Road Test: 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
By: Mike Magda, Editor Posted: 07-11-05 18:57 PT
© 2005 PickupTruck.com

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It’s easy to forget the Lincoln Blackwood folly after spending a week in the Lincoln Mark LT luxury pickup. You may still have disturbing memories of the Blackwood, a $50,000 pickup that sported four bucket seats, plenty of fake African wood and clever a Dutch-door tailgate/power tonneau combo that opened to a practically useless pickup bed. With very little utility and even less sex appeal, fewer than 3500 Blackwoods were sold from 2001 through 2003. Lincoln had hoped to sell more than 10,000 units.

The new LT offers an upscale level of comfort, a great ride already established by the latest generation of F-Series pickups and towing ability up to 8900 pounds. The strategy appears to be working as just under 2800 units were sold through the first six months of 2005.

Starting price for the 2-wheel-drive model is a more reasonable $39,200. Our test vehicle had a few options that boosted the MSRP to $42,850, including power moonroof, tow package, power sliding rear window, 18-inch chrome wheels, running boards, adjustable pedals and reverse sensors. Standard equipment includes heated leather seats, 6-CD sound system, power accessories, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, tailgate assist, 300-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission.

The introduction of the Lincoln gives the GMC Sierra Denali a direct competitor and offers up a meaningful challenger to much higher-priced Cadillac Escalade EXT. But comparing these vehicles side-by-side with the LT brings out a few glaring shortcomings in the Lincoln.

With the Cadillac, you can get touch-screen GPS navigation. With the Denali, you can get satellite radio. With the Cadillac you can get side-impact air bags. With the Denali, you can get 345 horsepower. With the Cadillac you can get automatic dual-climate control. With the Denali, you can get a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.

Get the picture? The LT ends up being a SuperCrew Lariat with Lincoln flair, not Lincoln luxury.

The LT screams Lincoln from the outside. The signature waterfall grille and chrome rocker trim that circles the body in concert with the bumpers will surely draw the traditional Lincoln buyer. The LT comes in a variety of colors, compared to the black-only Blackwood. Our Dark Toreador Red was a bit unusual for a truck but quite pleasing with the bright Lincoln accoutrement, such as the chrome handles, 7-spoke wheels and bed rails.

You certainly get your money’s worth with the Lincoln exterior styling; however the interior does leave you wanting for more. The Nudo leather is nice and French pleating impressive but the seats are flat and stiff. They lack full power adjustability although it doesn’t take long to get into position with the power pedals. Our Dove Grey/Black interior theme was accented with ebony wood and metallic trim. The overall theme is inviting, right up to the distinct Lincoln face on the instrument panel, bold stitching around the IP brow and leather on the center console.

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