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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  What a Lincoln - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Great Car - November 15 - 2:46 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 years and absolutely love it. Wish I would have waited for the MKZ and I would be purchasing it at lease end in a few months. May purchase it anyway since it still looks as new as the day I drove it off the showroom floor 3 years ago. I have really been shopping and comparing other makes and models but keep coming back to the Lincolns can tear myself away.

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  Designers need 101 design help - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By TopGun - November 12 - 7:43 pm

  Nice car,good handling however noise insulation could use improvment.Front suspension could be a bit softer.Interior controls are so small they are hard to find and operate.White lighting on instrument panel wash out during daylight operation.In some cases cannot be seen at all.Average MPG on hwy.26

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  Just Shy of Perfect - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By W. T. - November 12 - 8:56 am

  Knowing that my Lincoln would soon be on its death bed, I knew I had to shop. With gas prices higher than Kate Moss in a recording studio, I thought the time came to downsize -- even though I enjoyed the luxury and comfort of my Town Car. I looked at the Caddilac CTS. It felt cheap. I looked at the Lexus ES330. I liked it, but I couldnt justify paying more than 30K for a comfortable Camry. I felt lost but knew I was in no true hurry since my Lincoln still had some life left. Then, I stumbled on news of a new model Lincoln. I saw the pictures and pestered a particular dealer employee to call me when it came in. All I can say is that even in the pouring down rain, it was love at first drive.

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  I am very happy - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By beachgoer - November 10 - 4:13 pm

  I like the way the car rides on the open freeway. It rides smoothly and provides enough power when I need it.

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  Edmunds shortfall - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Stagebuster - November 8 - 7:23 am

  Edmunds, has in the past been less than positive about this car. Without going into detail: the car has very adequate performance, gas mileage is equal to or surpasses many of the cars Edmunds refers to. My wife has an Infiniti Q45 and the Lincoln gets better fuel economy and I believe a more pleasant ride. I am glad to note that Edmunds is less critical of this car recently but one must be aware that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I base these comments on owning 2 Fords, 3 Mercurys and 3 Lincolns. AND they are all American made, mostly. Sorry to see the Towncar go by the wayside. Sorrowfully I cannot determine my replacement. I have driven all the new models Lincoln offers, blah!

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  What a Deal - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Geo A - November 7 - 2:03 pm

  My deal was zero percent financing, 9 grand off the sticker and its off the lot. Its turn radius is the best, the 18 inch tires eat bumps, and with all gadgets included it beats the Escalade. Mileage stinks: it averages 13 mpg

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  WOW - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Northeast US - November 7 - 5:16 am

  What a shame Lincoln has decided to table this car. It is terrific. I am big fan of this car - I just traded my 02 LS for this one!! I liked the way my 02 handled - this handles better! In addition, this car is a headturner. You cannot go anywhere without somebody doing a double take as you go by!!! Obviously, I did not buy this car for gas mileage, but it is pretty competitive with other cars in its class. I did compare this a BMW 325xi and the Lincoln has more luxury features at a much better price. My out the door price was $35,427. I wish Lincoln would have continued to make this underrated gem. It is great to own an AMERICAN luxury car.

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  outrages repairs!! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By sweetpea18 - November 6 - 2:31 am

  I bought this car in 2009 i have put already a new transmission new selinoid new power control module my healight to replace 75.00 3 new coils and now I need to replace the other 3 the spark plugs ac line and it has a oil leak gasket this total cost has benn over $3,000.

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  New MKX - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By lakegirl4 - November 5 - 9:07 am

  Just bought a 2013 MKX. After owning Subaru Outbacks for years, I couldnt stomach the new ugly models with useless cargo racks. I was looking for cargo space, kayak carrying capability, comfortable seats, a color other than gray, black or white, and gas efficiency. The MKX beat out the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, the Cadillac, the VW Toureg, and the Lexus. Most of the others had very ugly silver consoles. The MKX has everything I was looking for and is beautiful inside. The seats and finish are wonderful. I love the steering wheel controls. Only thing Im not crazy about is the front end - low and massive. First American branded car Ive owned in over 30 years! Good Job Ford!

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  Smooth and still Sporty! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Brady - November 5 - 12:43 am

  I owned an Audi A4TQ and loved the quattro but was growing weary of the maintenance. I was looking for a more comfortable ride without compromising sportiness, and a vehicle easier to maintain. The LS has fit the bill perfectly. I love the v8 power, and fuel economy has not been that bad. I also really like the interior comfort of this car, and the seats are great. The trunk could be a bit bigger. The real test came driving across central Wisconsin in a blizzard. I was cautious, but amazed at how well the rear-wheel drive and traction control handled the terrible road conditions (original Michelin Pilot with 30k miles). The LS has so-far proven to be very reliable, fun and easy!