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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  Love My Town Car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By KevinandThom - July 21 - 5:20 am

  Bought the car used from the dealer that sold it brand new. Gentleman that owned it before our purchase was buying his 2008 model Town Car when we walked in...lets say his trade was not on the lot for long. We bought it that same day. It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven, and gets very good fuel economy on the highway (averaged 32 mpg on recent trip to NJ and back to VA) I would suggest purchasing used, the car is phenomenal, but does not hold value at all. Then gent that traded this one in paid 52,000 for a new one.. our price for a 3 year old car with 27,000 miles on it... 17,995. So I think we got a good deal.

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  great sport car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By kambiz - July 21 - 2:00 am

  faster, meaner and more improved overall

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  the perfect luxury truck - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dave lincoln - July 21 - 2:00 am

  out of all the midsize luxury suvs ive seen or drove..this one is uncomparable it has a unique interior design with great furnishings drives like a dream,has lots of power and looks great,it also turns heads some ppl think the navigator shrank until they see the name..its all u get in a navigator just a smaller more agile package

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  Love my Lincoln! - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Donna H - July 20 - 3:40 pm

  This is the 3rd Lincoln Towncar Ive owned. All have been excellent vehicles. I have 121,000 miles on my 2001 Lincoln; have spent very little on upkeep other than new tires and a heater coil in the 8 years Ive owned it. Love the large trunk; can haul almost anything; very reliable; gas mileage could be better, but car is so heavy and sturdy, that makes up for it. They dont make them like this anymore!

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  Job Well Done - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By bonesofstone - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Over time I have owned a number of luxury sedans and I am thoroughly impressed by the LS. Lincoln has come a long way in its quest for a front line competitor with the European and Japanese makes in its class. It is fun to drive as well as practical (selectshift transmission is great in traffic... less use on brakes). Handling is fantastic! One thing Id like to see improved would be shoulder room and leg room for the front and back.

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  Navigator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By jet22 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Too big for everyday driving, however wonderful for everything else. Absolute luxury. We use it for weekends and any traveling. We have the captain chairs and the passengers are very comfortable. I love it.

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  $45000 car & 10 cent key fob - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By RBE - July 13 - 10:33 am

  I purchased the MKS car after coming out of a town car. (Im 62") After extensive research, I found the MKS to be the best luxury vehicle that provided adequate interior room and still be somewhat sporty. So far Im very please with the ride, performance and looks. The big discount also helped. Im getting about 22.1mpg in town.

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  SCRIVS RESULTS - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By J SCRIVS - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I love the smooth ride, and luxury provided with this car.Accelerates effortlessly while still quiet as a mouse.

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  Aviator a keeper - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By mdmitchell - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Feels like a Lincoln, not a dressed up Ford. American Luxury and power. Like especially the new Lincoln interior treatment. This and the improved ride set it apart from the Ford Explorer.

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  Maybe The Best Around - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Henry - July 7 - 2:26 am

  Fast, agile and luxurious. Great ride in snow or sun and fun to drive. Smooth and yet no bulky feel. Plenty of passenger room and comforst.