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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  great car, used - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By guyb50 - February 14 - 8:13 am

  I have always loved Lincolns. My father had a 1977 Mark 5 that I used to drive. I bought this Town Car used, with 45k miles on it.,,was in showroom new condition. i love the ride, and it has been a pleasure to own. No mechinacal problems,just gas and oil

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  Good Value - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Very Happy! - February 12 - 7:33 pm

  This is not your grandfathers Lincoln. The sporty design is just sassy enough, yet restrained enough to be classy. I replaced my SUV and Volvo with this vehicle and found it superb in terms of overall reliability, style, handling. I get 22 mpg and the AWD performed competently in mountain/winter driving. Very pleased with it and would buy it again.

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  Stylish yet comfortable - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Rose D - February 11 - 8:33 pm

  I love this car. I have had it for 7 years. I have never had any trouble with the workmanship inside our out.

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  Very Pleased With My MKX! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By Tim - February 11 - 4:10 pm

  This car is very quite and comfortable. We had a Ford Explorer and the front room is comparable to the Explorer. The rear room is better than the Explorer. There are a lot of items the MKX has that are not available on the Ford Edge Limited such cooled seats, softer suspension, real wood interior trim, satellite radio, better seats and thicker carpet, and many other items. We are averaging 18 mpg in stop and go traffic. The car is solid and so far very reliable. It is a top safety pick and anyone in the market for a midsize crossover should drive an MKX before making a purchase.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Rose - February 11 - 12:06 pm

  I am extremely pleased with this vehicle. I wanted to buy an American luxury SUV vehicle and this fit the bill. Am as excited to see the 2007 release.

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  My Continental CE - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Robs - CE - February 10 - 10:00 am

  At first I was a little unsure about the comfort of this car. However, the more I drive it the more it fits me. It took all of the first 100 miles for me to completly enjoy this car. The Continental drives with litte effort, the vehicle handles like a car built to be smaller and more nimble. It doesnt "float" like other full size cars I have driven, it has road feel and is a car for all roads. Lincoln should reconsider their dropping of this car. The style and ride are 5 STAR.

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  Reliability - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By niko - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Better then the cadi

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  2003 Lincoln Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By JohnWatson - February 7 - 11:03 pm

  The performance is outstanding. It feels comfortable, solid and stable. The steering is responsive and precise. The visibilitly is superb forward and rearward, especially with the backup tone warning system. It accepts a top mounted extra luggage compartment allowing long travel with 6 passengers, in comfort. Controlled braking is excellent.

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  90 days and happy - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By Ken Preis - February 7 - 6:03 pm

  I have 2000 miles on my 2010 MKS and I couldnt be more pleased. My last American made car was over 15 years ago, last 4 cars were Acuras: 2 Legends, 1 RL and 1 MDX. Im enjoying this baby immensely and have never, ever had so many strangers come up to me and tell what a good looking car it is. One common comment: Lincoln got it right this time. Most amazing to me is the overall mpg of 21.2. No trips just around town. Cant wait to take it on a 2,500 trip this summer.

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  2001 Lincoln Continental - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Jimbo - February 6 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased this vehicle as a "sometime" driver; have a company car to drive to work, and an old minivan for hauling stuff. So the Lincoln is used to go out with the wife, visit kids at college, or travel. I did not believe reviews I had read about this cars gas mileage, but I am getting around 24 mpg combined. This car effortlessly flies down the highway, and is like driving a leather recliner. The trunk is massive for suitcases, etc. I cannot believe that Lincoln stopped making this car. It is a luxury car, but people were probably afraid to buy it because of the V-8. And no, you do not need premium. I have no problem with regular unleaded in this thing. Buy one if you can!