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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  Good Vehicle - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By John - August 16 - 2:33 pm

  I Looked at Infinity and BMW and Lexus. When I tested the Lincoln, It was as good as the rest with more room and it uses regular gas. It suffers from a little road noise on some surfaces but over all it is very quiet and a good ride. I have over 3000 miles and so far so good. No problems. Gas milage has been 23.5 best on the interstate and around 20 average but Im a little heavey footed. I like the performance and braking. It gets a lot of comments from passers by.

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  Expectations Realized - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Shawn - August 13 - 3:50 am

  Overall, the MKX is quick, looks very sharp, has a nice ride and a very accommodating "main" cabin, with decent fuel economy. It is pretty sweet to get this kind of power from a six using regular fuel and move 4400 lbs with gusto! The THX Audio system is excellent, the controls are logically located and operate in a crisp and refined manner.

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  95 town car - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By chico - August 8 - 3:40 am

  i have two of these cars and i love the engineering and design.i will continue to buy these cars because they are well built.the 95 only has 50,600 miles and from what i hear they can drive up to 300000 miles or more

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  Sweet Linc - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By KC Bob - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased car Oct 7,it has been great, 12000 miles so far. Rides great with plenty of power. No problems at all. Plus zero percent financing, $4750 cash back and first payment paid by Ford Motor Credit. And the Dealership does basic maintenance for 36000 miles.Wow!

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  Great Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By MBlount - August 8 - 2:00 am

  So far, my experience with my LS has been excellent. I got the V8 Sport package and highly recommend it. The handling is so much better. I personally love the exterior styling except for the rear tail lights. Too many people think it is a Mitsubishi Diamante from the rear. The car is a really good value if you purchase one used. Mine stickered for over $40,000 new, but I paid $26,000 for it when it came off a two year lease with only 24,000 miles. If you are currently considering a new Camry, Maxima, Accord, or similar car, I highly recommend you look at this car used. You are getting much more car for the money.

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  Great car, a well-kept secret - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By austin1814 - August 8 - 1:30 am

  I purchased my 2007 AWD MKZ a month ago. I traded an Acura RSX. I tested an Acura TL, a BMW 328xi, and an Infiniti G35x. Each vehicle was good, but none of the competitors moved me: the TL felt like an Accord; the 3-series drives great but its so common now; the Infiniti was nice, but it too is becoming common. After the 1st test drive of the Lincoln, I was sold. The exterior is subtle and classy. The interior is easily the best in its class. The car is more luxury than sport, but its not boring. The stereo is great. Every day I have random people stop me to compliment me on the car. I am very pleased with this car. It is the nicest car Ive ever purchased.

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  2001 town car bought used - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Wendy - August 5 - 3:13 am

  Great vehicle for family of two teens. Gas mileage city only 18. But highway & city avg. 23. Went to Missouri from Wisc. crusing mostly 85/90 and got 28 mpg. This car loves to go. At 70 ours kicks in again for passing. Have only had regular service done, runs great. Need a CD player. Has great speaker sound. Cup holders in the way of heat/ac controls. Even though car is so smooth a cup could sit on the armrest. Have had car in major snowstorms & handles well. Our 16 yr. old learned in this car. Back seat leg room is for anyone & I prefer the back seat for the comfort. Side windows are bellowed out, great for sky viewing for kids at night.

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  modern classic - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By bill m malachi, jr. - August 4 - 2:00 am

  this is a powerfully solid automobile, even-though my ls-400 is much quieter, it is not as much fun to drive,i cannot see an appreciable difference in build quality and i dont understand why the continentals didnt sale more

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  Excellent value for a hybrid vehicle - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By lincolnmkz2013 - August 3 - 12:53 pm

  Purchased the hybrid in June 2013. What can I say - this is a very fine car! I looked at all hybrids in its class and Lincoln had the quietest ride among all. Lincoln invested in whats not available in other 40K range cars: improved sound insulation and, consequently, reduced wind noise. Looking at its expensive looking elegant exterior, its hard to guess that its most practical and versatile hybrid in a class, due to its folded seats capacity. I have no problems picking up relatives from the airport or even loading small furniture/bycicles in the car! I love the audio sound quality, the trip report and mpg screen, Lincoln Mobile apps and push-buttons star.

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  Lincoln MKS 3.7l - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By RKS - August 2 - 6:53 pm

  I love the unique exterior styling and luxurious interior design. Nav system and THX-II audio is fantastic. Great value for the money. An honest down to earth car. Normally aspirated engine has a lot of power. Car for the individual and not the follower.