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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  New Car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Chester A. Cosby - March 17 - 3:50 am

  I was really surprise how well this car drives and handles. Ride is outstanding and get comments all the time on what a great looking car. Lincoln has a winner here. Zepyhr is a little odd name guess that is why they are changing it to MKT for 2007. I would recommend this car to anyone that wants looks, ride and features.

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  Selectred After a Long Search - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Gary - March 17 - 3:13 am

  I have only owned this car about a month but my first impressions are very positive. I test drove and evaluated many other cars before making my deicison. This car has more standard features for the price then its competition. Plus its a new look which people notice on the road. I was a bit concerned that it might be underpowered but after driving it for a while, although its no performance car, the 6 speed transmission helps in getting the car up to speed adequately. Dont let that stop you from buying this car. Its comfortable with enough room, has all the features you could ever want and still stickered for only $35K. The navagation system is great, my first one, I recommend it.

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  Lincoln! - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By greatride - March 15 - 2:53 pm

  Impressive ride. Had a jeep for 6 years, the MKX is a breath of fresh air. Did extensive comparison with Lexus, Cadillac and Toyota. Lincoln wins hands down. Got an excellent price too! Wife has a BMW, mine is better!

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  MKZ Hybrid is an amazing car - 2015 Lincoln MKZ
  By aranala - March 13 - 7:01 pm

  I had not owned an American car in 40 years, since I purchased a Buick Skylark, used. In the intervening years I have owned several Volvos, MBs, BMWs, and AlfaRomeos, so I purchased this Lincoln with great hesitation. I chose it because I wanted a mid size confortable car with great mileage. The MKZ, after 900 miles is proving to be a very lucky or wise decision. The MKZ is silent even at 90 MPH on the Florida Turnpike, steering is responsive, tight, ride is like you want it to be, comfy or sporty, the seats are like first class in Lufthansa and it has the quietness of a concert hall to enjoy the jazz coming out of the HD system. And I´m getting 43 MPG on the second tank. Amazing.

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  Beware Long-Term owners of the LS! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Michael Lawlor - March 12 - 7:46 pm

  The long term ownership experience of this vehicle falls of rapidly. This car is great for the first 2 years if you can put up with the lousy gas mileage. Beyond that, youre taking your chances because the cost of ownership goes through the roof due to intermittent but nagging repairs.

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  Super Sedan - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By ABlanton - March 11 - 1:53 pm

  Has been and excellent car. Purchased as a Lincoln corporate vehicle with 20000 miles on the odomenter. Now 80000 miles. 20mpg city and 25 to 28mpg highway at 70mph. 80000 miles with only recent tire replacement and new battery. LS was a poor replacement, should have continued to build and I would have purchased another.

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  Lincolns back in the luxury game - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By stormey - March 9 - 8:06 pm

  When we decided to replace our MB, Lincoln wasnt in the running until late. But it made the best impression. Ride is better than the MB S-class and equal to Lexus LS in our opinion. This is our first Lincoln. Im impressed! It handles very well for a large vehicle. Give Lincoln a look, you wont regret it!

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  Too Much Maintanance - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Esanchez4 - March 9 - 2:50 pm

  Too much maintenance. I purchased this vehicle with 75,000 miles but it started giving me a lot of costly problems at around 90,000 miles, mostly coming from the engine that averaged at least $1,000 each repair - 4 repairs-. Performance was poor in handling, it didnt hv good turning capability. A lot of little things kept breaking on the car sensors, switches, knobs, windows motor,etc. I would not recommend too anybody about purchasing this car. -Very Unsatisfied-

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  Little old ladys car - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By R. Glenn - March 9 - 10:23 am

  Bought this from a retired lady (sons mother-in-law), had low mileage. Ran great, rode great, until air suspension went on fritz, now bottoms and rides rough; speed control quit; sensors say w/w fluid always low, even when full; plastic intake manifold split (now find this is very common!), dumping coolant, required tow to repair shop.

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  What more do you really need - 2011 Lincoln MKZ
  By penpat2020 - March 7 - 2:01 pm

  I bought this 2011 Lincoln MKZ used with just over 23,000 miles for under $20k! Car has everything you could want in a luxury car, leather, 10 speaker surround sound, rear-back up, navigation with Sync and bluetooth, chrome, etc. For a car of similar size and quality in its class you would easily be paying $7-12k more. Value is unbeatable. As for drive quality, I have test-drove an A4, TL, C300, and 328i as well as previously owned a Cadillac CTS. They all had their quirks and pros and cons. This car stands up to all of them. It may not be the best of the best, but the value in the package is unbeatable.