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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  Love mine - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Lois - August 30 - 6:03 pm

  I am very satified with this car. The quality was better than the others in this price range. I love the sync radio system and the sound is clear. I bought the FWD for better gas mileage and have driven it in a few inches of snow and it seems fine. I love the air conditioned seats. Lots of room in the trunk and a quiet ride. It is not as much fun as my BMW 528i was to drive when I was lucky enough to have it running. The oil changes and routine maintenence is cheap compared to BMW. This is the first American made luxury car I have owned in quite a while. I always liked the chrome. This had nice details and a eye catching look.

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  Little Giant - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Caponsacchi - August 30 - 12:26 am

  The best value in a used car. I paid less than half of the sticker price, and the car, with less than 30,000 miles, was mint. I thought Id wanted a bigger, flashier car--a 2002 Continental or a new Chrysler 300. But both of these models felt clunky and were not much fun to drive. The LS, though understated in exterior appearance, has a substantially longer wheelbase than the Continental. Its trim in appearance, yet it dwarfs my wifes Maxima when theyre side by side. (Shes jealous and wants to trade cars with me.) This is understated luxury, "cool" but not ostentatious. Lots of useful gadgets and conveniences. Only my left knee is disgruntled.

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  excellent ride - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Eldiablo - August 29 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has all the bells and whistles. The stereo system is outstanding and the navigation worked perfectly on my drive to FL from NY. Its really quick too.

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  The best - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By You mama - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I owned 4 lincoln towncar but lincoln navigator is the Best ..I will buy again and other one...

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  Nothing larger or smoother for the dollar - 2012 Lincoln Navigator
  By Mo Blackwater - August 27 - 3:36 pm

  Versus the Cadillac, first you save $20K when optioned out off the dealers lot, thats quite a bit. Second, you can put the Lincoln in 2 wheel drive, giving you better gas mileage and a better ride. Third, you get an independent rear suspension, with the L, long wheel base, nothing rides smoother in this class, period. A Suburban rides like a base pick-up on a gravel road, my previous vehicle. Fourth, the seats dont need to be pulled out (third row). Not only are they roomier, the fold right into the floor. I am a large guy, the third seat is a pain to get out of a GM vehicle. My 5.4 drove over Colorado at 10K feet altitude with plenty of passing power. Love the truck @ 48,000 miles!

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  marklt - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By D>Rivera - August 23 - 7:50 pm

  Being the first year the Mark LT was added to the Lincoln line-up as a pick- up, I was impressed with its style and handling capability. It is a practical truck with all the elegance you expect from lincoln. This class of truck has seen few if any amenties from the other car makers.

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  Great, ----- but, - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By LWD - August 22 - 6:56 am

  Looks wonderful, better than my last two Navigators which I loved. Drives great, much better than my last two Naavigators. Build quality???? So far, a dissappointment. My dealer has been wonderful in quality and timely warranty repair, but too much has needed repair. 5,000 miles and needed: new differential, new radio, 3 trim pieces, and the front brake discs were warped, and drivers seat has a little slop in the track. All is well now, but - - - Not a great start.

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  WOW! Nice Car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By M.Martinson - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I drive a lincoln LS that I just got recently and love it. The 2003 interior makeover is terrific. Lots of power 280 horses under the hood. I wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  2001 Lincoln Town Car Cartier - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bob Klein - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Large and comfortable with plenty of power and easy to handle. Easy access to the front or back seats.

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  Smooth Ride - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By - August 19 - 4:25 am

  Hybrid is the way to go on this model. The ride is very smooth and quiet. Overall, the vehicle is quite refined. I have about 7000 miles on this car and I am averaging 40.5 mpg. I would probable due better, but 95% of my driving is highway. The car has plenty of power for passing, or merging, and handles like a dream. I have owned several Mercedes prior to this Lincoln and they did not drive nearly as nice as this. I would give Mercedes a thumbs up on seat comfort, but that is it. That is not to say the seats on the MKZ are not comfortable, they are, but Mercedes has slightly better side support. Overall, the MKZ is a joy to drive and very reliable!