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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  1313 - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By mtintori - July 21 - 2:00 am

  nice ride easy to drive

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  A Good Alternative to German and Japanese Models - 2017 Lincoln MKC
  By Craig - July 19 - 7:23 am

  Coming out of an Audi Q5, the MKC is a pleasant surprise. Professional reviews of it have been mixed. While some of the criticisms are valid, most are not. On the plus side, the interior materials are every bit as good as the Germans and Japanese. MKCs leather is superior to the Q5s base leather. If anything is lacking inside, its not the materials, its the aesthetic design. Lincoln needs to get a bit more creative in that regard to match the Europeans. Im not crazy about the center stack design, though its better in person that in pics. The exterior design is best in class except arguably the Macan in my opinion. Many reviews claim the MKC is slow compared to competitors, but it certainly doesnt feel it. My 2.0 MKC feels just as fast as my Q5 2.0 did. Ultimately, the MKC is let down by its downmarket 6 speed transmission, which results in acceleration and mileage disadvantages compared to the 7, 8, and 9 speeds common in the class (RSX & NX still make due with 6 speeds as well). A transmission with 2 more gears would even up the score. The AWD model will pull .83g on a skidpad. Thats right there with the Benzs .83g & Audis .85g, so handling is competitive. If you want a small SUV that drives like a sports car, the BMX X3 or Porsche Macan are for you. Most people dont need that though. The features for the money is incredible. On the minus side, the backseat is uninhabitable by anyone with legs if youre sitting behind a 6 footer like me. Lincoln has to do a better job on the packaging. Also the driver left footrest is oddly shaped and not big enough for someone with larger feet. The view out the back is also not so great, but thats common in these newer designs with higher beltlines. Lastly, the optional 2.3 engine didnt feel any quicker than the 2.0, making it not worth its $1k cost in my opinion. Other than the tight rear seat, these are minor quibbles. Try to option up a X5, Q5 or GLC similarly to a Reserve MKC and youll spend about $6k more - same goes for the Black Label. One could argue these German vehicles are better - but certainly none are $6k better. And some of them dont offer all the tech the MKC has at any price. The RSX is blah and soulless, the Macan and Evoque are horribly overpriced, and the NX is just plain ugly with underwhelming equipment options. That all adds up to Lincoln having a credible competitor in this class. Final thought for all those complaining about poor mileage. New cars typically have poor mileage during the engine break in period - especially turbo engines. Itll get better after the first few hundred miles.

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  Nine Crossover - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By LadyBird - July 18 - 8:43 pm

  I purchased used about 5 weeks ago. The style and comfort sold me. The curb appeal and MPG are nice surprises. The vehicle has FWD w/Michelins - an absolute must have if you want ride comfort, low noise and great mileage (29.9 Hwy; 22.3 surface streets). This vehicle is everything I was looking for. I will have this one for a long time!

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  Could Be Better - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By SkyKing - July 17 - 11:33 pm

  The comfort and driving experience of this car is the equal of a Mercedes, Lexus or Infinity. Thats saying a lot for a Ford. It drives like a dream. Power and handling are exceptional. The backup camera is outstanding, although it takes about 10-15 seconds for it to come on after startup - not so good. Sound system is likewise exceptional, but it is complex to operate the Sync feature. I get errors when it connects to my iPhone, then it begins playing from my iPhone without my command, thus draining the iPhone battery. The Nav system is likewise needlessly complex, taking a half-dozen slow steps to do what my 2003 Acura could do with one spoken voice command.

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  Surprised - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Eric - July 17 - 8:56 pm

  I have been one to always buy sports cars but with the pending arrival of my son i thought it would be more practical to look at an SUV. I love my Aviator. I got the Jet Black loaded one and love it. Highly recommed it. Only downside is the gas mileage. So far i am averaging 12 mpg in the city. hope it gets better. My navigator gets 13 to 14.

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  1999 Lincoln Town Car Signature Touring - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By rob - July 15 - 8:33 pm

  Always liked the styling on the new generation (1998-2002)Lincoln Town Cars. Especially the harder to find Signature Touring Edition which has an increase in horsepower, dual exhausts, firmer suspension, chrome wheels, monochromatic exterior, etc. So when one came along for $4,000, I had to buy it. Gas prices are coming down a bit and they get respectable gas mileage for a large car. I dont think this will be my last Town Car either!

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  First time owner of a Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rodney Smith - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I just received my new Lincoln in February and have not really taken it to the max. But so far with trips to Maryland and Washington DC the car performed very well. The only problem that I have encounted is the price of the 93 octane gas that is required to operate the vehicle. And with gas prices going up this might be a problem for many consumers and myself.

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  navi review - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By davidt - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Smoothest riding SUV on the market, Great seat space for families. Gas mileage better than expected. Downside-terrible quality interior materials for a vehicle this expensive. Leather is paper thin, interior trim parts that look like platinum has a sprayed paint look. We looked at all other SUVs and this one rides great, has alot of space, and good performance but interior is so cheaply made we will probably have to have interior redone in 4-years.

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  Cautious Optimism - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By -H- - June 25 - 4:00 am

  Some of the reviews I have read are very scary. I have been somewhat fortunate so far, but have had some of the more common malfunctions mentioned in other reviews. The car had 70k miles on it when purchased. It now has 105k on it. It is a rear wheel drive car and does handle terribly in the snow. I have had 1 window malfunction, the air condition did blow out hot and cold air at the same time, and the ball joints caused the steering to shake. These repairs totaled around $750, and that is it so far. None of the malfunctions caused the car to break down, but were recommended repairs. Around 25 mi per gallon. If that is all that happens I will be very happy with this ride.

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  Continental Review - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Lincoln Owner - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Fortunately, this car came with a 4 yr/50K warranty. Under warranty, the following items have been repaired and/or replaced: windshield, A/C, Powertrain Control Module, battery, door keypad, top of trunk upholstery. On three occasions, I have had to use a rental car since my Continental was not available due to: no start, trunk popping open randomly, and A/C inoperative. I sincerely hope my experience isnt typical of all Continental owners. I will say that it is a very pleasant car to drive on trips when it happens to be running OK.