Why Would I Test Drive a Lincoln MKT?

2010 Lincoln MKT with Ecoboost, originally uploaded by Ford Motor Company.

You know those car commercials where they invite you to contact your local dealer for a test drive? Frankly, I've never ever done that, and I don't know anyone who does, either. You'd either have to be true auto enthusiast or a masochist to actually go to a dealer and ask for a test drive. Sure, they'll let you test drive it -- for all of 10 minutes -- but is it worth the sales pitch that you have to go through?

Tomorrow I'm going to test drive a car -- but it's going to be a test drive like all test drives ought to be done. The Ford Motor Company has graciously lent me the use of a Lincoln MKT for all of Labor Day Weekend. Without any pressure to buy anything, other than a request to try it out and let them know what I think.

Hang on.... Ford? Lincoln?? Aren't Lincolns those huge town cars that you ride to the airport with? Why would I want to test drive that??

So why did I agree to test drive the Lincoln MKT? First of all, I'm glad I looked the car up on the internet beforepolitely turning them down. The Lincoln MKT is actually a luxury 7-seater crossover with enough space for my three kids, all their stuff, and even a playmate or two. People are not going to mistake me for a limo driver.

When I saw the car on the web, I realized that I've actually even driven one, at last month's What Women Want event in Chicago. Okay, I didn't really drive it, but I did get to park one, with the aid of the vehicle's super-cool, almost freaky Active Park Assist. I was so entranced that I almost bumped into the vehicle in front of me (note to self: Active Park Assist only steers. You do the braking). We learned about all the cool things that go into the Lincoln MKT, such as

* EcoBoost Engine
* Voice activated, hands-free SYNC phone/MP3 system
* Blind Spot Information Mirror (BLIS®) with cross traffic alert
* Intelligent Access and PushButton Start
* Did I mention the Active Park Assist?

So I'm actually more curious than ever to take the MKT out for a spin. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Ford was so extremely nice and gracious during the whole What Women Want event -- showing us their latest technologies, giving us a plant tour. Best of all, they listened.

I have to admit that I did not experience the same rush of emotion and pride that some bloggers did (read Citymama's touching and heartfelt post about the whole experience). But I will say one thing: The event is certainly changing my perception of Ford. I know now that Ford is not a company where all the decisions are made by old men in suits. I know that what goes into Ford cars aren't determined by people who sit in the backs of limos and tell consumers, This Is What You Want. I know that Ford takes real input from real people and use it to build Ford cars. And I know that's true because Citymama and I and fifty other bloggers saw them do it. They listened to us. To What Women Want.

And that's why I agreed to test drive the Lincoln MKT. Because I know they will listen to what I have to say.

I did not receive a product sample or monetary compensation for this post. Heck, I haven't even received the car loaner yet. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.