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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  2005 Lincoln LS Sport - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By dizzy8 - December 17 - 8:51 am

  As a long owner of Ford/Lincoln products this car is very understated. Very quick for a 4 door with the 32 valve/285HP V8. The only issues I have had with the car in 100,000 miles is coil packs which are covered by ford for 10yrs or 100.000 miles. If you buy one used, check with ford. They have replaced all of them. The other concern was the cooling system. IF the car has over 75K, I recommend cooling tank and plastic pipe-like hoses be replaced and whatever else the service technician may recommend. I alway recommend transmission fluid service every 40K or so to keep the additives fresh.

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  Navigator is King - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By Seminole - December 15 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been awesome, my wife and I love it. We have never had to do anything other than regular maintenance, oil changes and tire rotations. I cannot think of better vehicle to take on a long road trip with children, and the size and weight gives me a feeling of security for my wife and children, the only negative of the vehicle is the fuel consumption. We do most in town driving and get around 13.5 miles per gallon, but it is a small price to pay for the luxury, comfort, and ride.

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  Great Car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Carolyn - December 12 - 3:43 am

  This is a great vehicle, to travel back and forth from up north to Fl. It has a large trunk, is very comfortable, handles very good on the highway. The voice command system allows me to call on the phone, without using my hands, the satellite radio, allows me to listen to the same station for the entire trip. This car has good pickup when entering the interstate highways and the braking system is very good at stopping quickly, if needed. I feel very safe in this vehicle, because of the safety equipment that is built into the car. I would recommend this vehicle highly.

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  I like the comfort and quiet. - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mattt30 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 135,000 miles on it. On a recent 1200 mile highway trip at turnpike/interstate speeds of 60+ mph achieved 26.5 miles per gallon. Its a real cruiser!

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  Im Spoiled! - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By A Very Special Lady - December 2 - 5:03 pm

  This car is marvelous, classy/ conservative comfortable & beautiful, my own limo!

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  Great Car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Doc - November 30 - 12:46 pm

  Great interior and driving features; nice style and size; excellent build quality; competitively priced. Fun to drive and easy to like.

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  Made the right choice - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By mkz fan - November 28 - 12:36 pm

  I obsessed endlessly between BMW 328; Mercedes C series; CTS, Lexus Es and I35. Finally chose MKZ for its costs, fuel (regular) and full set of options. After nearly 4k miles, I couldnt be happier. Plenty of power, comfort and impressive fuel economy. SYNC needs to be linked with correct phone but after that it is wonderful as is the THX system. Car responds better than others tested and I have had more positive comments than I have had with any other car. Great on long trips and agile in city. Trunk clicks open and Ive not encountered any problem with it. Everything else has worked perfectly and dealer couldnt be more responsive. Even comparing with the MKS, Im sure of my choice.

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  Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By jpx5324 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Love the interior, navigaton system is excellent. Chrome wheels look great! the ride is just like a car but it is still and SUV.

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  Luxurious but fun - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Riclyn - November 28 - 10:00 am

  got what I expected for the price and more. after I showcase my Nav to my peers, I made them wished that they should have waited on purchasing an SUV

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  Love this car - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By hayesh - November 22 - 2:50 pm

  I dont usually write reviews online but I feel strongly about this car. My 2007 Lincoln MKX has been running now for 100,000 miles and it is still running great.