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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  GAS GOBBLER - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By billy d - May 6 - 12:33 am

  I just bought a Lincoln LS 2003 V8 and man does it drink da gas. Im using 93 octane and can only afford to drive around da block. I want to put 20" inch wheels on it but I dont even know if I am going to have it this long cause I cant afford da gas. Please tell me if any one is having the same problems. Ive drove V8s before but this is a bit crazy over 3 days I spent almost 100 bucks in gas and only went around the corner. Yea its nice inside but the sits are not right for me I am 64 and it seems like it was built for 58 person.

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  2005 Navigator - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By rudy - May 2 - 6:10 pm

  3,000 miles in one month. Great truck for all around use. averaged 17 mpg on highway and 13 in city. not bad for such a heavy truck. Lincoln did very well on the all around design. Looks timeless.

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  Dream SUB - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By MKXLuva - April 26 - 12:53 pm

  I been eyeing this SUB since it came out! It took me 8 months to convince my hubby to buy me this car. We bought the 2008 Limited Edition with the 20" wheels. I LOVE LOVE this car! Its an eye candy! Lots and lots of compliments! Lots and Lots of look! We test drove a Benz, Lexus 350 and Acura and its uncomparable! I probably will drive this car for the next yearS to come!

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  Disappointing LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Brendan - April 19 - 7:56 pm

  I purchased my 05 LS V6 used with 19000 miles on it with high hopes. I planned on keeping it for many years and was happy with the deal I got on it ($18795). About 6 months after purchasing this vehicle I had to have the transmission serviced for a shifting problem. The following winter I had the car in service 3 times for various problems(burning oil smell which turned out to be silinoid rails, a cracked throttle body and a leaking transmission hose). I owned the car for almost two years and am now forced to part with it because the warranty is almost gone and I was not smart enough to purchase an extended one up front(current cost $4100). Be ready for a car with high maintenence..

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  I love it but needs more room - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By tailogan - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Well i have had this car since last year november and i have only had minor problems with it so far but over all it is a champion it does the job with a whole lot of power plus i have hooked up a little so that ir rides really good...but over all i think it is a great car

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  Lincoln Experience - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Mike Rawlins - April 5 - 9:00 pm

  I traded in my 2000 Navigator for a new 06. This is my 25th year to drive Lincolns and this is my last Lincoln. The truck is nice to drive and visually appealing but the fit and finish are terrible. (2) trips to the dealer for interior repair, (3) trips for the Sirius radio repair and finally took vehicle to Visteon retailer for repair (bad unit) (1) trip to fix. The final deal breaker was the left power fold mirror not retracting. The truck was 34 months old and had 36,400 miles and Ford would not provide warranty repair. I was told by the Service Manager that if the mirror glass were broken, and I had glass coverage, they could bill my insurance company. Unbelievable!

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  Say No to Ls - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Chris - April 4 - 7:03 am

  This is a awsome vehicle when running. At 99k the engine threw a rod which Ford could not replace.the lower ball joints went out which cost big bucks.It has cost a lot of money to own.I do want to point out that if your ls miss fires check for oil around the spark plug because it will leak oil int that area.

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  My First Lincoln in 62 Years - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By JohnMatt - April 1 - 6:36 pm

  Ive driven many cars during that time including Acuras, BMWs and Mercedes recently. Their prices have risen too high for what you get, and the styling is nothing to cheer about (2017 MB has an IPAD glued to the dashboard). When I saw the 2017 Lincoln MKZ I was curious because the styling was fresh and the price was right. No undesired extras that were built into my choice, keeping the price reasonable. And the salesman I used was completely knowledgeable about the models and accessories so he could answer every question I raised, and the sales discounts happened to be available during the negotiation. The car is just what I wanted, although with a few negatives. It is spacious front and back with good seating quality (I dont use leather seats). The trunk is large and holds my golf clubs easily, or several large suitcases. The turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine (245 HP) has adequate acceleration and highway comfort, but feels a bit strained somewhat when trying to accelerate at high speeds. The fuel recommended is regular (87), but I use mid-grade (89) for better performance. The car has Ford SYNC for music and other electronic adjustments, which works well. It has several USB and 12-volt ports for the smart phone users, as well as Sirius if desired. One issue with me is the small buttons on the bottom of the steering wheel for answering phones using Bluetooth and setting the cruise control. Hard to select and use when driving. Uses a smart key fob remote for starting, entering and leaving, and pushbutton gear selectors (P,D,N,R). This car is not a sports car, so dont expect that. The 400 HP V6 may satisfy the power, but handling might not be there. I hope this description helps with your decision to buy or not.

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  2006 Lincoln LS....Great Car! - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By GML - March 31 - 12:20 am

  The 2006 LS is a great car that should not have been discontinued! The current MKZ lacks a V8 engine, and therefore, is not as fun to drive. My mother had an 02 LS and an 04 LS. The 06 is fun to drive and has great pick-up and power. The interior is comfortable and well-designed in my opinion. Like the Continental, which was also a great car, Lincoln no longer makes the car. However, if youre looking to buy a used car, then check out the LS!

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  Maybe so, maybe not - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By ClarkWC - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a larger suv for hauling a boat, but if I wouldnt have known then what I know now I probably wouldnt have bought the navigator. It has been into the shop many times over again to fix different warranty things. Its an 03 and it should feel new but it doesnt because of the many problems.