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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  Overheating issues - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By montanaboy - September 29 - 1:30 am

  We bought the car in April and generally like the car. We have had an overheating problem three times on hot days in heavy traffic. The thermostat has been replaced but the problem is still there and they cant seem to duplicate the problem when I take it to the shop. It seems like the cooling fans dont always come on. Very troubling.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By chris rodriquez - September 27 - 9:36 pm

  I have had nothing but good experience with my Aviator. For an SUV it handles like a sports car around curves, feels solid and planted to the road. Smooth on most road surfaces with little wind or engine noise. The interior design is one of the best for SUVs. Like all the safety features it provides like the rear park assist, the turn signal mirrors with reverse tilt, darn good brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution with brake assist.

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  description and condition of vehicle - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By richard toerner - September 21 - 1:23 pm

  The car is in excellent driving condition, everything works except the auto mirror, fuel economy is great for a car this large and comfortable. Tires are a year old lots of wear left a very reliable and comfortable family car. Silver with gray interior.

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  My Truck - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Sharon - September 3 - 6:56 am

  I like to drive this truck. I am a 5 4" woman drove 7,000 miles in nine days PA to CA and back to PA. My truck preformed great. Had some problems with the chrome wheels peeling, Lincoln replaced all four.

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  Sweet ride - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By simple guy - August 26 - 4:30 pm

  This car is very enjoyable to drive and ride in. The electronic package is wonderful and huge moon roof is a delight at night. The car is very easy to drive and a delight to ride in on those long trips...and between all the choices for music you should never be bored. My only complaint is the arm rest on the door is too low and too far away...

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  A GREAT value for a used car buy - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By aaack - August 26 - 2:00 am

  A lot of (used) car for the money. Many convenience/luxury features. Nice ride. Powerful InTech V8 engine easily overcomes Michelin tires, but traction control works pretty well. The engine is bulletproof, but transmission fluid MUST be changed every 15K miles to maintain shift quality and if you expect the transmission to last more than 50,000 miles. Handling is decent but not up to Lexus/Benz. Quality is quite good for American made car, but not up to the Japanese highline models. I would never buy a new one (even if they still made them) - too much depreciation - but for $9000-$13000 you wont find a nicer car with as many features.

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  Alll in one - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By D and T - August 17 - 11:10 am

  Ive never had a 300hp engine in my control before. I bought my wife this used lincoln aviator and now I drive it half the time! The interior is flawless, the engine is quiet but powerful. The controls are all within distance. I truely believe mpg is more reflective on the driver rather then the vehicle. My wife and I get 17.5 MPG average! We recently learned that driving within a certain speed helps MPG(read the manual) So I dont think the MPG too bad, just try not to be tempted by that 300hp engine. Exterior is decent, looks a bit better then the Mercury or the Explorer. I expected us to buy a Mountaineer, glad I didnt!

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  Love it - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By F.T. - August 14 - 8:26 pm

  Have nothing but good things to say about truck. Lots of power and super handling. Love the third row seat which is standard on the Aviator. The HID lights and the heated and A/C seats are also nice touches. Now the bad - the dealership has not been able to fix the squeak in steering column. The rear end humms and also needs replaced. Still love the truck, will be looking a new dealership the next time.

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  Quite a ride for $2,900.00!!! - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By John - August 11 - 3:13 am

  I bought a 1997 used Lincoln Continental for a measly 2900 bucks in December of 2004. It has proven itself to be a reliable, comfortable, and quick automobile. I have put about 22000 miles on it in a year and 3 months and the only repairs it required were brakes and a set of tie rod ends. It also is fairly economical for a large sedan with a V8, I get about 22.5 MPG average.

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  LS is great American car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By likeusluxury - August 9 - 3:16 pm

  I have had a 2004 Lincoln LS and now a 2002 Lincoln LS. Bought both used, and hav out over 65,000 miles on the two. Great cars. Had 2 mchanical incidents in that time. Nothing major. Blast to drive. Safe. Would highly recommend.