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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  I Love My Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By ADaville - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my Aviator, I have 3 children, ages 1, 3, and 6. There could be better cupholders, and maybe a console in the third row but other than that, we all love it.

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  love my mkz hybrid - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By lovetennis2 - February 17 - 10:09 am

  I just got my new mkz 4 weeks ago and it is a joy to drive. It rides smoothly and so far I am averaging close to 40 mpg and that is only about 400 miles of driving. The THX stereo is very enjoyable and the music is crystal clear. The new technology is a valuable asset. Many times I was warned with my blind spot indicator in the side mirrors that another car was close to my side. One time the lane drift alert gave me a warning that perhaps I should stop and take a rest (wow). I thought the price is definitely worth the value of this car.

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  Great Highway Cruiser - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By Tripper - February 16 - 10:36 am

  I was originally going to buy the MKS, but when I drove an MKT I fell in love with the interior plus the versatility of the crossover design. Highway driving is actually fun...the adaptive cruise is incredible, sound system and sync are state of the art. The seats are incredibly comfortable and despite the somewhat limited view sideways and back, the extra large mirrors and blindspot warning system make up for those defeciencies. Personally I love the exterior design, but understand it is love it or hate it for most people. I do love having a unique luxury vehicle...not just another Lexus RX!

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  Great Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Hodge - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Have been unable to find any flaws with car. So far, I have not experienced any problems or disappointment. The car is fun to drive and I fell the V6 has adequate power. I have owned quite a few different makes and models and I would definitely say this is my favorite. I could ay the interior storage intially was a concern, but my previous car had a lot of storage and it was actually full of junk. I have not missed the storage except in a few instances.

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  Town Car is Tops! - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By SCE - February 16 - 10:00 am

  The Town Car is the last of the truly stately American cars.

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By gkhize - February 13 - 9:57 pm

  I put 150K on a 2001 LS without incident and then traded it for the 2006 with 5K.I have been very happy with this car in every single way and now have over 160K miles on it. The only issue Ive had was replacing the thermostat. Its a bit of a challenge and the guy changing it (me) didnt get the housing tight the first time. No issues after that. Runs great, drives great, gets decent mpg and still looks good. Id buy a new one tomorrow if they still made them.

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  " THE NAV " - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By mike - February 12 - 5:20 am

  where do i begin,this is the best vehicle i have owned, the sense of comfort,safety,pleasure driving this vehicle especially when the whole family is aboard is a reminder why we chose the navigator,this vehicle is 5 years old and still gets looks and attention from people like it just rolled off the showroom floor. the chrome wheels still shine like new and the mineral grey paint is my favorite combo.i recomend this vehicle to anyone considering to buy one i testdrove other suvs and this one clearly distinguished itself from the others.from the countless options to the classy luxury stance this vehicle has whether its parked or driving down the road is in a class of its own.

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  Favorite Car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rev.Zeb C. Williams - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I have no complaints - just wish the gas mileage were a little better. It handles so much better than the Town Car I traded in on it. Its quick handling and accelaration have prevented two would-be bad accidents. It is the best car Ive ever driven, let alone owned and I have owned some wonderful autos. And the service by the dealer has been great. This is my second Lincoln LS. I hope I can always have an LS!

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  Tried them all - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Relyonthis - February 7 - 10:00 am

  If you like BIG and COMFORT, this is the vehicle for you. This SUV has all the toys you should ever need. I have driven them all (except the q56). Great Looks, Interior style, Best sound system. Gas Milage?-Same as any other xxxl truck

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  02 Lincoln LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Rene - February 5 - 2:53 pm

  My Lincoln LS V8 has been the best car I have ever owned. At 68000 miles; it has yet to have one mechanical problem. I am still running on the original brakes, tires and battery - and all Ive done is change the oil and rotate the tires as scheduled. It has been a blast to drive. When I bought it I was also considering the BMW 5 series and the Jaguar X and S Types. I think I got the best bang for my buck. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun car to drive, lots of power, great handling - at a very reasonable price.