Overview & Reviews

Lincoln is an automaker with a long history of building upscale vehicles for the American market. A division of Ford, Lincoln differentiates its vehicles through additional luxury features, more powerful engines and unique styling. The automaker's lineup includes cars, pickups and SUVs.

The company was established in 1917 by Henry Leland, an automotive parts manufacturer who had previously founded the Cadillac brand. He named the company after his boyhood hero: the 16th U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln. Early Lincoln models include the L Series and the K Series. The company quickly hit dire straits, however, and was bought by Ford Motor Company in 1922.

Lincoln had found its niche in the luxury-car segment by the 1930s, riding high with the likes of Cadillac as a purveyor of premium status-mobiles. The 1936 model year saw Lincoln's launch of the popular Zephyr. The car's name and styling were inspired by the sleek lines of the Burlington Zephyr, a diesel-powered express train that boasted record-setting speed. The car was a big hit for Lincoln; at one point, nearly 80 percent of all Lincolns sold were Zephyrs.

The '40s also saw the rise of the glamorous Continental. The vehicle's development was shepherded by Edsel Ford, son of Ford's founder Henry Ford. After World War II, Lincoln maintained its premium status with vehicles like the Mark II and the '60s-era Continentals, which gained fame through their "suicide-style" rear doors and use as U.S. presidential limousines. The Continental Mark III luxury coupe rolled out in 1968 and by the late '60s, more than 1 million Continentals had been built.

The 1970s saw the launch of the Mark IV as well as a new Lincoln, the Versailles. The Versailles was the first midsize sedan from the marque, and right from the start, it missed the mark with the public. The Versailles was based on the Ford Granada platform, and many blamed its failure on its obvious similarity to its less exclusive -- and less expensive -- twin.

In 1981, Lincoln released its now iconic Town Car, the full-size luxury sedan that has since served as the marque's flagship. Though its moniker had been used to designate trim levels in previous years, 1981 was the year in which the Town Car came into existence as an individual model. Lincoln also distinguished itself during these years as the first American car line to offer antilock braking. The Mark series continued to evolve, and shrunk down considerably with the debut of the Mark VI. That velvet-lined cruiser was followed mid-decade by the Mark VII, which was more European in nature and could even be powered by a BMW turbodiesel engine.

The '90s saw the debut of the Mark VIII, which featured a four-cam V8 and air suspension. By this time, sport-utility vehicles had emerged as a segment to be reckoned with, and Lincoln made the most of this trend by launching its very first SUV, the Ford Expedition-based Navigator, for 1998. Bedecked in chrome and fitted with plush leather and luxury features galore, the massive truck was a breakout hit.

The new millennium marked the debut of the Euro-flavored, midsize LS sedan that shared much of its platform with Jaguar's S-Type sedan. More recently, Lincoln has dropped the long-lived Town Car and updated its lineup with the MKS and MKZ sedans as well as the MKX crossover SUV in hopes of attracting a new generation of consumers. Some of its offerings fall short of the competition in areas such as performance and refinement. Still, the marque is a favorite of car buyers seeking a generous dose of all-American luxury.

User Reviews:

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  Stay Away - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By Chris - December 24 - 10:17 pm

  I own a 2011 MKS with the 3.5 Ecoboost and this thing will cost you a fortune to own unless you are a mechanic. First off, anyone claiming over 25 MPG is insane unless they only drive downhill. Ecoboost does not stand for efficient. The brakes are underwhelming, and I have never seen a car go through rear brakes so quickly. I have had the brakes changed multiple times, and recently switched to a set of carbon ceramic Powerstop brakes, and are a worthwhile investment if you want them functioning properly on a day to day basis. The motor went in the steering column and the entire thing had to be replaced. The brake booster went out, which is not a huge deal but took a half dozen times in the shop for them to identify. All the while driving garbage ford loaner cars. When someone purchases an MKS, they do not want to be stuck driving a C-max or a fiesta. The timing chain was replaced, which is also a common problem with the 3.5, and a huge reason to stay clear of the F-150s with this engine. other issues: ball joints, control arm, tie rods, rattling speakers, sunroof leaks into the rear door???... the list goes on. Dont get me wrong, this car is amazingly comfortable traveling with my family of four, but please buy a lexus and stay away from American junk. Made in Chicago. Built like crap.

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  Beware - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By dick graham - November 18 - 12:33 pm

  I think we might like the MKT if the dealer can get it started. 300 miles and towed to dealer, will not start. It took 3 days and several phone calls to even get a loaner. Dealer does not return our calls about our new MKT. Paid for 2010 Lincoln MKT, driving 2009 mercury. Beware and ask about the new ignition problems. It may be a great car. Hard to tell when you cant drive it!

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  Horrible Quality - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By sobe531 - October 3 - 9:46 pm

  45 mpg is an Absolute Lie! Closer to 36 mpg, and I live in super flat Florida. While the car is beautifully designed it is made from very cheap quality parts and is constantly breaking. Only 6 months old and been in the shop 4 times to repair/replace broken pieces and currently waiting for the entirely new interior roof trim to come in for a fifth visit. That will also need to have several other areas replaced/repaired for a second time. I am tired of the constant apologies from Lincoln about how awful the car is, I just want them to take it back. The interior is a piece of junk. Rattles, squeaks, pops, crackling noises all over the interior.

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  Constant Problem - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By Dwight Escondido - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a constant problem since new,,both back window motors failed early, Torque Converter failed at 40,000 miles;barely in warranty,,NOW out of warranty,,Plug over coils failed twice($400.00 each time) and Now at 65,000 mile,,heater damper door warped,,over $1100.00(10 hours at $84 an hour flat rate to remove dash)...Passenger window motor failed last week,,,I will leave broken (Lincoln $500 to fix),,,will replace with Lexus or Mercedes,,Lincoln just has very poor build quality,,too little power and no customer service!!

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  Huge Transmission Problem - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bill Kane - September 11 - 9:52 pm

  Car needed transmission rebuilt after less than 80,000 miles.

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  The definition of junk - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By smith.koko - March 4 - 9:00 am

  So Im 20 years old and I had previously owned a 1996 Dodge Ram. I decided to upgrade, well what i thought was an upgrade, I Bought My Lincoln. Ive had nothing but problems. The first week i had it both cadillac converters had to be replaced, car vibrates at 45, poor gas mileage, drivers door broken have to open from outside,car wont start right, you have to turn the engine over 5 or 6 times before it starts. Recently my power steering pump went out and i havent been able to drive it. Im now looking for a new car. Please dont but this car you will regret every penny spent. I bought mine for almost $7000 and the car is only worth $2500. Upside down. Not fun.

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  Problems with Tire Vibration - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Problems01 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had problems with tire vibration since I have had the vehicle. The original tires were replaced, but the problem still exists at highway speeds. This will probably be my first and last Lincoln. I have had more problems with this vehicle than all of my previous vehicles combined.

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  Never Buy One...If you value your money - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By d4xwb72 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  So far with only 4000 miles to date, the steering column and front suspension have been replaced. The tires have been balanced twice and the dealership, Neil Sandler Ford Lincoln Mercurys detail shop ruined the grey trim paint around the entire vehicle and are trying not to fix their mistake.

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  New Lincoln Buying Mistake - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Merck - September 29 - 6:16 pm

  The car is sluggish and transmission hesitates when pushed down to pass or when needed to come up hills. It does the same when using the Remote Control. The car seems to be in a wind tunnel after 30 miles per hour. The hissing sound coming from the drivers side is very annoying and together with the Michelin tires whining noise makes a long drive not too appealing. As you can see mileage is very low (4200). I use my wifes 95 Chevrolet Corsica more often than the Lincoln! Another thing is that the car sways everytime wind hits it on its side. Im planning trading this car in for another make. Im totally unhappy with my 2004 Lincoln. Should have leased instead of buying.

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  Wish I had looked closer - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Sorry - July 16 - 1:26 pm

  Had a Toyota Sequoia which I wish i had back. When you buy this car make sure you are a short person as your knees will reach the dash board if you are over 5 11. Cant say the gas mileage has been great, but a little better than the Sequoia. Seats are hard.