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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  Most Drive/Buy - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Dan Vital - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Exceptional!! Having been a Lincoln owner for 18 plus years, I personally think they got it right. We car searched and test-drove many cars above and below the LS class. I avoided the V8 because in my research I read that the LS was designed around the V6 for maximum performance and efficiency. Besides, what will 30 additional horses do, 0-60 in 6.7 vs. 6.9? I do not think there is a better dollar to performance/comfort ratio out there. Cannot say enough about how happy we are. :) Lincoln put the fun back into an auto line of sophisticated American luxury!

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  Very Happy! - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Jeremy - June 8 - 5:26 pm

  This is the truck for those of us who said they would never drive a truck. Unlike the EXT it is a real truck. These are the most comfortable seats I have ever had in a SUV. I am very happy with it and people look at it everywhere I go. Sure it could be faster and the mpg isnt the greatest but you know that going in.

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  2003 4dr cartier premium - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By rjones1687 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Overall this vehicle has been very pleasurable and comfortable to drive. Although this automobile may not appeal to every young person, it has turned the heads of many.

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  LS - More fun than I thought - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Jeffrey D Bryant - June 7 - 3:06 pm

  My daily round trip commute is about 100 miles. Accordingly, my main car, a 2004 Porsche 911, was not entirely practical for the commute - especially in stop and go traffic. The LS appealed to me as a mid-size sedan with a V8 - that was affordable (OK - if I had not already sprung for the Porsche - a BMW V8 would be in the garage - but I do have a marriage to maintain). It has delivered far more than expected 0 - 80 is fun - nice engine sound. Handling is also much better than expected. I was expecting a V8 Taurus with upscale trim so I am all around happier than I thought I would be. I arrive at work comfortable and relaxed. For the money, I do not think I could be more pleased.

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  A nice SUV, but not perfect. - 2015 Lincoln MKC
  By skirk51 - June 6 - 8:42 pm

  Front seats are extremely comfortable.The leather wrapped steering wheel feels superb. It is a good height for getting in and out of easily. Gas mileage seems to be as advertised. But after driving it for three months, I have regretted my decision to buy. The ride seems harsh and jarring. I wish I had not let the dealer talk me out of waiting for one with the CCD. And why would a luxury vehicle (Select trim) not have a power adjusting steering wheel connected to the memory settings! Even worse, the lever for manually adjusting the steering wheel is very difficult to engage. Cargo space proved to be too limited for a trip with four adults.

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  My LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By My Lincoln LS - June 5 - 7:23 pm

  I purchased this Lincoln LS after owning Mercury Grand Marquis for 20 years. At first when I got into this car I felt a little awkward - it was smaller. Oh But just a few test drives and it caught me, with the beauty, the go, the style and one thing that I have always like and that was rear wheel drive. When I was looking to purchase I had looked and test drove the Grand Marquis, Ford 500, Mercury Montego and the Buick LaCross - non made me feel as comfortable in it like this one did.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Carolyn - June 4 - 10:56 am

  This Lincoln is a wonder. I have been accustomed to smaller Ford products and find that I lost nothing in economy and gained a lot in comfort and safety with this unit. On lengthy trips this Signature Lincoln will get about twenty-eight mpg. Its size and standard safety features give a good level of confidence. Fine vehicle, never in the shop for repair of any kind to date.

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  love this car - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mark Barrett - May 30 - 1:53 pm

  This is in the top two of this best cars I have ever owned. I will buy another one for sure.

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  My Fabulous MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Fordman - May 30 - 12:43 pm

  Over the years (Im 60ish) I have bought Fords, Chryslers, and Gm vehicules, now my first Lincoln. This car is by far my best car ever. It currently has 22,000 miles and each one of them a total pleasure. It drives like a dream, very comfortable and fuel economy is great. A frequent 1200 mile trip, which includes 200 mile of hilly country roads, I usually average 25.5+ miles per gallon. My only complaint is with the exterior design, the rear lights which are too large.

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  Love My Lincoln LS! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By hynqween - May 30 - 5:50 am

  I LOVE my Lincoln LS and will purchase another after this one. EXCELLENT Lincoln customer service no matter where I go... and moved from Southern California to Missouri. My first four door car and I wouldnt settle! Very beautiful car.