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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  Only drive while under warranty - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Al - May 3 - 5:06 pm

  Its a pretty good bet that the transmission will need some work. At about 35k miles, mine needed to be overhauled while on a road trip out of state. Ignition coils were recalled and I would recommend just getting all 8 original coils replaced, BEFORE they go out, which eventually they will. Overall, Ive enjoyed owning this Aviator but now that its well past the Lincoln warranty and extended warranty expiration, its time to let this Aviator get some rest before it puts me in the poorhouse.

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  nice vehicle except shoddy build quality - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By mcgyver64 - April 29 - 11:53 pm

  Engine has plenty of power. Comfortable seats, Ride is quiet and comfortable on smooth roads but gets a little harsh on bumpy roads (probably due to the 20" wheels). Rims are not chrome plated aluminum as stated, seems to be some type of wheel cover over alum rim. Overall build quality is substandard. Doors and tailgate do not line up properly. Center A/C vent not installed properly is crooked. Rain sensing wipers occasionally wipe when no water is present. Bluetooth is unreliable with my Blackberry which is on the MYSYNC compatible list. This is my 18th new vehicle and first Ford. Overall Im disappointed and would probably go back to Cadillac or Mercedes next time

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  Luxurious SUV - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By discusdoc - April 24 - 5:56 pm

  I purchased a Lincoln Navigator Ultimate used with 20,000. The car has every imaginable accessory, including after market DVD viewing screens in the headrest and front visor. The only problem I have had in 3 months is that the rear automatic door doesnt close properly sometimes. The car gets very poor gas mileage (about 11 mpg) and requires premium gas.I have tried lower grades of fuel, which seems to work okay. The Navigation system does not work as well as those from Garmin (Street Master III). The car doesnt hold its value very well. The car, as equipped, would have retailed for more than $65,000. I bought it with 20,000 miles for $35,000. I enjoy the car very much.

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  BlueTooth is Horrible in MKX!! - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By egcoffman - April 23 - 1:56 pm

  For all the bells and whistles in this vehicle, a fully loaded 2011 Lincoln MKX, what literally has brought my wife to tears is the bumpy ride and the awful sound quality of the Bluetooth. The bumpy ride is a product of the uber wheels which are very hard and thin as are all modern high performance tires. The suspension should have been designed to compensate for those stiffer tires to reduce jarring to the driver and passengers. But, the BIG problem is the Bluetooth! The static is unbelievably bad!! Ford has failed to use a Bluetooth system that can operate with their electronics. The static heard by the person you are talking to is literally deafening, especially at highway speeds.

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  Wife is happy - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By tagco - April 21 - 2:00 am

  It is a rare instance in which my wife raves about a vehicle. She is in love with the Aviator and cant understand why Lincoln hasnt done a better job marketing. I own a Explorer Ltd.V8 and let me tell you...this aint no Explorer. The ride is smooth and tight with none of the harshness of other SUVs I have owned. The engine is strong and smooth. Plus you an interior that gets stares at the car wash. In all, a very positve experience, this is somewhat of a surprise, since my wife picked it out. Linclon has dropped the ball in regard to marketing this thing.

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  Fun but small - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Kevin - April 20 - 12:40 am

  I love the look and feel of this car. It handles and performs very well. I didnt buy it for the gas milage but it is less then I expected even driving mildly around town (14-15mpg). It is not a comfortable car for a man my size to drive very far, (63" 250) But it is quiet and fun. The standard sound system is average.

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  1997 Lincoln Continental Base - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By hmeister - April 18 - 4:33 am

  Bought with 37k miles and car was only driven 2800 miles per year. Florida car and I have driven 10k in the first year. Car has plenty of power and runs great on the 4.6L 32 valve. Transmission was changed out but sometimes hunts for the OD gear on highway. Tracking on car at highway speeds is wonderful. Assisted steering is great. No stress driving long miles on highway. 26MPG on highway and 19MPG around town. Ride comfort is 10 out of 10. I changed out the original tires as they were dry rotted and replaced with Michlin MXV4 - drives even better! 13 year old car and very little so far for issues. Tie rods are dry and will be replaced soon. Very common on this car.

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  Good Car, but Lexus LS430 is GREAT! - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Kris Mathews - April 17 - 5:53 pm

  Unlike other persons that claim to own one of these cars, I actually do own one. My experience with Lincoln has been dissapointing actually, now Im not going to say this is a bad car, infact its good - its just not as luxury refined as a Lexus or Cadillac. Here is the problem with Loncolns though many people will tell you, whenever a part needs to be replaced it is quite VERY costly to repair.from now on, I wont drive a Lincoln ever, ever again. Another downside of the car its heavy - real heavy. Gas mileage is not pretty also. With only 18 mpg / and 23 highway driving. If your planning on buying a Luxury sedan, I would suggest to look at the Lexus LS430. Now this is the car to have.

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  I love my Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Ricardo - April 9 - 1:43 pm

  The Aviator performs exactly as I thought it would. Its a pleasure to drive, and my wife and I look forward to trips in it. The mileage isnt red hot, but I knew it wouldnt be when I decided to buy the vehicle. Its great for hauling groceries, golf clubs, and friends. We love it!

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  Merk LT - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By ken - April 4 - 11:00 am

  This is a great truck even though its only a glorified F-150. I like the unique interior and exterior trim upgrades. I have found numerous small factory defects in trim that I find totally disappointing. There are not the options that are available in the Navigator which is also disappointing. If thery were targeting an F-150 buyer to move up the both hit and missed the mark. Put the options in it that the Navigator has.