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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  Intelligent Design defines Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By valuehunter - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The Aviator is an intelligently designed mid-sized SUV with class- leading functionality and performance. The exterior and interior design is simply superb. With few exceptions, the fit and finish of both the interior and exterior are on par with the best that the Japanese and Germans have to offer. The problem with the Aviator is that most people willing to spend 40k plus for a midsized SUV want the cache that goes along with a Japanese or Gernman moniker. That is too bad, because the Aviator really packs world- class luxury, functionaliy and performance. This is the first American car I have ever owned and I must say that I am very pleased.

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  nmgc - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By iugyf - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Ijust love its fun to driveand very convinent smooth riding power trunk its just wonderful.

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  New impression - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By TroyD75826 - October 26 - 7:06 am

  I am very happy with my new Navigator. It is very comfortable and the build quality is just as good as any other luxury vehicle. Power is more than adequate but on paper is a little wimpy when compared to the Escalade.

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  STARSHIPS ARE REAL - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By droy - October 25 - 12:33 pm

  I had a 2002 Continental I did not want to part with but wanted to stay with Lincoln. Choose to purchase the MKS (Tuxedo black, loaded) after 6 months of research and glad I choose to stay with the MKS vs. going with the CTS. Pleasantly surprised with the performance of the V-6 after reading some of the reviews. Car must be purchased with the 20" wheels which adds to the car appearance.

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  Lincoln / Signature Series - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By J. Fallon - October 24 - 2:03 pm

  The vehicle drives great, its pick up and ability to handle the road is great! Maintenance to Lincoln Town Car is a major part of owning a luxury vehicle. The weather in New England can be absolutely brutal, not only to a vehicle, but to the roads also. These luxury vehicles arent made for sleet and snow and especially pot holes. So one should remember to first be aware of what your vehicle (Lincoln) will be contending with when it comes to bad New England weather. You must remember, this is a luxury vehicle, not a truck. If you abuse it, it will cost you. One other thing, dont buy a used Lincoln from up North, go down South, warm climate dictates an over all better treatment of the car.

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  Awesome Town Car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By RD - October 24 - 10:30 am

  I purchased my Signature Series Town Car in August 2005. I love the dark blue leather interior w/ heated seats. Let me say that I cant believe the options and silky smooth ride. Mine even had a full carriage top. Mileage was 93K, but considering its a 1997, not bad. Im a man in my mid 30s, and have already been teased about buying a grandpa car. But, I am the one whose laughing because this TC will outlast their new $30K+ cars or SUVs and mine is already 8 years old! This car will easily go 200-300K. Ive taken it on trips with my wife and two kids and it makes traveling a breeze. People get out of passing lane real fast when they see this beast in their rearview mirror!

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  Almost Got It Right - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By First Lincoln - October 19 - 9:00 pm

  We have just about put 10,000 miles on our MKX and overall I am pleased with our choice. It was a toss-up between the Caddy SRX and the Lincoln. My wife liked the visibility out of the Lincoln better so we went with it. The MKX interior is not as refined as the Caddy and the exterior design is pretty generic, except for that beautiful front grille. Would like to see softer seats and more leather inside and a bit more classic lines outside. Fuel mileage has been less than I had hoped for, the best I have gotten on the highway is 22.9. That was over the course of a 2-day 700 mile trip.

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  Classy Truck - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By david fulks - October 19 - 1:43 am

  Beautiful truck on the inside and outside. Lots of features including moonroof, navigation, satellite radio, traction control, park assist, and excellent seating with good leg space in front and back. Rides good, looks good and get lot of people who see the exterior and want to see interior. All who look say wow! Nice truck. Driver and passengers have good seats with a good view. Has a four year bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5-year roadside assistance and 70,000 mile powertrain, plus first year maintenance is free. Beats the warranty on most other trucks. Glad I bought my Lincoln Mark LT. Love it!

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  NOT WORTHY TO BE CALLED A LINCOLN - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mike38 - October 17 - 2:13 am

  Bought my first used car. After many miles in a full size Lincoln via a former employer I gave the little MKZ a try for my wife. I liked the looks and it only had 6K miles as a former spotless fleet car. Was enjoying the car until we went on a 300 mile trip to Florida. My wife was the first to say my GMC Sierra truck rode a whole lot smother with much more comfortable seats. Never have liked the foreign type tilting wheels very limited positions and sorry but better in the GMC Truck. I do like the way the seats lay down way back but are not very comfortable when down. Over all nice car but far from being worthy to carry the Lincoln name.

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  Excellent Design and Quality - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By John - October 16 - 11:46 pm

  Just bought the vehicle without knowing much about it and was thoroughly impressed by the quality, comfort and engineering. Outstanding acceleration, great handling and typical Lincoln Town Car style quiet ride. Excellent safety features are part of a unique package assembled by Ford. I have owned 4 Town Cars and currently have 2 Jaquars XJ series. This MKT hadles as good as the XJ8 and is as much fun to drive. Highly recommended,