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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  My 2005 Lincoln LS (Sport) V-8 - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Doris - November 14 - 10:30 pm

  I have owned this car just a little over 4 years, and have had no problems with it. It had 21,000 miles on it when I purchased it. I am religious about maintenance on my vehicles, and thats all Ive had to do. Nothing replaced, everything is still working well at 81,000 miles. I love the way it handles, rides, and the excellent acceleration! Good enough on gas for me (20 around town; 25-26 or so highway). Since it is beautifully styled, you feel beautiful driving it. It turns heads! If Lincoln ever re- introduces it, I will definitely rebuy.

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  rinias baby - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By rinia cruz - November 14 - 10:00 am

  If you own one you will get another.

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  Americam muscle in Luxury - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By sdempsey - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Car performs as if it were born for the purpose of making deiving fun again!And yes, it does just that. Cara appearemce is of an auyomobile with a purpose. The handling is on par with Japans and Germanys best. I know, Ive been fortunate to have been an auotmobile salesman for an Audi dealer. We sold a high line used car. Imports from Audi to Lexus and all points in between. The Lincoln LSV8 doesnt have to bow to any of them!

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  Poor Quality and Reliability - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By Carl Kingsbury - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased as my dream vehicle. The SUV has been wrought with problems the major one being the rear end which burned up at about 24 thousand after several months of complainimg about the noise. Repaired under warranty went out again at 38 thousand and the Dealer is saying it is not covered under warranty. Many other problems with rear air, child locks that couldnt be fixed, and dash noise that couldnt be found.

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  08 Lincoln Town Car Is My 15th Town Car - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ron - November 14 - 3:36 am

  My 2008 Lincoln Town Car is my 15th Town Car since 1986 and the car continues to offer the best ride, handling and performance of any luxury car I have driven including those from Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti and Cadillac. My Dark Cherry Signature Limited edition has all of the options including HID headlights, chrome wheels, trunk organizer and white sidewall tires that give the Town Car a stately and elegant look. My gas mileage so far has been 24 on the highways and 18 in city driving. There is truly no other car that can equal the Town Car on the market today. I am already looking forward to my next Town Car in 2010!

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  Nothing but trouble... - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Igo - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I leased my LS V-8 in June 2001. Ive experienced constant problems for the first two years ranging from interior material quality to wind noise,constant steering vibration, brake problems etc. Trips to Service Department were multiple and constant due to the very low quality of work performed. Misdiagnosting the problems and ordering wrong parts were of frequent nature. Vehicle was constantly returned to me in a messy and dirty conditions.Make sure that you know if you get this Vehicle you will pay premium price but you will not get a Lexus-type service.

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  Pure Pleasure - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By RudyMATT - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is a pleasure to drive. I love almost everything about this wonderful car. The only downside is the fuel economy.

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  The best car ive drv - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By jing chen - November 12 - 10:00 am

  low price vs bmw and benz Good looking than any bmw more comfort than bmw lot of unbelieveable funtions I love my car.

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  Lincoln Fun - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By viv - November 12 - 10:00 am

  I love the looks of the Lincoln LS and it is fun to drive.

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  2004 LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By MJFetner - November 11 - 5:33 am

  No complaints. Delivered with all the bells and whistles working. The perfect size for me.