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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  Lincoln Blackwood - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By Reggie Wat - August 18 - 1:46 am

  A great vehicle with great ride. The vehicle has an enormous amount of luxury and a exceptional sound system. The navigation system is great as well as the heat/cool seats especially with leather seats. The bed of the truck is too shallow and the gas mileage is average. Overall, a great vehicle with lots of space to include both leg and head room.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By karlappel - August 16 - 9:13 pm

  This car has been the most reliable and best buit vehicle Ive owned. Other vehicles Ive owned include; Medcedes 320D, Mustang GT, Corvette, Volks Vagon, Opel GT...... This car can also take a hit from the rear and come out looking like nothing happened.

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  LOOOVE this car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By 4_jjjj - August 15 - 6:33 pm

  This car handles and drives like a champ. Wish I had the heated/cooling seats but I got such a great deal I could not pass on.

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  Love My New MKS - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By MKSistheBEST - August 13 - 2:33 pm

  I shopped long and hard; compared Lincoln MKS to MB 350E and Infiniti M37. 350E doesnt have half the bells and whistles and cost at least $6k more. The Infiniti Ms are very impressive with lots of style and bells and whistles--but at $8k more. You absolutely cannot beat the MKS for the money. It has every comfort creature I could ask for. Its got size over the 350E and the Infiniti M. It has a luxury ride while remaining sporty. Youve got to give this car a serious look before buying. It cant be beat. Oh yeah, and regular gas and no maintenance $ to worry about for 3 years!

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  A true sport utility (emphasis on sport) - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By douglasbk - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Although the gas mileage is marginal, I am impressed with the Aviator. I have five growing children so a roomy third row was top priority. I didnt want a huge SUV, and the smaler competition had much less legroom. The interior look and the Aviators ride quality is certainly one of the best of all the competition. It truly feels like a luxury sports car and handles so well I am left wondering how they pulled it off. The design is beautiful, the V8 quick, and when I plant the pedal to the metal it sounds just like a Mustang Mach 1.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bob Leitch - August 7 - 3:46 am

  I have driven this car for 2000 miles and have found no issues or concerns. The level of finish and comfort are excellent. AWD was not available on all competing brands.

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  LS V8 - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By BurtonFamily - August 6 - 7:00 pm

  Sexy car! It just doesnt like to go slow (or maybe thats just me when Im driving it!) Gas mileage stinks, but we didnt buy it with economy in mind. Its not real roomy inside and the trunk space is lacking, so no long road trips for more than 2 people if you like comfort! It looks great, its fun to drive and its good to know Im driving an AMERICAN Luxury car. I feel proud pulling up to any of the competition.

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  Love my Hot Rod Lincoln - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By mksman - August 4 - 9:36 am

  Traded in a 2000 Corvette that got better gas mileage, but was getting some years. Love my MKS "quick" engine and can pass in these WV Hills--almost as good as the Vette. Glad to have an almost all American made performer.

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  Amazingly better! - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Tops Escalade - August 2 - 5:26 pm

  Purchased it last month. Since have put on almost 1,000 miles. Rides very nice and handles the road better than any escalade i have owned. The comfort and features are out of this world. Styling is different, but very static. Besides that its a Ford and they really took a big step up making this suv!

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  Dream suv - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By rayc - August 2 - 12:30 pm

  Outstanding except for gas mileage but well worth it no other complaint!