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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  Fabulous - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Priley - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Fund to drive - seems to be very stable on the road - very comfortable to sit and relax on the road. The cooling in the front seats are great. I love it.

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  An American Classic - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By little - April 8 - 10:00 am

  The fourth SUV that my wife owned, NONE compare with this beauty. leave it to Lincoln!!!

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  Awesome - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By James Michelli - April 2 - 2:35 pm

  Buy it.Awesome

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  High Value Vehicle - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Brian - April 1 - 2:16 pm

  Have 2800 miles on the car and I absolutely love it. SYNC (very easy to use), THX sound and Sirius are outstanding. Cooled/heated seats, very quiet & comfortable interior, headlights that move with steering, power liftgate are major additions. Engine/transmission powerful and smooth. Comparing my Limited with any competitor was not even close from a value perspective. This was a great buy. Mileage better than I thought - 19 around town and 22+ on the highway. Handles equally well in town or on the highway - a true pleasure to drive. Seats 4-5 people more comfortably than any of its competitors. Insurance cost was surprisingly low. Dont overlook this car. It is awesome!

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  Good used car - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By Otis Campbell - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car when it was 2 years old for 20K. Had 2 years left on warranty, which I only used to have the rearview mirror replaced (seems to be a chronic problem with these cars). Car has been reliable, gets up and goes, and gets good mileage considering the size and power. Its a geezer car, but I dont care

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  2002 Navigator - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By Antwain75 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle even though its a gas guzzler, it is an awesome peace of machinery. I have had mine for 4 months and have had no complaints. The ride is smooth and quiet, it will almost put you to sleep. The acceleration is great and the interior is classy and comfortable

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  owner - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By montague hutt - March 31 - 2:00 am

  this is a touring sedan,a great looking vehicle. i would like to see fender skirts on rear wheels. it would would look sleek and low.

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  lincoln rocks! - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By linc - March 30 - 2:00 am

  What can I say.. Great car.I have tested several European SUVs: mercedes glk 350, audi q5,lexus 350 and acura mdx. They all are good cars, but only Lincoln had that balance of everything:driving dynamics, luxury,best electronics in its class that made me buy this vehicle.My Lincoln touch and Sync are best in the business...period. THX2 system with 14 speakers and subwofer is simply amazing. I believe that European and Japanese suvs were ahead a few years back but this Lincoln is clearly leading the pack now

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  Bravo America! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Jackie - March 29 - 8:50 pm

  This car proves we can compete with the imports! It has a much more luxurious ride than most cars in its class. Over the road it feels a little light, but overall I am really impressed by the quality both in and out.

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  My Awesome Navigator 2005 - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Rudy Apilado - March 28 - 11:40 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. I consider my Navi my second love. My wife is jealous. The drive is smooth. I just love to drive my Navi even for minor errands to the store. Everytime I drive my Navigator I feel like I am in the best SUV on the market. I seek out Escalades, Yukons, Expeditions, Denalis, etc. just to show off my Velvet Red w/chrome trim Navigator. I have the best looking and best performing SUV on the road today.