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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  2006 Lincoln Navigator - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Robert - July 27 - 10:43 am

  We tried all the SUVs but this one has them all beat. Air Conditioned seats, smoothest ride, punch from the start, Luxury like I wanted. More of what I wanted than other SUVs had to offer. Worth the extra money I spent. They really listened to the the consumer on this one.

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  Great Performer - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Topeagle - July 27 - 10:00 am

  It is a solid performing car; interior is top-notch. Negatives: the tilt steering mechanism is a step backwards - awkward and it can interfere exiting the vehicle. Rear view mirror is rather cheap considering the price of the vehicle. Lincoln should also have included the automatic emergency brake release that is in the Navigators, tough to bend when you get older and a little heavier! I chose the Kitty Hawk because only way to get black leather seats but the chrome wheels are a must. Tires should have remained OWL instead of solid black. The ride is great. Lincoln should also have designed with dual exhausts!!!

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  wow!!! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Myrtle Beach - July 26 - 11:53 pm

  I did not plan on buying this kind of car when I first wanted to get a car, but when I saw it, I fell in love right away. Amazing design for inside and outside. Lots of power, just like a sport car. If you thinking SUV then this should be your 1st option. It handels the road like it owns it. This SUV get lots of attention and I love it...

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  My 6th Lincoln Town Car - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By CHRIS - July 26 - 4:33 pm

  This is my sixth Lincoln, this Town Car replaced another Town Car that I have. I am pleased that the Signature Limited is the standard Town Car since it provides the upgraded interior amenties.

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  What a great fun performance car! - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By David Field - July 24 - 7:16 pm

  I have found my 2010MKZ, after totally enjoying the 2007 MKZ for 3 yrs. a whole new world of surprises from sound to interior & exterior style. Always a conversation piece with anyone who is looking at it or is in the car with me. No outside noise. You think the car is off. How tight it corners and drives. How I love the voice activation, from choosing music to phone calls and the map guidance plus seeing behind you while backing up while safely looking forward at your map screen. Thanks for the great car with the great ride. Oh! Thanks for not joining the bailout. Great move! Good luck with your 2010 year.

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  No parts available when it breaks - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By kzad - July 24 - 4:36 am

  We were happy with our Zephyr, so when the time came we traded for the MKZ. We were happy with it until 3,000 miles (yes, thats three thousand), when the traction control light came on. Dealer changed a sensor, after which the car wouldnt go over 30 mph. We were told they had a bad batch of these sensors, they are on nationwide back order. That was two weeks ago. We have no idea when we will see the car again.

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  Fast and fun - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By carol kramer - July 21 - 2:00 am

  v6 power,Its to much fun with gas pedal floored all the time.

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  Great vehical - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Barry Barnes - July 21 - 2:00 am

  It is a fanstastic vehicle that drives great and handles like a dream

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  Nice ride but small - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Remals - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Nice features abound in this car, however the inside space is compromised a bit. The seats are luxurious as long as you are not very large in the derrier. Car performance is excellent - the AWD gets over any snowy or icy conditions. Not much space for hauling cargo even with the 3 row seat folded down. More of a luxury ride than a utility vehicle.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By G. Leiby - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Very secure and comfortable driving experience. The engineers at Lincoln got the suspension just right.