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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  Love my Lincoln Continental - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By metalwych - July 5 - 2:39 am

  I bought my Lincoln Continental with 81000 miles, and this car is awesome! It was 12 years old, and it runs like a champ. I got it for a steal...$3000. This car is the most awesome car I have owned. I came from a Taurus SHO (which I love still) and this car rides like its on a pillow. I love that I can adjust everything (ride, steering, seats, sunroof, etc). If you can find one for a steal, pick it up. I now have 185,000 miles, and it still runs like a champ. And, everyone thinks its only 2 years old. I pamper my cars. Nothing better than a Ford product!!! I get 19.8 MPG city, 29.7 MPG hwy. Out of a V8...purely awesome!

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  Value? Well see - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Fred S. - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Having been in the auto industry its no secret that there is no better value then a couple year old lincoln. Neighbors think you paid 40G, but beware make sure there is plenty left on your warranty. We have six monthes of warranty left and were starting to get a bit nervous. Headliner drooping, headlight covers leaking, airbag light always coming on, both rear wheels needed bearings, numerous vibrations and rattles. But I paid 45% under MSRP, the engine has been solid, my wife is happy! and it cost me less then a Taurus.

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  Love it! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By 03nav - July 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I absolutly love it. The third row seat is functional in the 03 Nav. The Escalade third row is cramped, why have it? The 03 Nav interior is sophisticated fine art, and have been compared to an art Deco style. Escalade interior is dated (old man!) Not ready for ther smaller cross over SUVs We need the space.

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  A Must Drive - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By JAG - July 3 - 5:03 pm

  I really wanted a 2008 CTS before driving this car. Coming out of an 05 LS I was not considering another lincoln. I shopped cadillac first and also Audi A6. While the A6 was bigger and the Caddy had more awards Lincoln blew both away with the price. Fully loaded this vehicle prices 10-15K below the other two. The ride is quiet and has ample power. The 6 speed automatic transmission is as smooth as could be. The SYNC system is unbelievable and the THX stereo is amazing. I love driving this car and I really love all the money I saved. If you can check your ego at the door and try this car you wont be dissapointed.

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  Love my Lincoln - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By CheyenneB - July 3 - 6:53 am

  I just cannot say enough about this car. I love it. I bought it in December because the lease was up on my 2005 BMW 530. Thank God I hated that car. I was going to buy an Infiniti but I wasnt impressed during the test drive. On the way home my husband and I drove past and i instantly fell for this car in the tuxedo black with the cashmere leather. The amount of options that come standard is insane. I almost bought the base model but I loved the push start. I average 21.2 mpg city with premium. This is by far the best car I have ever driven

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  Nav L extended - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Robbie - July 3 - 3:26 am

  Thourghly enjoy comfort & quiet ride. Additional length is a life saver as we travel a lot and wife likes at least four suitcases. Traveling for the gospel across the country is convenient, fun and comfortable. Have put over 12K miles since mid Jan, and expect another 10K by year end. Same engine as previous Nav, but better gas mileage using regular gas. Am getting 18.5 on hwy, 14.8 in town...I can deal with that. Absolutely love it!!!

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  Get This Car!! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By MikeAVega - July 2 - 10:00 am

  An incredible automobile that feels like it belongs on the most challenging raceway, yet offers the convenience and luxury you’d expect in a Lincoln.

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  Undeniably Great Car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Winter - July 1 - 2:33 pm

  I had been driving a Lincoln LS and loved the car so in my search I started with the MKS. I loved it immediately, but test drove the VW CC and Acura TL. The TL was a decent car, but did not offer the same quality for the price. Having owned the car for one month, I continue to be amazed at the beautiful look of the car, the great Sync technology, and the comfortable feel of the car. I did not want to buy another Lincoln, but it was an undeniably great car. I actually got giddy when I drove into the Lincoln parking lot for another test drive. I love it.

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  2008 MKZ Fantastic - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Jerry - June 29 - 7:23 pm

  Im 29, 6 tall, and I was going to buy a used Zephyr because Ive never bought a new car before. I test drove the Zephyr and it was fine, then I test drove the MKZ, and I ended up buying a new 2008 MKZ! The safety features were explained, and they are thorough down to the "air-bag curtains" that drop to shield everyone from broken glass. I have a 1 yr old son. The design may be bland, but other cars like the Lexus are too. The curves of an Acura are nice, but otherwise its bland. I actually like the design. Not elegant, but luxury and strength. The chrome is nicely placed on the side mirrors and underneath windows across the doors. I love the light leather, dark gray dash, ebony wood.

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  Nice Work!! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Rob - June 27 - 8:36 pm

  Extremely pleased with this car. First looked at the Mercury Montego, but for only a couple thousand more the decision was easy. It is quick and rides real smooth.