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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  care and maintenace of this car - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By belvin evans - February 23 - 4:47 am

  this automobile was purchased in june 2006 with 15000 miles on it. it has never missed routine service and has had all other major service work done by parkway ford Lincoln on peterscreek rd. it was in 1 accident about 6 years ago the hood .bumper and left front fender were replaced. there was no structure damage or electrical damage .it has no oil or fluid leaks and drives as it did when new.

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  Sweating - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Sweating - February 22 - 10:00 am

  BUYERS BEWARE: Two problems potential purchasers should be aware of. Ask to see Special Service Message 16990. The a/c has a significant decrease in cooling capacity at highway speeds. VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. I sweat at highway speeds. Lincoln does not have fix. Also a mysterious noise behind dash on drivers side. Lincoln has been unable to repair mine.

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  my mkz - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By stan - February 17 - 1:58 am

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  best suv ever - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By dude - February 17 - 1:50 am

  This suv draws a lot of attention I get all kinds of compliments of how good it looks.I love the smooth ride with little wind noise at high speed. this is one beautiful truck.

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  Another Lincoln Lemon - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By None - February 16 - 11:30 pm

  I liked the look and the interior, so I bought one used with 60k mi. However, 4 months out of the dealer and Im looking at $1500 of repairs on various plastic engine parts that have deteriorated. It took the dealer nearly a week to diagnose. Conveniently these arent covered under their useless extended warranty. One of the rear doors doesnt unlock. I got the metal panel crack underneath the tailgate window that I read many others got within 3 months. Fuel mileage dips into single digits in city driving. Oh well, another Ford, another shoddy car. At least its not a Chrysler or the bumpers would be falling off by now.

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  Very good value - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By dick v - February 15 - 11:16 pm

  Very good value for luxury car. Very good handling and acceleration. I traded in a 2000 LS Sport with 98000 miles.

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  2004 Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By charitee - February 15 - 7:17 pm

  We purchased this beautiful SUV because of its mid size and appeal. It was fine until it hit 75K miles, the engine froze up, & had to be replaced. FORD was not willing to talk to us, and very rude, the AC hardly blows cool air, the radiator cracked, it is constantly in and out of the repair shop. FORD has no interest in customer service, never will we buy another FORD product.

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  Lincoln MKS with Ecoboost - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By RS - February 15 - 2:13 pm

  The interior is very comfortable. The ecoboost engine has very nice acceleration as well as good fuel efficiency. I have averaged about 21 mpg so far which is pretty good considering its V-8 power. The GPS and travel link are very nice. This is a very good car overall

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  I love this car! - 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
  By Dave Fleck - February 14 - 5:41 pm

  This has been a great car! Great ride, quiet, good acceleration. Very reliable. I got it at a good price as a Lincoln certified used car with 17,000 miles. Drove it a lot for for the first 2 years. Certified used is the way to go ... saved money and 100,000 miles warranty. Only two issues ... I had to replace the chrome platted wheels as they shiny chrome plate peeled off the wheel when you brush up along a curb. Also, although the SYNC Bluetooth connection works well I find its hard to set up and get to know.

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  The New Ultimate Driving Machine - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Mr. Lincoln - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth and favorite Lincoln! I had a 95 Mark VIII, 98 Mark VIII LSC, 01 LS V6, and now a LSE V8. It is by far the best car I have ever owned!