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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  Impressice! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Kalibr - October 3 - 2:00 am

  We literally looked at and test drove all the SUVs in this luxury mid-size catagory, including the new Lexus GX470 and we feel the Aviator beat the competition. Were extremely impressed with the Aviators performance, styling and even pricing.

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  I feel the need to write a review - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By danstr1 - October 2 - 9:00 am

  I recently purchased a new MKZ. I feel compelled to write a review after reading several negative reviews written by "professional" reviewers. Please sit down...Im in my late 30s and traded in a relatively new Audi on the thing. Technology is truly important to some of us along with handling and a nice compliant ride. This has all the above. My Audis handled well but had none of these other qualities. Reliability is also key. Im truly pleased with my purchase and feel that the styling is anything but cookie cutter and offers a great combination of features. Rebadged Ford.. so is Lexus....so is Acura....so is Audi.... so what!

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  M. C. Thompson - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Lincoln - September 22 - 10:16 pm

  This vehicle has been the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. It is the first vehicle that I have put 234,000 miles. The only major problem I had was a blown out spark plug at 210,000 miles,which was probably my fault because I did not torgue it. Was able to find a used engine for about the same price has a new head. The car could use more power. However for traveling you cant beat it. Repair cost have been a lot less than for Cadillac owners Ive known. You cant beat the ride comfort. Will buy another one next time.

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  45,563 miles, new transmission - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By lz 2006 - September 18 - 6:10 pm

  Bought the car 3/2006, use it to drive the 20 miles back and forth to work - today, 4/30/2010 found out I need a new transmission with only 45,563 miles.

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  not good - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By jax not satisfied - September 16 - 11:36 am

  Although I love the looks and feel of this vehicle it has been nothing but a headache. Always in the shop. It is wonderful to drive when it is running! Service department seems to have no clue on what is wrong. Can anyone say lemon? it is unfortunate that I have had this experience because I had my eye on a Lincoln for a long time before I decided to buy one. Now it seems I made a huge mistake. I am thinking about getting a more reliable vehichle and just giving up on my pretty Lincoln. I need a car that is dependable because I have an infant and I dont want to be stranded on the side of the road again. So sad

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  2008 MKZ FWD - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By weekst11 - September 12 - 7:27 am

  After having the vehicle for 3 years now with 58K on the odometer I thought that now was a appropriate time for a real world review, and this is what I found. I have had ZERO issues with reliability and have gotten everything I wanted out of the car. True, it is not exactly the most stylish car out there(pales in comparison to say a CTS) but also costs a good 10K less. Gas mileage has been 23.3 avg over highway (80mph) and city. I do about 20K miles a year. The heated and cooled seats are a fovorite in the winter/summer, I know it sounds somewhat rediculous to have A/C seats but trust me...when summer gets here it is a wonderful perk! Great car for the money.

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  Im a lincoln not an F-150 - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By HOWARD - September 9 - 5:36 pm

  It drives nice and the ride is very comfy. I like the outside look of the vehicle and had a lot of compliments.

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  Nothing larger or smoother for the dollar - 2012 Lincoln Navigator
  By Mo Blackwater - August 27 - 3:36 pm

  Versus the Cadillac, first you save $20K when optioned out off the dealers lot, thats quite a bit. Second, you can put the Lincoln in 2 wheel drive, giving you better gas mileage and a better ride. Third, you get an independent rear suspension, with the L, long wheel base, nothing rides smoother in this class, period. A Suburban rides like a base pick-up on a gravel road, my previous vehicle. Fourth, the seats dont need to be pulled out (third row). Not only are they roomier, the fold right into the floor. I am a large guy, the third seat is a pain to get out of a GM vehicle. My 5.4 drove over Colorado at 10K feet altitude with plenty of passing power. Love the truck @ 48,000 miles!

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  marklt - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By D>Rivera - August 23 - 7:50 pm

  Being the first year the Mark LT was added to the Lincoln line-up as a pick- up, I was impressed with its style and handling capability. It is a practical truck with all the elegance you expect from lincoln. This class of truck has seen few if any amenties from the other car makers.

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  Great, ----- but, - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By LWD - August 22 - 6:56 am

  Looks wonderful, better than my last two Navigators which I loved. Drives great, much better than my last two Naavigators. Build quality???? So far, a dissappointment. My dealer has been wonderful in quality and timely warranty repair, but too much has needed repair. 5,000 miles and needed: new differential, new radio, 3 trim pieces, and the front brake discs were warped, and drivers seat has a little slop in the track. All is well now, but - - - Not a great start.