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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  Best Lincoln Ever Made - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By John - October 4 - 5:40 pm

  24 MPG on highway. All controls clearly labeled - no confusing symbols. Lots of room - no bucket seats. Everything works. Beautiful design. Enormous trunk - bigger than most SUV storage areas. Long wheel base. Lots of insulation. Wonderful car.

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  Lincoln LS Sport V8 - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By NativeSon - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I intended to buy a 4.2 Jaguar or a BMW 540 or 530 when I stumbled on the LS V8 Sports Model. What a find! This car compares very well with either in terms of performance, styling and surpasses them in comfort and value. Nimble, lots of power, and all the conveniences only an American luxury car can deliver. This car is a winner. Seats four comfortably, big trunk, THX sound system, right size.

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  Best One Yet - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By TRS - October 3 - 2:10 pm

  This is my third Navigator. All have been 2 year leases. I intend to buy this one at lease end. My first two had some electrical problems, especially with the easy exit system. This one been back once to replace the rear dvd, but other than that no problems. I love to drive this vehicle, especially on road trips. Gas mileage is low, but to be expected for a car this size. I really love the backup camera where it is in the reaeview mirror as it keeps sun glare to a minimum, whereas in dash cameras have that problem. Perfect family vehicle. The olny thing that keeps this car from being perfect is blue tooth.

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  This car is perfect - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By YoungWhipperSnapper - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Lincoln. The 275hp V8 is plenty to kick me up I-70 from denver. I usually do 75 at 3000ish RPM up to the Eisenhower tunnel, blazing by everything on the road. This thing does surprisingly well in bad conditions. I love all the gadgets and toys.

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  best car on the road - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By eriebuckeye - October 2 - 10:00 am

  this thing handles like my camaro but its more fun to drive

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  my new lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By BWB - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Love it I have had other Lincolns and each one is better than the previous one.

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  Definitely put this vehicle on your "to drive list". - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By aussiehjk - September 26 - 8:35 pm

  We traded our Lincoln MKS for a new MKX. The build quality of this vehicle is a credit to Ford. Within a week we had to do a 1,800 mile trip from NC to Indiana and back. The MKX performed faultlessly. The 3.7L V6 has more than ample power and cruises effortlessly. Fuel economy average was around 28mpg. This car is very quiet at highway speed and handles exceptionally well. Our MKX is black and turned numerous heads even on the highway. Sirius radio is excellent, seats are very comfortable. Visibility is excellent. if you are in the market for a luxury SUV you would be doing yourself a disservice if you did not consider this vehicle. Every bit as good as a Lexus.

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  best lincoln - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By ali saleh - September 25 - 3:43 pm

  this is a amaziing car i have it fully loaded with navigation. it gets excellent gas mileage has a true sedan ride but with a sports car handling. i truly recomend this car. sincerely Saleh M.D

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  my beautyfull car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By garzonbc - September 23 - 10:00 am

  years ago I had a groce car and a groce life my experience is nice becose when I brought a new lincoln navigator every one said woww what a car and then my life change .

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  Great little luxury car! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Linda of Rogers AR - September 22 - 11:10 am

  I bought my Zephyr as soon as it came out and I have been very pleased. It has plenty of power; I get about 19.5 miles to the gallon in the city. I have never had to take it in for anything major, but I did have to have the CD player replaced once. I get lots of compliments on the looks of it and I enjoy driving it. I wasnt surprised to see it so highly rated in Consumer Reports used car report. Its been a great small car with lots of luxury features. My only regret is not getting the sun/moon roof option.