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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  Refreshing American X-Over - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Allen - December 1 - 8:13 pm

  The vehicle has more room for 2nd row passengers than my Navigator. Very comfortable on long trips. Great radio and nav system. And descent fuel economy for the vehichle size.

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  Problems with Tire Vibration - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Problems01 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had problems with tire vibration since I have had the vehicle. The original tires were replaced, but the problem still exists at highway speeds. This will probably be my first and last Lincoln. I have had more problems with this vehicle than all of my previous vehicles combined.

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  Typical Ford Product - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By MackS - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Fit finish and decor typical to Ford products. Why pay for a Lincoln when you can own a Ford (e.g., Crown Vic) for MUCH LESS!! Problematic airbag system. Dealer has tried to fix many times to no avail and states this is a problem with all Town cars. Average gas mileage for size of vehicle. Depreciation unacceptable for type of vehicle. Very boaty ride. We should have bought a Cadillac and we will next time.

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  Perfect 10 - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By LS is best - December 1 - 3:50 am

  Almost bought a 2002 model, but this is a big improvement, I have the Sport model with power sunroof, and stability control. So much power, lots of room and very conservative styling, this car is not as flashy as the Jaguar it shares architecture with, but appears much more muscular and aggressive. The silver on black combination I have is beautiful and the cooled seats are awesome! The local dealer is very helpful and their service is reasonably priced and professional. This car has been exceptionally reliable and feels very sturdy. I just love it!

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  My Second LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By LSLover - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I previously leased a 2001 LS and had some problems with reliability. However, the drive experience more than made up for the problems. When the lease renewal time came, I did not hesitate to stay with the LS. The increased horsepower and improved sound proofing and other tweaks to the design and ride make me glad I stayed with the LS. This is one great ride and a real blast to drive!

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  Excellent - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By rlf - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent American vehicle Power, luxury and super sound

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  Never Buy One...If you value your money - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By d4xwb72 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  So far with only 4000 miles to date, the steering column and front suspension have been replaced. The tires have been balanced twice and the dealership, Neil Sandler Ford Lincoln Mercurys detail shop ruined the grey trim paint around the entire vehicle and are trying not to fix their mistake.

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  My Towncar - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bill Johnson - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is very comfortable. Its only been in the shop (dealer) once for a faulty spark plug.

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  Didnt Want to Give it Back! - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Happy in Florida - November 28 - 1:43 am

  I first came in contact with the 2016 Lincoln MKX in Albuquerque, NM. We had rented a full-size sedan, but were offered the MKX instead. We agreed and fell in love. I had rented suvs in the past, but had never owned one and never thought I would. Ive always been a luxury car guy. We drove the MKX around town for 9 days and were very reluctant to turn it in. My wife and I joked about driving it back to Florida instead of flying. We could find no faults. When we returned home, I began my quest for a new suv since we had become believers. I considered Lincoln, BMW, Jaguar, Range Rover and Cadillac. We researched and test drove all. Everything considered, we easily chose the MKX, not only for best value, but we also just liked it better than the others. We ended up with one identical to the one we had rented - white with cappuccino interior, 3.7 liter, Reserve level. We recently returned from a 1,500-mile road trip, had no problems and are even more pleased. After 1 1/2 months and a total of 1,650 miles, we know we made the right decision.

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  Lincoln Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By mark - November 27 - 5:53 pm

  great handling in the snow. I am a former owner of a suzuki grand vitara which spun like a top everytime I encountered a patch of ice. Outstanding handling in all terrain. Optional DVD package with wireless headset keeps my teenage children occupied during the ride to/from school. Third row seat is roomy and comfortable, unlike many other vehicles third row seats in this class