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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  Navigator great value except! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By loren huckstadt - August 19 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Lincoln Navigator has been a total blast to drive even considering I have owned Ford Explorers and Expeditions and was not ready for the refined driving experience so far. As with everything there is a down side. The first 8400 miles I have replaced a seat cover for discoloration and an alternator. The dealer has been good about handling my complaints but not really forth coming on what has caused the defects. To tell you the truth I think a factory hotline for consumer reports and repairs would go a long way in improving the whole Lincoln experience!

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  Happy Lincoln MKC Owner - 2017 Lincoln MKC
  By Happy MKC Owner - August 15 - 10:18 am

  Only have had the car for a week. First Lincoln I have ever leased. Runs great, very smooth, quiet ride and great look. It is a real step up in all facts when compared with a Ford. Too new yet to say much more, but the more I drive it, the more I like it.

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  Im in love with this car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Michael Watts - August 14 - 7:26 pm

  this car is amazing. it handles like a sports car at 105 mph. its amazing. i drive it hard and it can handle it. ive gotten it to 125 mph and the thing handles like im going 0 mph. its amazing. i was on my cell phone even and i had complete control. the 0-60 is amazingly fast too, this cars got major tourque, it just ripps down the road. i would reccoment it to anyone who wants performance of a sports car with luxury of a mercedes s-class. anyways, if you want an suv, this is it. it can be compared to the range rover its so nice, but you can buy it for tons less. it never gives me trouble either.

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  Sweet Ride - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By Penney - August 14 - 9:13 am

  I gave my husband the MKX for his 50th birthday. He had always wanted a Lincoln and needs AWD to reliably make it to work. He loves this car. It is fun to drive, he likes the height, it is powerful and the computer is great. So far the computer had to be replaced at 15K because the blue tooth failed and the exterior driver side door handle came off in his hand at 17K. Lincoln replaced everything without charge but it was a hassle.

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  Its a car shaped like a truck - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By Pruitt - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We traded in our Navigator for this "truck". It took a little adjustment to get used to the Blackwood. Although the trunk is large, it is low and items such as coolers do not fit inside. If you think of it as a 4 seat car with a trunk that just happens to be shaped like a truck, you will appreciate this vehicle. What finally helped us decide that we just LOVE this vehicle is the way it drives. It is smooth and fun.

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  Love the MKX - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By LoveMyRide - August 10 - 11:46 pm

  Weve had our MKX for about a month now. We were previous Cadillac owners but I have to say I love the Lincoln. It has great toys and the Nav system is wonderful. Very comfortable, fun to drive and very sexy. We are still learning how to operate all the gadgets but I love it.

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  2001 Lincoln LS V8 - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By sotojm - August 6 - 10:00 am

  i just bought a one of these cars and i love the car. i bought it 2 years old with 64000 miles on it. It has a great ride and handling. I am 18 years old and never considered buying any lincoln but when i saw the LS and drive it, i bought it the next day. the select shift 5 speed transmission makes this thing fly. All of my friends say it is "the Car" and immediately fell in love with it. Check it out, you will be suprised

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  Best of the bunch - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By baffledu2 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is one great SUV from its similar (to navigator) styling to the Mustang GT engine this vehicle is a winner. Smooth ride lots of cargo space with a fold flat 3rd seat standard and luxury everything. Puts the Europeans and Japanese entries to shame. Not one problem or defect to be found. Great towing capacity great interior just the best out there for the price.

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  lincoln ls - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By hootie - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car all around, awsome handling,beautiful look,inside and out, def. a head turner..

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  My Navigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By WJB-DO - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Simply awesome design, inside it is an art studio on wheels. Outside it is rolling testosterone. Ok enough, this vehicle is stunning, rugged, prestigious and simply enjoyably exciting. And shouldnt your car be? People who say it needs more power are just comparing numbers (345hp vs. 300hp). Drive this and feel the torque. Feel the balance of the steering and suspension that somehow connects 3 tons to the pavement like a sports car. Im sorry, escalade doesnt do that. I couldnt be happier with mine.