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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  A great luxury SUV - 2010 Lincoln Navigator
  By iceout - September 13 - 8:56 am

  A test ride was all it took for me to sign the papers and drive off with my new Lincoln Navigator. What a great comfortable ride with good performance, handling and a very quiet ride. The fuel millage is the same as the Mercury mountaineers that I have previously leased which is amazing for a larger heavier vehicle. The forward and rear sensing systems in the bumper and a rear view camera make it real easy to park. A truly great vehicle.

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  I put it through its paces - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Vince - September 10 - 6:30 pm

  I researched and drove just about every mid sized SUV out there before deciding on the MKX. It came down to the Lexus RX and the MKX. No question, the MKX is a better value than the RX, especially with the year deals out there. I bought the MKX the day before Christmas. We took it on a long trip the week after Christmas that involved roughly 2,000 miles of driving. FL to NC to VA and back to FL. The driving was a good mix of interstate, around town and curvy mountain roads. I could not be happier with the performance and handling! We averaged roughly 24 MPG on the highway, 18 around town. Right on the money per the window sticker. This car is everything I expected and more!

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  Best Navigator yet - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By 07NAVIBOY - September 8 - 11:56 am

  I have been a dedicated Cadillac man until now! This 07 Navigator has the Escalade beat all around! Looks, quality, luxury, comfort, performance...the Escalade just cant equal this 07 Navigator! The build quality is superb, the ride and quiet is the best I have ever experienced in a SUV, handling and responsiveness is excellent. Congrats to Lincoln! I love my 07 Navigator!

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  MY WOOD....TEE! HEE! - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By JOHN L - September 7 - 10:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE IS A DREAM TO DRIVE...MORE THAN ADEQUATE POWER AND A LEVEL OF LUXURY THAT SURPASSES ANYTHING I HAVE OWNED TO DATE.

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  I love my Blackwood!!!!!!!! - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By BlackJack - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I am VERY pleased with my Blackwood! I hope that they dont make many more because I really enjoy the stares that I get from people that have never seen one before.

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  The Phantomblondes Nav experience! - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By Phantomblonde - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I hate the Contitrac tires that came on this Nav, I have had nothing but problems with them, which is causing a rough ride. Am working with the dealership to come to some agreement about the tires being replaced. Dealership has been very cooperative so far. This has to be the ultimate road- trip and shopping vehicle, has room for everything! Beautiful bright candy apple red color!

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  Love mine - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Lois - August 30 - 6:03 pm

  I am very satified with this car. The quality was better than the others in this price range. I love the sync radio system and the sound is clear. I bought the FWD for better gas mileage and have driven it in a few inches of snow and it seems fine. I love the air conditioned seats. Lots of room in the trunk and a quiet ride. It is not as much fun as my BMW 528i was to drive when I was lucky enough to have it running. The oil changes and routine maintenence is cheap compared to BMW. This is the first American made luxury car I have owned in quite a while. I always liked the chrome. This had nice details and a eye catching look.

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  Little Giant - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Caponsacchi - August 30 - 12:26 am

  The best value in a used car. I paid less than half of the sticker price, and the car, with less than 30,000 miles, was mint. I thought Id wanted a bigger, flashier car--a 2002 Continental or a new Chrysler 300. But both of these models felt clunky and were not much fun to drive. The LS, though understated in exterior appearance, has a substantially longer wheelbase than the Continental. Its trim in appearance, yet it dwarfs my wifes Maxima when theyre side by side. (Shes jealous and wants to trade cars with me.) This is understated luxury, "cool" but not ostentatious. Lots of useful gadgets and conveniences. Only my left knee is disgruntled.

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  excellent ride - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Eldiablo - August 29 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has all the bells and whistles. The stereo system is outstanding and the navigation worked perfectly on my drive to FL from NY. Its really quick too.

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  The best - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By You mama - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I owned 4 lincoln towncar but lincoln navigator is the Best ..I will buy again and other one...