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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  Love my LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By marcviii - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This is definetly a fun car to drive. It has excellent on damand power and has the suspension to be able to utilize the power safely. This car is definetly sure footed. It has an excellent sound system - am/fm/6 disc CD Changer built into the instrument panel. This is not the THX System combined with a navagation system. It is powered by a 180 watt amplifier and a 90 watt sub-woofer. This sound is dispersed through a total of 13 speakers. Great tunes here!

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  First time owner of a Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rodney Smith - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I just received my new Lincoln in February and have not really taken it to the max. But so far with trips to Maryland and Washington DC the car performed very well. The only problem that I have encounted is the price of the 93 octane gas that is required to operate the vehicle. And with gas prices going up this might be a problem for many consumers and myself.

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  LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By notapplicable - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding car. I rent Lexus, BMWs etc. The LS is far superior. No probelms--perfect car...

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  Taken for a Ride - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By madman - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car new with the V-8 sports package and it turned into a nightmare. Car became very difficult to start after it was driven and shutdown for 2 hrs. Took car in for warranty repair 11 times w/out success. Ford had engineers and executive office involved, and no repair worked. Took them to arbitration to get a refund on the vehicle because they said they could not repair the car, and would not replace it.Other problems included a noisy air conditioner, a defective chrome wheel, seat backs that fell off, and random system fail alarms.

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  Lincoln Town Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jeanne Barry - July 14 - 4:33 pm

  I really love the looks of my Town Car. It is cherry red with a tan roof. Im single right now and feel that a mid-size car would be a better choice for me.

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  Love my Lincoln MKX - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By jerseygirl - July 12 - 2:16 pm

  Had my heart set on a Ford Edge until I drove the Lincoln! The handling is much smoother, and the overall quality is a step higher than the Edge. Im glad I spent the extra money and bought the Lincoln. Now getting stuck in traffic doesnt bother me!

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  Beware - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By 2005ls2 - July 12 - 7:33 am

  I purchased my 2005ls in 2006 with 20,000 miles on it. Now has 60,000. Nice body style but... Buyer beware! I have had a lot of trouble with this car and its in the shop again today. Always a problem with coils, the engine and other things. Reliability is very poor. I believe there should be recalls for these problems. Can any one help?

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  Almost Perfect! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By kwilsonict - July 11 - 7:46 am

  Although Ive only had it for a week, Im overall very pleased with my Zephyr. I love the styling outside and inside, it seems to be a well built vehicle, and the gas economy isnt bad for a brand new car, averaging about 23 MPG combined city/highway now. It handles well on the highway and in city driving, and it rides great. More horsepower would add to its appeal, but it handles highway passing and other quick maneuvers without problem. Its listed as a 5 passenger car, but dont plan on an adult sitting in the middle of the back seat for very long. Fit and finish are excellent. Its worth your time to check out if youre looking for a vehicle in this class!

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  Excellent Value - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By mongo1 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  After driving Volvos for the last 20 years due to atrocious domestic build quality and service, I was very pleasantly surprised by the high level of quality in both build and service. My fuel economy, while dismal in the city, actually compares favorably with the 6 cyl Volvo on the highway (19.2 vs. 23 with the Volvo) I have gone from hood badge to tailgate badge, tires to roof rack both inside and out looking for assembly defects and could not find a significant one. It looks nice, it drives nice and I would heartily recommend this vehicle to anyone whose needs require luxury travel with the ability to tow relatively large trailers.

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  Great Luxary to Price Ratio - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Beaudiem - July 8 - 1:00 pm

  The Town Car is unsurpassed when compared to European luxuary vehicles. It seems that one gets much more for their buying power with the Town Car than any other vehical in its class. Inside the Town Car is as elegant as anything on the road.