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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  Luv To Drive a Big SUV - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By Material Guy - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV.. I would buy another. I may trade only because of poor gas mileage..12 regardless of where you are.

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  Sport Sedan Upgrade - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Percy Mack - January 14 - 7:36 am

  My used 2001 LS sold me on this model, so I purchased a 2004 LS in the summer of 2004. I was pleased then and am still pleased after 95000K. The handling is what sold me on this model Lincoln. On long trips using the cruise control net me about 400+ miles per tank. City driving is not so good. Lincoln need to bring this model back. Some factory warranties were still in effect after my regular warranty had expired. When the service department told me that it would be no cost, I was quite pleased. I have had no major problems and hope to drive this one until another one appear in the show windows.

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  Aviator does it right! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Robin - January 12 - 2:20 am

  We just purchased this vehicle and are so pleased! We owned a Mountaineer prior and cannot believe what we have been missing. If you want to feel like you are in a Luxury car and not a truck well then this is the one for you. My sister owned one and we fell in love. we did our research and realized this was the one. Not only do you feel safe, but it handles the road amazingly. It looks good to! heads turn when you are driving this machine. Safety features are all there too. we only regret not buying it sooner.

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  Love and Hate relationship - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By shleppy - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Love the look. However, have had many problems with it including a time it kicked in 4WD LOW while I was driving without me touching the control. What a jolt...thought someone rear-ended me. The engine was making a humming noise for a time. The speakers went on my "premium stereo". I was also disappointed to learn that the seemingly luxurious interior is no different from that of a Ford Expedition. On the upside, I have two kids and the roominess is very nice...this truck loves the highway. Also love the size...I sleep well knowing my kids are being driven around in this tank.

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  2007 Lincoln MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By B. Touro - January 7 - 9:16 pm

  We leased our Lincoln MKZ as a replacement vehicle to an 2004 Honda Accord LX. The Lincoln has options galore, the fit and look of the car is appealing and the ride and performance, coupled with good gas mileage makes this a wonderful car to own. We are considering buying the car at lease end, since we are so satisfied with it. We also lease a 2008 Cadillac CTS, which is vastly improved over the 2004 CTS it replaced. Compared to the Cadillac CTS, the Lincoln is different in many ways but also just as comfortable and luxurious. We think we have the best of both worlds in our MKZ and CTS autos. As for American made, we have no complaints with either car.

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  My 7th Lincoln - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By nbay29 - January 7 - 9:25 am

  My first one was a 1949 Baby Lincoln. Ive had other makes in between, but now Im on my 7th: an 84, two 96s, a 99, an 04 and now an 01. The 04 was a complete dud. From the engine, to the differential, to the accessories, it was junk at 77,000 miles. Very well satisfied with the other six. Comfort, mileage, reliability, fun to drive----what more could you ask?

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  2003 aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By debsbmer - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Love It...Love It...it is a dream to drive. I cant wait to drive it, drive it anywhere

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  too much money fo nothing - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By William R. McKay - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I find the equipment in this car much better than the years previous. But this car is still light years behind its compatition. Too many things left undone. The seats in this vehicle are horrible, also, the wind noise can drive you insane. Navigation equipment and a phone system should be standard equipment on this car -- GM has the edge. I am a loyal customer to lincoln, but it will not take much for me to join the compatition.

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  2006 LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Mike - January 2 - 12:10 pm

  I had a 2000 and 2001 LS. With Lincolns unwise demise of the LS, I decided we needed the last of the breed. As my (2000) LS has over 100K miles and the 2001 had only 60K, we traded in the 2001. We got Dark Cherry with black interior. This car is light years ahead of my 2000. Granted, mine has the V6 and the 06 is the V8, but acceleration is quick and plentiful! Fit and finish is second to none. The car is very tight. It handles better than my 00. The interior is as a Lincoln should be. With the tilt/tele steering wheel and adjustable pedals, it is easy to get the correct position. The NAV is easy to use, and the directions are easily followed. The THX system is outstanding!

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  First time experience with Lincoln - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Wallace - December 30 - 7:20 pm

  This is my first time with a Lincoln vehicle. It edged out the Camry XLE narrowly. Generally speaking, I am very pleased and am quite satisfied. After test driving the Camry XLE, BMW X3, and Lincoln MKX, the MKZ emerged as the better choice.