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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  WOW - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By JED - August 16 - 6:13 pm

  After test driving every other car in this class, I drove and bought the best. Very impressive car with no changes needed for my liking, almost made a costly mistake and bought something more expensive with less toys and no growl.

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  My MKX Reserve Rocks! - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By hrbaltd@me.com - August 16 - 7:21 am

  Picked up my 2016 MKX Reserve last week and all I can say is WOWEE!! Lincoln hit it out of the park with this vehicle. My MKX Reserve is a blast to drive. It is very fast (2.7 twin turbo option) and nimble (in sport mode). The vehicle is also a show stopper! I ordered the 21" tires and optional rims and it is a striking look. The optional massaging seats makes any long drive a pleasure. Be sure to order this option. It is worth every penny. The vehicle is super quiet but in sport mode, you can hear the exhaust kick in when you punch it. People that have ridden in the vehicle with me comment on how quiet the ride is. The vehicle is great in the snow! The build quality is phenomenal! The fit and finish is first rate. Ignore any comments to the contrary that you made read online. They are not accurate. Just listen to the doors when you close them. Solid build quality. I road tested a 2016 BMW X3 M with twin turbos, Porsche Cayenne S, Mercedes Benz GLE 350, Acura MDX and the based on road tests and pricing, the Lincoln wins hands down. My personal favorite was the Porsche Cayenne S. However, with similar options to the Lincoln, I was looking at 90k. I custom ordered the MKX from the factory with the options I wanted and the Lincoln dealer discounted the MSRP by 10% which you wont find on the BMW, Porsche, or Mercedes Benz. There were also additional rebates available from the manufacturer. The Revel sound system (basic Revel upgrade, not the 4k upgrade) is phenomenal and better than my prior Bose system. I am averaging 29 mph on the highway and 23 overall with 800 miles on the odometer. Did I mention how fast this vehicle is? Zoom Zoom. I never would have even considered a Lincoln till I read a review on Edmunds so I decided to take it for a test drive. Boy, am I glad I did. Note that the vehicle came from the factory with the Sync 3 system. There are a lot of complaints in reviews I read online since the MKXs that were test driven had the old SYNC system. The new Sync 3 system is quick, intuitive, easy to use, and offers unbelievable possibilities. The vehicle is synced to the Wi Fi at my house and downloads app updates when it is parked at night! I can also access SIRI through the hands free feature and have her read and reply to my texts! If you are looking at any of the high end imports, I strongly recommend that you test drive an MKX Reserve with the 2.7 twin turbos. You will not be disappointed.

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  Love This Beast!!!! - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By luvmylincoln - August 15 - 7:32 pm

  I bought this car for $2100 eight months ago. It had 219,000 miles on it when I bought it. I currently have 230,000 miles on it and I havent had ONE problem with this vehicle. I love the fact that this car is huge, as it fits my family of 4 perfectly. The trunk is gigantic. I have a picture of my 21 year old sister and my two daughters sitting comfortably in my trunk tail-gating. Lol. This car handles phenomenally, and drives so smooth. I have owned brand new vehicles before, and none have compared to my Towncar. It will be a sad day for me when I have to get rid of it.

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  1998 Lincoln Continental - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Chris Garrido - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Obviously, I have well over 100k miles on this car. It has been AWESOME. Minor repairs so far, great ride, still looks great. Leather is like new. All electrics, mechanics work great...Couldnt ask for more

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  TRY IT!!! I HAVE - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By FIRST BORN - August 14 - 10:00 am

  A VERITABLE SUCCESS FROM LINCON. NOT MUCH POWER?? I DON`T THINK SO I RACED IT AGAINST AN ESCALADE AND HE COULD NOT BEAT ME!!!

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  best suv - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By charlesunchong - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Fell in love with the Navigator, and finally purchase it this year. I brought it for the safety, room, features, and the qualitly. I believe the best suv money and buy,and the great respects people treat you when driving it.

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  Mildly Disappointed - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Mildly Disappointed - August 11 - 9:06 am

  Ive owned my LS for nearly two years, having "stepped up" from a Grand Marquis. For a car prices in the upper 30s, Im not impressed. The front tires (Continentals) began severly cupping at 30,000 miles. Lincoln would only stand by a 50% replacement with Michelens. Gas mileage is signficantly less than advertised. There is no backseat room when the drivers seat is fully back. Trunk space is very"shallow, will accomodate only one large suitcase. On the plus side, the V6 does give plenty of power when passing, but sometimes lurches when backing up or starting forward. The front seat AC/Heat is a nice feature and overall the AC system cools well. I expected more from a Lincoln.

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  Ultra LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Neil Mitchell - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,handles like a Jag.Power when you need it-lots of it.Lux interior.Great sound system,easy to interpid loaded dash-everything where you need it.Sound ride,you know youre gripping the road!Id easly out performes anything in its class!

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  Incredible! - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Daddy MC - August 8 - 2:00 am

  No more cramped bone jarring rides for me! I love this car! Pearlescent Ivory with fabric roof (how do you care for that anyway?) When they demonstrated all the options I could hardly keep from giggling like a school- boy! Ive never owned a car so nice. It has an distinctive look and and elegant ride. I was amazed how affordable a used Lincoln is.

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  my personal experience - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By J Aston - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The most trouble free car I ever owned, except for my Honda Civic. A true road car; what a joy to travel in.