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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  Pure Excellence - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lindsey - September 28 - 6:20 am

  This SUV is more than amazing. The luxury and capability is just awesome. It drives like a sports car and handles is so smooth and luxurious, I dont even want to complain about the gas mileage. It is not a commuter that is for sure. We just bought it and have been fighting over who gets to drive it everyday since. 50k Miles and drives better than the new Caddy DTS! Love it!

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  Just what I wanted - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By M.Ashford - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I am very please with this car. Very stable on the road. Stops on a dime and accelerates even better when needed. The LS is the prefect blend of sport and luxury without selling your first born to own it. Star Lincoln Mercury ( southfield, MI ) ROCKS. If you are in the area ask for Louis Peirce... best damn salesman that is "not a saleman.

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  Wonderful MKZ - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By wenol7 - September 26 - 9:40 am

  This vehice has it all. 285 horses under the hood, and all the comfort you could expect from a Lincoln. It is a Joy to drive.

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  No other car compares - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Veritas - September 25 - 10:00 am

  This is an absolutely outstanding car. I am a 33 year-old male (not the stereotypical buyer). This car far exceeds any Japanese or German luxury car. The comfort, ride, reliability, and amenities make this car an absolute joy to drive. It has great power (275 hp). As a front-drive car it has a bit more noise than a rear- driver. But, the car can get through all types of weather. No traction control can beat front-wheel drive. I think the car is beautiful. The interior is restrained, elegant and tasteful. The exterior uses chrome and other accents that sets it apart in a way that is distinctiveness and classy.

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  Talos1 - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Ken - September 23 - 12:03 pm

  I have owned 16 new vehicles since 1966 and I have gotten more complments on the Mark LT than any other vehicle. The ride is pure Lincoln and the styling is turning heads. Thank You Ford for such a beautiful truck!!!!

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  Best buy - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By ARGUS - September 20 - 3:20 am

  Im frugal, was researching CTS and Edmunds compare showed MKZ. I needed more rear leg room than CTS. Couldnt believe price! All compareables cost several thousand more and wanted more up front (lease). Plenty of power, I dont need manual mode shift! Air cond. seats a dream in Fla. Great ride, no problems or complaints. Ive owned for 4 months. Always driven new cars or lux trucks. Trips of 1100 mi cruise on 75mph netted 28mpg, city 19- 20mpg w/reg Gas. Nice touches like ctr consol lid slides forword for arm rest on trips. And Real wood dash not plastic.

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  Quality Ride - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By BrendaBoo - September 18 - 8:23 am

  I absolutley love my new MKX. I have had it now for three months and have taken a couple of road trips in it. The ride is wonderful and the steering is nice and tight. I feel very safe in my MKX and I love how the seats feel like they cup your back. I had a Chrysler 300M previously and I like the fact that I ride higher in my MKX. I just feel like I made the right choice in my new car purchase. The Interior is beautiful and I really have no complaints except that living in Florida the front windows and windshield allowed too much sun in. I had them darkened and now its perfect!

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  MKZ Hybrid - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By warpaint1 - September 17 - 6:23 pm

  I love the exterior styling on the MKZ and the lines of the vehicle are beautful. I love the look and feel of the handling. The fit and finish is amazing and the sound quility is the best. The ride is what I expected it to be excellent. Sure there are more expensive vehicles out there but I think Lincoln has come a long way with the design and build of the new MKZ.

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  All time best SUV - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Mohamad - September 16 - 12:13 pm

  I bought my Navigator in 02 and it was one of best thing that ever happened to us. It is 100% reliable with its space and its comfort. Me and my family have went on many trips with this car and space has never been an issue. The car always held my family of 7 where ever we went. It also is a great car for towing and holds alot of weight. I would recommend this car to anyone anytime. It has a styling new look that lasted from 2003 to 2006 until the new Navigator and Navigator L showed up. I recently sold it and bought the new one but i miss the old 2003 Navigator

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  solid american built car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By bob c - September 12 - 3:13 pm

  Great car. Ive had several town cars over the years and this one is the most comfortable to drive of all them.This one stil has a slight wind noise around the window as did all the other town cars in this model series.