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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  Nice interiors - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By apexawd - January 5 - 10:00 am

  It rides very nice and love the interior. Can use little more trunk space.

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  My Navigator - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By CRAIG - January 4 - 2:50 am

  Awesome. Excellent outstanding preformance comfort for me my wife and four kids. The 4x4 is very impressive offroad. With 134,000 miles on it and only minor repairs I am thinking lets get another one. Our 88 landcruiser or 88 and 89 Jeep Cherokees got worse gas mileage, did not have all wheel drive, and had nowhere near the comfort performance, and style. Navigator is the ultimate SUV.

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  MKZ Sport, too much fun. - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Huskie - January 3 - 9:33 am

  I have now owned my 2010 Black MKZ ultimate sport, for about 24 hours. It is a blast. I traded in my 2006 Zephyr, and this car is soo much more car than it was. I love every feature of this car. The ride is a little stiff with the sport package, but once the tire gloss is off of the tires it will be amazing. :-)

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  I Am Now Known As Mr MKZ - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bob - December 29 - 11:31 pm

  I took delivery of my 2016 MKZ in October and had my plates personalized as MR MKZ. I cannot express how wonderful this car rides and performs. I turn heads in my neighborhood (full of foreign cars) and are often asked who makes this car. I cannot think of one thing negative about this car. I did notice this car wants to run fast and often realize Im driving faster than it seems. Kudos to Lincoln on a superior ride. I did opt for the 19 inch wheels since I think it gives the car a nice profile. 5 stars + Totally satisfied customer!!

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  Excellent, Could not be more satisfied - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By George - December 28 - 3:00 pm

  Bought when new. Regular maintanence, Only time it has ever been in the shop is to have the oil changed every 15000 miles. This makes my 7th Lincoln and they were all wonderful and maintenance free, but this has been the best one yet. To be 10 years old, I still have people think it a brand new car. The styling is so current and it is the most comfortable and smooth, quiet riding car I have ever known. No rattles or leaks. Youll never find a better car or a car with a larger trunk. To this day we get 21.5 mpg on highway. If you are looking for economy, buy a moped! I have absolutely no complaints.

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  Loving your lincoln - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By Lincoln4ever - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Lincoln my first one was a 93 Town Car, and so far this car well exceeds my expectations. The rear view mirror needs to be replaced, but it is still useable. It also needed 2 O2 sensors but the dealership replaced both. The car is a joy and and a pleasure to drive. The steering is effortless and the ride is just as stated plush. And for the 6,200.00 price tag it has been a bargain so far.

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  Sweet Ride for my 5 girls. - 2010 Lincoln Navigator
  By Warren - December 24 - 12:03 am

  This is the best large SUV for the money. Im 61", and I can sit comfortably in the 3rd row. Plus the seats fold flat. The competition simply could not measure up to that. Sync is awesome. Bluetooth phone just works and the voice navigation system is very nice. For the most part, the interior is first rate, with nice leather throughout. Its a very nice car slathered in luxury, and the best value in its class, and Im glad made the purchase.

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  Great Car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Happy LS owner - December 23 - 12:50 pm

  im on my second LS and consider it one of the best all-around cars ive owned which include BMWs and do not hesitate recommending it to others. ive had only minor defects on the two ive owned both not requiring special trips into dealership. highly recommend both as new or buying as used.

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  Makes Driving Fun Again - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By ver2us - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Lincoln product I have ever purchased. (wont be the last) It is so much fun to drive, I find myself looking for excuses to do so. The car is absolutely beautiful, I have had lots of admiring looks. Nice, quiet interior, comfy seats. I feel very safe in this car. Oh, and did I mention it is fun to drive?

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  Great car - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Charles-Martin - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 LS as a used former Hertz rental car. It is by far the best car I have ever owned. Faster and more powerful than a BMW, styled like a Mercedes, comfort like a Lincoln! I love it.