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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  Satisfied - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Midwest - December 13 - 9:33 am

  I have owned this vehicle three years now and overall it has been a good experience. No major breakdowns or service issues whatsoever. My only complaint is the V rated tires. If you have a flat you buy a tire. Apparently the sidewalls are so thin, that there is no hope to repair unless you have the flat while sitting still in your garage.

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  Great Car for the money - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By omahadave - December 13 - 1:26 am

  Bought this car 4 years ago with 50K on it. Now at 95K and have spent not one cent on a repair of any kind. Amazing. Mileage is unreal. 22-28 on the highway. Comfort like this with such mileage is a winner any way you look at it.

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  Great Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mark Alan - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this used Cartier used with 35K miles on it. I have owned it for 4 months and already have put 10K miles on it. I have had no problems and it is a great car for my 40 mile commute. I average about 21-22 mpg. This is my first Town Car and I already know I will be looking to buy another used 2004 in 2-3 years. I have had intermittant problems with the rear drivers side window sometimes not going down.

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  2003 navigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By kylemuscle - December 12 - 10:00 am

  ive only had it for a few weeks but from what i can tell its a great vehicle. Its extremely luxurios and can accomodate up to 8 people the horsepower is great and so is the sound system. If it was the navigator or the escalade,id pick the navigator.

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  1998 Lincoln Town Car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By presidentme - December 12 - 8:05 am

  I purchased the car almost 9 months ago with 102k miles. It did need some work, an intake manifold, 2 coils, and a serpentine belt, but honestly I guess thats what to expect when you purchase an older high end car. All cars break as they age, its that fine vehicles, lincoln, mercedes etc, require more costly parts. All that work cost me $1,500 which I guess isnt horrible. I had to replace one of my front headlamps because it became yellowed and fogged over, got a new one on ebay for $90! VERY easy to replace! pretty sweet deal! My ac compressor just went only $200. I really love my car, its sleak, powerful, beyond comfortable, and I get to say I have a lincoln! id buy another Lincoln!

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  Luxury rediscovered by Lincoln Finally - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Shirley - December 11 - 7:10 pm

  This new Navigator feels as if it is floating when driven. The interior is much more user friendly and very accommodating to ALL passengers. The sound system is almost studio quality. Sirius is definitely a plus. I love the larger DVD screen. Everything about this Navigator is top of the line.

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  Soooo Happy! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Marzie - December 6 - 10:00 am

  We are so happy we finally found the perfect SUV. We have test driven almost everything out there. Nothing compared to the sports car like feel when you drive it. We did not get the navigation system - wasnt worth the extra money for people that never get lost. The A/C seats are not that noticeable.

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  Better than ever - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By rwd - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The 03 town car is better than ever, new front and rear suspension, 17" wheel, a stiffer frame lets this huge sedan feel quite nimble, excellent cornering..better power and noting like it in terms of comfort and interior space. A true American Luxury car, nice torquey v8, 26-27 mpg on the highway, very quiet just a pleasure to drive.

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  Good sports car not a family car - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Bring back the LS - December 4 - 5:06 pm

  I have had the vehicle for a few years now. I have had just a few problems with it. the valve cover gaskets leaked, the chrome on the inside of the rims had oxidated and potted out. I recently had to purchase new rims for the vehicle 8(. Over all the car has been a good car gets okay fuel mileage for a V8. Only thing i wish it had more of is storage room in the trunk and room in the car with 2 kids it can be a tight fit on long trips.

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  Great Head Turner - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By H. Ostwalt - December 2 - 2:36 pm

  After reading Edmunds review, the Acura TL, Lexus ES350 & Maxima, mentioned in review, all cost more and require premium gas. The MKZ does not, trunk is larger in MKZ too. It is great, change the oil, put gas in it and enjoy the ride. Fun to drive, quiet to ride in, good radio and blue tooth adapts to your cell phone. I am well pleased with car. Air condition seats are really fantastic in the South, in the summer! You just wouldnt believe it unless you try it!