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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  Extremely pleased - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By malcolminsfl - December 13 - 12:50 pm

  I chose this after I fell in love with the look of it in the showroom.I got the blue pearl exterior with the light tan interior,and everyone who has seen it (including strangers) just fall over themselves to tell you what a sensational looking car it is.I think the cooled seats are a wonderful option especially as I live in South Florida.The nav system is expensive ($2,500), and takes a while to learn, but is a great option to have. Plenty of power for the needs of most people, although there are always a few who seem to want more. Lincoln are on to a winner.

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  Lincoln Town Car Reviews - 2011 Lincoln Town Car
  By Vicki - December 13 - 6:10 am

  Yes, I agree with the comment that most Lincoln Towncars are sighted parked outside most major airports. Being in the transportation business I can honestly say that 2005-2007 Lincoln Towncars that are owned by this transporation company have over 300,000 miles, are in great shape exterior/interior wise. Mechanical sound and up to the challenge of making the 140 mile round trip airport runs 2-3 times a day. It is our honest opinion that Lincoln has continued to make a superior product in the TownCar series.

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  MKZ Hybrid 2017 - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Wayne - December 12 - 9:03 am

  Great car!

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Tim - December 12 - 6:30 am

  I purchased this vehicle in Chicago and drove it home to Philadelphia. This trip was 810 miles and I drove straight through in 14 hours. This vehicle met or exceeded all of my expectations. I have the Designer Series with the Nav and Moonroof. What a pleasure to drive this magnificent car. While detractors say that it is not the most technologically advanced car on the road, which is true,the sheer comfort, workmanship and room more than make up for the lack of having techno-gadgetry which in no helps getting in or out of an E350 or the ES350. Both cars technically advanced and miserable to ride in - especially the back seat. The Lincoln delivers true, reliable luxury. This wont the last.

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  Brand new Purchase - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By cfmillette - November 30 - 1:23 pm

  OK: After researching on the Internet, and having my wife look at/drive other competitors: she decided to buy a 2016 MKX - yesterday. So this review is very early on indeed. However: the car rides very capably and the cabin is very quiet. [I drive a sports sedan aggressively, but here the standard 3.7L V6 is fine] - we opted instead of the 2.7L Turbo engine for both the Driver Assistance and the Technology packages. Forget the earlier Ford "My Touch" - the newer SCYN3 interface seems pretty intuitive. Does this car warrant the added cost compared to its "parent" the lower cost Ford Edge? Do not know yet, obviously. But the ambience of the drivers cabin is entirely comparable to the Lexus RX-350, the new Cadillac XT5 et.al. We decided that, yep, the cachet of the Lincoln "name" was worth the cost. Note please: we are an older couple with disposable income, at least to a degree. Pure economy or ecological "Green" thinking issues are not highly weighted in our household. Regarding my comment regarding "Green" thinking! Yes, if my wife and I valued this aspect to the exclusion of all else - we would both be driving a Toyota Yaris or something akin. Nope, not going to happen at this point. Plus, I have made the following calculation: 18 mpg/driving 10,000 mpy (our situation) equates to something like 556 gallons of gasoline per year. Buying instead a car with predicted 22 mpg and driving the same 10,000 may, but using premium gas? In our neighborhood based upon local gasoline pricing, this means that we SAVE about $50/year. In other words totally inconsequential. Now with 500 miles driven - we love this car. Optional safety features work exactly as advertised and already have been appreciated. Do not need a third row? Less interested in sports car experience (I get that elsewhere!)? Want comfort and safety? Willing to buy American? Consider the newest version of the Lincoln MKX.

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  Great Car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By leonard widdes - November 27 - 5:23 pm

  Dailey driver and short trips,great gas mileage. Comfortable ride. Great looking ,lots of compliments by others.

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  02 LSE What a drivers car. - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By bpe - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my LSE for a year now and still wake up every morning excited to drive it. It loves to be driven hard and on the twisties.

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  2nd Lincoln MKX in ten days - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By 2ND LINCOLN MKX - November 24 - 3:00 am

  Aggressive, yet very inviting, approachable appearance of the car. My wife now has a black MKX and I chose the White Chocolate for keeping the car clean looking. Im a Buick owner (3 Regals) for the quiet and comforting cars they build. My wife wanted the Lincoln MKX. On the drive home, I instantly fell for the new levels of quiet in this Ford product - didnt believe it at first. No creaks, no sounds, and all the way around well functionally constructed design. Whether finding a comfortable seat, accessing the cargo bay or opening up the Vista roof, all are a pleasure.

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  2000 Lincoln Continental - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By rbandy - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Ford holds America alive in the vehicle market with Lincoln.

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  Moved over to Lincoln - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By jbfalaska - November 13 - 6:23 pm

  Always a Buick owner. Quiet, rubber soft quiet tires, yet with power are my likes. Hated Ford products due to the incessant noise. No longer. I bought a black MKX for my wife and on the drive home, turned around and bought another 5 days later. Incredibly roomy, well thought out access to all seats, great sync features, good sound system, and the leather seats look tight yet flexible for seating.