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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  Excellent Safety Features, Ugly Exterior - 2011 Lincoln MKT
  By ken430tx - April 11 - 4:55 am

  I bought this car for the safety items, auto braking, adaptive cruise control, navigation system, etc. It is fun to drive and handles beautifully. Exterior styling is lacking and almost stopped me from buying the vehicle. Interior knobs, and panels are cheap plastic, and not typical of a $60K car. Overall performance is good, mileage on road - 23 mpg! Around town about 19. Only consistent problem I have had is intermittent failure of heat to work. They are replacing the actuator this week. I hope that finally fixes it! I have 19,800 miles on this car so far and it is one year old.

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  Real Word Review of the 2010 Lincoln MKS - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By doc81 - April 9 - 10:08 pm

  I bought an MKS in December 2010, after three years of exhaustive online comparisons, Edmunds reviews filled with disdain, New England Automobile Shows and test drives. I was looking for 3 basic criteria in a new car: V-8 power, Rear-Leg room for my in-laws, and a Large Trunk which would easily fit my golf clubs. The MKS does all of this in spades!! The leather interior far surpasses the Ford Taurus. Only the BMW 760Li, Audi L8 and 2009 Infinity M45 were comparable...for $20-80K more! Overall, the MKS is a spacious full-sized luxury car, that errs on the side of technology rather than interior detail for less than half the cost of a comparable European luxury sedan.

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  I love my Nav - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By KRM - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This was a used vehicle and the dealership and Lincoln have been great to work with. I didnt realize it was such a status symbol. I bought it for the room and the ride.

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  LS V6 - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By paul124124 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I found the V6 model to provide excellent performance and handling. This car is fun to dive while still providing an upscale image of a Lincoln.

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  A Lemon With Hubcaps - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By GAIL POWERS - April 9 - 10:00 am

  My beef is not with the vehicle, but with Lincoln itself. Their customer service is deplorable. I paid $2,000 for an upgrade with Navigational System. The Navigational system is extremely poor and inaccurate. My husbands portable Garmin works better. I called for a new disc to see if the new one was improved. Customer Service said they are not responsible for it because they bought it from another company. If I want a new one I can call this company and get one for $169. They didnt mind taking my money the first time, but dont call them with a complaint. My Durango was a better value overall and far more comfortable.

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  Never an issue - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By abqlincoln - April 9 - 12:43 am

  We have loved this for 2 years and have loved it. A lot of people complain about the mileage but for a full sized SUV to get 21 mpg on the highway at 80 mph I have no complaints at all. Around town we get 15 mpg but again, I never expected this to be an economy car. It has been very reliable and has never given us an issue.

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  Truck that feels like a car - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By jollymon5 - April 8 - 3:00 am

  This is my husbands 4th truck since Ive known him and it beats the snot out of all the others hes had (F-350 Lariat, Dodge Ram SLT x2). The exterior is so tuff, everyone looks.The interior is incredibly comfortable, nicer than my Acura RL. We tow a boat on a tandem trailer (about 7500) pounds and you cant even tell its there. Ive driven it across state, was worried because it seems so big, and it was perfect. Comfy, roomy, tremendous stereo, all the features are on the wheel or within easy reach. The chrome runnings boards are so cool. We have never had a single problem with this truck. We would definitely buy this vehicle again.

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  2000 Lincoln LS Has Some Problems - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Alex1456 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Good and fun car to drive, with plenty of styling, luxury and sporty feel. Unfortunately, also has design flaws including electric window (breakdown every few months), headlight seals leak and trim design are defects. Overall, not a bad luxury sport car but designers and engineers need to go back and get it right.

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  Luxury in Luxe - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Titat - April 5 - 10:34 pm

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  Thank you - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Chris DeLuca - April 4 - 11:06 am

  My experience with my Lincoln LS has been incredible!! The car practically drives itself, and the comfort level is exceptional. My friends and family have made comments that the car is too good for me. I look forward to and look for reasons to drive the car, and my kids love to be seen with Dad in his awesome car. One of my friends daughters refers to my LS as "DeLucas Limo", now that is flattering.