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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  Best Luxury Car Value Around - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Stan H. - July 8 - 9:53 am

  My new Zephyr has so many great features I couldnt list them all. Great proportions, Drives like a bigger/heavier car, and so far seems to be well on track to rival my favorite (up until now) car I ever owned. (Which incidentally was also a Lincoln) It truly drives like a Lincoln affectionado would expect it to drive. To top it off I had a great purchase experience with the dealer, although I had to drive 30 miles to get it. (Local dealers always try to pad the price with charges to have the car transfered etc.) I dont see why so many think it is to similar to the Milan/Fusion sure there are similar beginings, but all car manufacturers do that. (Honda/Acura..Toyota/Lexus)

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  Fun and Safe, Loving it! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Trey - July 4 - 10:16 pm

  The MKX has been very fun to drive and very safe. We have a child on the way and we are the 5-star crash rating was a must. Its very quiet even on the highway at 70 and it goes over bumps in the road like they dont exist, and trust me, there are lots of them here in the midwest.

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  navi review - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By davidt - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Smoothest riding SUV on the market, Great seat space for families. Gas mileage better than expected. Downside-terrible quality interior materials for a vehicle this expensive. Leather is paper thin, interior trim parts that look like platinum has a sprayed paint look. We looked at all other SUVs and this one rides great, has alot of space, and good performance but interior is so cheaply made we will probably have to have interior redone in 4-years.

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  Pleasing - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mrs Highland - July 3 - 10:20 pm

  We have other cars but on trips of 100 miles or more our Town Car is the best!

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  Mark LT - A Big Hit! - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By crculver - July 3 - 8:03 am

  Great Job Lincoln. Excellent workmanship. IÂ’m having a great experienced with my new 2006 Mark LT. I am extremely impressed with this vehicle and the value it represents. While this Mark LT is my first experience with Lincoln, I have owned several CadillacÂ’s and I must say this luxury vehicle is tight, quiet and pleasing to drive. I first discovered the Mark LT on LincolnÂ’s web site where 360 degree views and driver simulation was possible. A few days later I saw one driving down the road. Hours later I was driving one off the lot. That was two months ago. I thoroughly enjoy driving this vehicle every chance I get.

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  Great Ride...Love it!!!! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Memphis, TN Aviator - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Just bought 2wd premium with all the options for 43,000. Rides great- has awesome power. If your looking for a mid-sized luxery SUV, you have to check out the Aviator. Helpful hint- dont buy from Gary Davis Lincoln in Memphis,TN. Bad service.

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  Excellent elegant SUV - 2017 Lincoln MKC
  By MarJer1 - June 30 - 3:37 pm

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  Eddies Lincoln - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By EddieD - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Switches for interior lights is becoming defective.

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  Cautious Optimism - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By -H- - June 25 - 4:00 am

  Some of the reviews I have read are very scary. I have been somewhat fortunate so far, but have had some of the more common malfunctions mentioned in other reviews. The car had 70k miles on it when purchased. It now has 105k on it. It is a rear wheel drive car and does handle terribly in the snow. I have had 1 window malfunction, the air condition did blow out hot and cold air at the same time, and the ball joints caused the steering to shake. These repairs totaled around $750, and that is it so far. None of the malfunctions caused the car to break down, but were recommended repairs. Around 25 mi per gallon. If that is all that happens I will be very happy with this ride.

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  Lincoln Ls 2003 - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By SteveRepp - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Smooth Ride. Great Stereo.