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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  more than expected - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By weberman - March 26 - 2:00 am

  took 6 friends on a 9 hr trip basically sums up my experience. All were impressed by its excellent handling(at 100 mph!), comfort, and roominess in all rows. The all-wheel drive/ advance track combination really works as I kept me speeding along curved roads and icey conditions as I felt it engage.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Fhoto - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The car is as smooth s silk and met all my expectations. I had a 1992 Lincoln Town Car prior this car.

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  faiths continental - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Faith - March 25 - 7:50 am

  This is a beautiful car. It is silver with a navy cloth top and gray interior. It has all the extras avilable including a five disk cd player. This car was pampered, always garage kept.

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  Hot Rod Lincoln - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Dr. Detroit - March 24 - 1:33 pm

  I bought this black over grey fully loaded Continental after driving a Park Avenue Ultra, Cadilac Seville, and Chrysler 300. This car was just plain faster and handled better. Itll run rock solid at 80 mph and still get 25 mpg. The user adjustable air-suspension and steering are valuable because you can get very good ride control. It wont float, bounce, or lean at speed. The engine is red-lined at 6,500 rpm and itll run that fast. Low-end torque, say below 1,500 to 1,800 rpm, is somewhat slight; so, if you are used to a standard normal V8 then youre gonna have to goose it a bit more than usual off the line. But, after that just hold on.

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  Great family hauler! - 2018 Lincoln Navigator
  By Anish Kadakia. - March 21 - 11:28 am

  I had to get a larger car because of a growing family. Owned the Gl450 which is a great suv. Had some electrical issues but that seems to come with the territory of a Benz. The new navigator is impressive. Looks are great. Drives like a much smaller suv. Interior is very upscale and seats super comfortable. We love it as a family. Roomy and great ride. It’s only been 2 weeks so no answer in reliability. But they pickup car at home and give a loaner so it’s a low stress issue.

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  Cant go Wrong - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By Top Hat - March 21 - 6:36 am

  We got this car from my wifes brother, it had 86000 miles on it. We now have 181500 miles. The only thing needed so far is air bag replacement. We plan on keeping it for several more years. IT still runs great, gets good gas millage, and still looks great compared to the newer cars.

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  Great vehicle - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By JPS51830 - March 21 - 2:26 am

  Just purchased an MKX. We had an Eddied Bauer Explorer. This blows it away. Rides very smooth, all interior accessories are very well placed and easy to use. Seems to have more room for the driver then the Explorer. Like any SUV gas mileage is a little rough but did not purchase it for exceptional gas mileage. Very solidly built and very comfortable. So far has exceeded our expectations. Handles very well in wet weather

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  Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By James E. Mull - March 19 - 4:00 pm

  A zippy, luxurious commute vehicle that is a pleasure to drive. Quality in every respect.

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  My Lincoln LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Ginny - March 19 - 5:56 am

  Very pleased with this model. Have made two trips to east coast since June. Gas mileage excellent, comfort and ease of operation excellent. Feel very safe in this car. This is our 4th Lincoln. Have had continental models previously and this fulfills our needs. Love driving it.

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  First Used Automobile - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By jrsmail - March 16 - 10:00 am

  After purchasing four new cars and two new trucks, this is the first used car I have ever purchased. This car had a little over 77,700 miles on it when I purchased it. It now has over 107,000 miles on it. It was a one owner and I had access to the maintenance records. The car had all of its recommended maintenance performed as recommended in the owners manual. I thought that it would be a good car and I was right. On a long trip, the car gets 26.5 miles per gallon. I think thats outstanding for such a large car. I would definitely buy this car again. I absolutely love it!