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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  A True Luxury Auto - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By paskez - February 6 - 2:00 am

  A true luxury vehicle in ALL ways. Comfort,reliability,handling and ride.

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  Happy owner - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By L.M. - February 5 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased my MKZ in April 2007, and currently have 34,000 miles on it. I get about 22 mpg average and at least 27 mpg on the road. I have gotten as high as 30 mpg on flat terrain with no headwind. The car has an elegant interior, and I have had no mechanical problems of any Kind. The on/off switch on the radio broke. That was under warranty, and they replaced the entire radio, claiming you cannot order just the plastic switch cap. The handling is excellent, acceleration is excellent. I drive, on the highway, about 70 to 74 mph (speed limit 70) The car has plenty of acceleration at that speed, allowing a fast and safe pass of slower cars on two lane roads.

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  My 2nd LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Aaron - February 4 - 5:50 pm

  I recently purchased a 2006 LS Ultimate. This is my second LS. I had previously owned a 2002 LS V8 Sport. We were so impressed with it that when looking to refresh our car this year, we considered only the LS. We decided to purchase new because the Ford Family pricing (in Canada) and other incentives brought the price in line with what we wanted to spend. I love this car. However, I dont love everything about it. The rear seat leg room is poor. The fuel economy is merely acceptable, but the Premium (91+) requirement means spending even more on gas. The interior is beautiful, with real wood trim and premium leather. Power adjustable everything with memory is great with two drivers.

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  sweet ride - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By james - February 4 - 1:46 pm

  this is by far the best vehicle i have been in since well ever. The only thing I dont like is the gas mileage is not as good as our last car, however our old mercury could never do half of what this lincoln can. the epa number is to low we get 19-20 around town and 29-30 on the freeway. our mercury mystique got 33

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  Lincoln is back. - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By TommyDavis - February 1 - 11:50 pm

  I am definitely not the target consumer for Lincoln as I am well under age 65 (under 30, actually), but after owning an AccordV6, an Acura TL and a Lexus ES, and putting 100k miles on each, I drove the MKZ. I was initially drawn by the price, but when I drove it, I was hooked. I have had it 2 months (and 5k miles) and its by far the best car I have owned insofar as initial quality and handling. The SYNC system really works and rarely misunderstands a command. Oh and get this: I bought the base model-- absolute no additional options. Very very impressed with the car, the value and the deal I was able to get on the vehicle. Looking forward to my next Lincoln in 2011!

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  Perhaps the Best Ill Ever Own - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Steele - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Continental 9/00 for $11,500, with 107,800 miles on it ... because my 17 year old son fell in love with it. Today, it has 216,000 on it, and my son just bought it $4,500). Tires, batteries, brakes and oil changes were my expenses until 155,000 when I got my first tune-up. Recently, I replaced two tie rods, had an alignment, changed the timing belt and all pulley belts. It has cost me 2.2 cents a mile in maintenance, 5.5 cents a mile in gas, and only 6.7 cents a mile depreciation! Adding insurance and taxes, it cost me 18 cents a mile to drive a superb luxury car (with a 260 HP engine) that gets me compliments everywhere I go.

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  Enjoyed this car! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Pete Shemetulskis - January 30 - 1:10 am

  Other than the transmission which I have found to be a problem for Lincolns, unless the fluid is changed early, this car has been a very good addition to my family. I would highly recommend owning one.

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  Thank you Lincoln - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By D P Glusko - January 29 - 2:26 am

  My MKS has exceeded all my expectations after 25 years of Town Cars and Cadillacs. I am still delighted after 7 months of ownership. The black exterior styling is eye catching, the Linen interior is sharp, roomy & comfortable, and the ride is rewarding around town & relaxing for the long haul. I was pleasantly surprised how enjoyable the AWD was to drive and the 6 speed transmission is smooth as silk after it gets to 2nd gear. Engine power & sound are very satisfying and the THX sound system is awsome. I completely disagree with the mediocre MKS reviews written by the so-called experts.

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  This is luxury??? - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Mandi Rinard - January 27 - 4:46 pm

  This car has been a lot of trouble. Every time I start to like it again something else breaks. We have had problems with the windows rolling down half the time they dont work; neither does the radio or the keyless entry. We have had the gear shift replaced. The car is very noisy on the road. Seatbelt housing makes a lot of noise and back window squeaks all the time!!! The blower fan on the AC had to be replaced and the heated and AC seats quit working. The panel on the rear window cracked too. For the most part I would like to run this car into a wall most of the time.

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  Great Car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Don Rodner - January 27 - 7:30 am

  Great ride, very comfortable handles like a sports car with a large luxury car ride. Very smooth over the road. Great car, fun to drive and great to look at.