such things as a tiny cargo area.
The Mark LT makes a lot more sense than the Blackwood -- if ANY Lincoln pickup makes sense -- because the F-150 is very utilitarian. The new pickup utilizes the F-150's shortest (5.5-foot) cargo bed to keep its length manageable for easier maneuvering and parking. A $195 bed extender flips on a lowered tailgate to accommodate long items. (The heavy tailgate has a handy assist feature that makes it much easier to lower or lift)
The Mark LT still is pretty long with the regular tailgate up, and also is quite high and wide. It thus isn't the easiest thing to park, garage or enter, even with the optional running boards, although wide doors with big handles help.
The new Lincoln pickup is generally quite good and offers a sound alternative to the Cadillac and GMC luxury pickups.
2006 LINCOLN MARK LT
PRICES
$39,200-$42,700
LIKES
Handsome. Upscale interior. Decent ride and handling. Roomy.
DISLIKES
Very big. High step-in. Mediocre fuel economy.