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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  The Big Linc - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mark - June 2 - 8:16 pm

  This Town Car replaced a Grand Marquis and drives and rides somewhat better - seems to be a lot more quiet on the inside. The road noise is greatly reduced over the Crown Vic & Marquis - and the handling, even on rough roads, is very good. Fuel economy is great - as is with the Ford V8 - 25/20 (hwy/city). Havent owned a Lincoln for several years, but this one is worlds ahead of the 1980s models.

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  Did not abandon the heritage... - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Johnny Kakes - June 2 - 5:13 pm

  This is my 3rd Navigator. I have had all three body styles now. Lincoln overall has given me the best ride and reliability. The service at my dealership is phenomenal also.

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  I bought it after the 39 month lease - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By bigbaby - June 2 - 12:32 am

  "Test drove" it for the 39 month lease, then bought it for the residual price, which was thousands less than similar retail prices on used ones. Its just a great car. Many features for the buck, and everything works. Quiet, comfortable, spacious trunk with fold down rear seats, A/C seats are wonderful in North Texas.

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  Nice Automobile - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Abner - June 1 - 8:26 pm

  Compared to previous owned Jaguar S Type this vehicle comes close to the Jaguar. A very nicely designed Vehicle, with performance equal to the 4.2 Jaguar.

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  No more - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By chris s - May 30 - 9:33 pm

  Fun to drive and thats about it. 64000 miles and the car is slowely falling apart. Tranny problems, leaky oil valves, radio display dont work, replaced interior mirror and exterior. air bag light come on due to cut wire under the seat. Dealer made it sound like it was my fault because I had my seat set on easy entry.... too many problems to keep it. My wife has a Toyota with 120k miles and no problems. Lincoln, Ford stinks they dont stand behind their product no wonder they have problems.. Cant wait to get rid of this junk. No more American cars, sad but true.

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  windows - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By anc - May 26 - 2:23 am

  the exact same thing happened to my rear windows as the previous review. The windows have been fixed 4 times-first it was a cable then the dealer said an electronic sending unit. No matter the building quality is still ford.

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  LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Rick - May 25 - 12:50 pm

  I bought a 2005 fully loaded ultimate 4x2 navigator in September 2009. I had two jeeps and a fully loaded dodge ram pickup prior to this navigator and there is no comparison. I love my navi. It drives like a dream the engine is powerful and smooth. Love the air suspension fills like your riding on air. I will drive it until the wheels fall off and then my next car will be a navigator

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  Great Domestic Luxury Sedan - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By BK1965 - May 25 - 9:10 am

  I previously owned a Cadillac Deville and was considering the CTS as a replacement. The Lincoln, with front- wheel drive, proved to have a more appealing interior design and layout and caused me to re-think my original plan. The Lincoln offers a stylish dash and cabin and sporty exterior looks. It is definitely not a Town Car and is a nice replacement for the Lincoln LS. The smooth 6-speed transmission provides a nice ride and good gas mileage. Lincoln has obviously gone back to the drawing board to try to attract a younger buyer and compete for some of the import shoppers in this segment.

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  NEW TIRES NEW NAVIGATOR - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By TH4SBWU - May 24 - 10:00 am

  GET RID OF CONTINENTAL OE TIRES AND REPLACE WTH ONE SIZE BIGGER BRIDGESTONE DUELERS, THE DIFFERENCE IS INCREDIBLE.

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  New (gently used rather) MKS for Me - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By turbo_nut - May 23 - 2:28 am

  Brought home my MKS a couple of weeks ago, and so far have only good things to say. The car looks great, and is a pleasure to drive. From the excellent power of the twin turbo v-6 to the well appointed interior, its just about everything I was looking for in a luxury sedan. I purchased the Tuxedo Black version, and once I had the windows tinted out, it made the car look complete. Overall, Im very happy with this purchase. Just a note, if youre looking for a sport luxury sedan, this isnt the car for you. If youre after a well appointed cruiser that rides like a dream, then I would suggest checking out the MKS