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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  2010 MKZ - what a surprise - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By JoeK - October 6 - 4:03 pm

  I now have 2,000 miles on my 2010 MKZ and can say it is terrific. The Ultimate Pkg is fantastic. The BLIS systems is great. The THX sound blows you away. The MKZ handles well, the build quality is as good as a Lexus. I traded in my Lexus SC430 on the MKZ because I needed a sedan, so a Lexus IS and GS was my first test drive. Both were great, but were lacking in trunk space/storage space. I loved the Acura TL, but it didnt fit in my small garage, and the Caddy CTS and BMW 528ix didnt have a rear camera and were pricey. Now that I own my MKZ, I know I selected the right car. Lincoln has definitely turned the corner on quality and is equal or better that its competitors.

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  Close to perfection - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Sanford - October 1 - 3:30 pm

  My 03 is a mid-year LIMITED EDITION Signature Series. Only 1311 of these were made. She is perfect, never a problem. Silent interior, has decent power (could use 65 more horsepower. Flawless execution of assembly & detail. Loads of trunk room, and interior space to spread out. Love the Limiteds black grille with chrome surround & HID Fog Lights. Like the Cassette & C.D. in dash combo with a 6- disc changer in the trunk. Steering is tight and the handling is worlds better than the pre-1998 Town Cars. Shes a unique light silver-green met with gray/beige interior. Only has 12,000 on her, as from November to April I use a Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 (2001)

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  Superb Limited Edition - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By cb - October 1 - 12:03 am

  You know this is a special vehicle if I traded my 04 Mercury Marauder and 08 Ford Bullitt Mustang to get this. I have the AWD Limited Monochromatic version with all the goodies. Great looking black grille and two toned interior set it apart from the rest. Drives great and has enough power to accelerate when needed. Great ride height. Built very well. All doors sound solid when closing. Uncluttered engine compartment. Easy access through the powered rear hatchback.

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  Loving It! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mavreek - September 28 - 5:43 pm

  I had 2 Infiniti G35s from 03-08, Needed to cut down on expenses, and got MKZ - Test drove a ton of others + this was by far the best value! Better, Smoother Ride (I drive a ton), Handles failing roads much better, better gas mileage, cheapter to insure, Better sound system (Get the THX - Its Hot!), better seating (ventilated, heated + cooled seats)! Im 63 and I fit much better in it! But the best thing by far is the SYNC system - Its truly the most inovative system Ive ever seen! I wanted an American, started with CTS but found this to be the best choice for the budget! Thought I was downgrading, but I find the oposite is true and Im in love with this car and Im a car guy!!

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  Awe inspiring - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By oldnavowner - September 28 - 2:00 am

  probably the nicest interior of any vehicle on the road, definitely the nicest of any suv, period. its just not a question up for discussion. just got it 3 days ago. used to own a 2000. this is so much nicer than the old one, though the old one was nice too. will see how dependable this one is.

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  2002 LSE Review - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Troy Hamblin - September 25 - 3:53 am

  This car has great acceleration with incredibly smooth automatic shifting. The traction control system is great in the winter in the midwest. I was skeptical about it when I bought the car, but it has proved itself in the winters. It is almost impossible to spin this car around in the snow under normal driving circumstances. It has never happened to me. The car is also very quiet on the inside.

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  BMW Sniper!! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By excalibour34 - September 21 - 3:10 pm

  Just have a few words to say, What a car! Fun to drive! Very sleek, classy, and elegant! Makes open roads and highways incredibly fun! Blows the BMW 530 and 535 out of the water! And at a fraction of the price. And no, i didnt buy this car because i couldnt afford the BMW. I could have bought the M5 if i wanted to, but, I bought the MKZ because i legitimately feel that its a much better ride, much more comfortable. Much more space in the back, and a great Bang for your buck.

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  Beautiful Lincoln towncar - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By mahriah - September 20 - 11:50 pm

  I love Lincolns, this is the second one that I have had. I got rear ended in my Lincoln Continental, and I was fine. in fact, my Lincoln broke the Toyotas bumper and my car was barely phased.I love it!

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  Awesome 2009 Lincoln Town Car - 2009 Lincoln Town Car
  By RWinSyracuse - September 19 - 9:20 pm

  My new Dark Cherry 2009 Lincoln Town Car is an awesome car. The ride, handling, comfort, luxury appointments and roominess are all as great as I expected. And the quality and fit and finish of this car are equal to and better than Cadillac, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti and Acura. I also had nitrogen put in the tires and am getting 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with this elegant and stately cruiser. I am very happy with my 2009 Town Car and highly recommend it to everyone. It is definitely not an "old mans car" as I have often heard others say.

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  Super Satisfaction - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Albert - September 18 - 10:16 am

  Excellant gas mileage of 25MPG. No maintenance cost in 5 years. Excellent comfortable seats for long trips. Good looking interior and exterior.