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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  2000 Lincoln LS - A Good Buy - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Lou Master - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I initially found out about this car when I received an article from Motor Trend in the mail. The article described how the car was developed. It truly caught my interest. Ended up leasing a V8 with the sport package for the 17" wheels) and the Alpine radio upgrade. Should have bought from the beginning. The first year had to have the car in the shop for several nusiance repairs (turn signal, radio hum, seat and body trim, exhaust heat shield, etc). Even though all this was covered by warranty ant they provided a loaner, it was annoying and inconvient. After this period,things have been ok.

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  Great car to enjoy for the price - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Haller - March 4 - 10:56 am

  Quiet ride, no wind noise, very little engine noise, good acceleration, excellent sound system, good gas mileage,221 Hp sufficient for any driving in the USA. Unless you want it for Europe to drive 120 MPH. Navigation system very helpful in finding your way.

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  Luxury at a great price - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Patrick - March 3 - 3:01 am

  Lincoln built a great vehicle. The 30 way seat with the buit in message was genius.The comfort is unbelievable. First time since 2001 this vehicle built. Lincoln continental is truly a luxury automobile.

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  Pure luxury automobile - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By robert shields - March 1 - 7:44 am

  Unparalleled transportation

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  Now a happy customer - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Now a happy customer - February 28 - 4:23 am

  I recently purchased a new Mark LT 2006, my first experience with a lincoln (ford) product. i was very hesitant because of the ford reputation of breaking down all the time. The first day with my new truck the entire electrical system went out, and the interior started to fall apart. I called the dealer, and they came and picked me up 35 miles away!!! Then gave me the the option of fix my truck, money back or to pick a different Mark LT of my choice. I selected a different model and though it runs great the quality of the plant needs work. It is missing moldings on both sides. I am pleased with the MARK LT, the attention to detail from the plant is really poor.

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  Its A Toy - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By Paul Quinney - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Traded my Navigator in on it. Plenty of space, luxury, comfort and PLENTY to talk about. It turns everyones head. Some may ridicule the price tag or the lack of 4- wheel drive....Dont you pay extra for designer clothes? Name brand electronics? Do you expect to pay the same for a steak as you would a burger? 4-Wheel drive? Had it on my other vehicles and never turned it on! Do you really plan on taking this beauty off-road??? Face it, it is a toy. It gets you from A to B, in style. Who cares what others think? Are they mad because you have one and they dont? Probably. I love my BlackWood.

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  Lincoln got it right! - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By popeye1250 - February 21 - 11:40 am

  Traded in the venerable Mercury Grand Marquis for the MKS and thought I was spoiled with the Mercurys ride. This car has a supurb ride and handles like a sportscar at the same time. The interior is more roomy than a Caddy STS and very comfortable! Excellent ergonomics! The "Bridge of Weir" leather from Scotland is absolutely the best and the recycled ash on the dash is exquisite! This car will go far faster than Ill ever need to go but its fun to punch it at 25 mph and be doing 60 in about 3 seconds. Everything, paint, fit, finish, electronics, sound is incredable! And they tell me that after I have a few k on it that it will get up to 29 mpg highway. This is how cars should be built

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  The Mafia Mobile - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Thad Stovall - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a wonderful driving experience. It turns heads everywhere I go, even when Im in a drive through to get a burger. I call it the mafia mobile, for I had the LSEs windows tinted, and it has the mysterious, yet seductive look about it. The power is satisfactory. The exterior design is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. The interior is nice, too, but the glove compartment and inside storage leave much to be desired in size. I have driven a Jaguar S Type. Even though that is a prestigious, nice automobile, I cannot see how it is 10 K better.

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  navi 2000 - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By mike zavala - February 16 - 9:13 pm

  I think this has always been the best biggest suv. Lincoln has done a great job, this suv turns heads. This suv has a smooth ride.

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  2003 Lincoln Navigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By cldawson - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is still new but has been a pleasure so far. Gas mileage is poor, it has not even met the window sticker estimates yet. Ride is very comfortable, but road noise intrudes into passenger compartment.