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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  4TH LINCOLN TC - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By JOHN LAFFERTY - January 7 - 2:00 am

  HAD A 1999 AND JUST TRADED FOR THE03. I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THIS AND FIND IT TO BE WHAT I EXPECTED.

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  Excellent choice - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By ACW - January 6 - 9:23 pm

  These cars are very well built. 2008 is very likely to be the last year that the Town Car is available. There is simply no ride quality to equal that of the town car. The engine is well refined and superior to the all aluminum NorthStar power plant of the Cadillac (which is well known now for its grievous unreliability.) This car is heavy, safe, and handles extremely well for its size. The fuel mileage is great for this car (avg. 25mpg on the road). It is sad to see this icon of American luxury go. If you want traditional a\American luxury, the reliability of rear wheel drive, and the reliable, versatile, and inexpensive to maintain modular engine, you need to seriously consider this car

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  Awsome Car - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By E - January 3 - 7:30 pm

  At first i was skeptical about buying a lincoln but after driving this car it has completely changed my thoughts about the car company. This is a great car. Its fast, handles great and looks great in the black i got it in. Interior materials are tip notch and this car is easily up there with the RX350 and ML350. Gas milage is great even though i have only had it about a week now. The optional THX surround sound w/ navi is worth the splurge and so is the panorama sunroof....Great car overall....

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  6,000 miles and zero defects - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By CocoaOwner - December 27 - 9:13 pm

  Ive driven my MKX 6,000 miles -- about half and half road trips and in-town. In-town handling is just outstanding, comfort is fine (I need to get some window tinting done, though). While I prefer the sofa-style comfort of a Town Car for long trips, I was very pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the MKX turned out to be on a long trip -- Im 62" and hefty and still there was very adequate room and comfort. There has not been one thing wrong with the vehicle -- fit and finish are great. I added correct-color side ding protection strips and a Weathertech cargo mat. Though its no muscle car, both acceleration and braking exceeded my expectations.

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  12 Month Owner - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Big Dave - December 26 - 2:23 pm

  Excellent driving experience. Highly recommend for a great experience. A completely diffrent feel for the road.

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  06 Zephyr 3500 miles - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By fitco - December 22 - 6:26 pm

  This is one of the nicest cars Ive ever owned. Quiet, great ride, ample performance, very surefooted on wet pavement, every option available and under $35K. No expense was spared on the interior. The car in and out is a flat-out show stopper. Everywhere I go, car wash, supermarket, etc. people stop me and want to know what it is and salivate over it. Handles very well. No problems with it so far. Gas mileage disappointing in the beginning (18 MPG around town) but went up to a consistent 22 MPG after about 2000 miles and have reached 28 MPG highway. Could be a little quicker off the line, but really moves once in motion. This car is definitely not a fluffy Fusion. Its all Lincoln.

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  One of the Best - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Geroge G - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Great to Drive. Powerful, responsive.

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  Good idea - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By mdsamitchell - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Why did they wait? The improvement over my 1997 Merc Mountaineer is incredible. Ride is very car like, but still has the substaintial truck feel. Interior is a retro-American luxury treatment. The interior and exterior treatments let you know that this is not just a dressed up Explorer, but a significantly unique and different truck.

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  Happy for 3 years - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By mdsamitchell - December 14 - 10:00 am

  First time in this catagory of vehicle and first Lincoln (now have an Aviator). Bought for the price in catagory and like made in USA. 38000 trouble-free miles.

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  Love my Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Zephyr Owner - December 13 - 6:13 am

  My new Zephyr handles really well in town as well as on the highway. I also love the styling -- Ive had many other drivers really check it out as they have passed me on the highway.