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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  2001 Lincoln Town Car Cartier is one of the best! - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By D. S - December 20 - 1:26 pm

  They FLOAT over the road surface... not as floaty as the 90s Tow Cars, but yes, they still float. With air ride bumps are not even a consideration. Personally I dont want a sports car feel that corners like its on a rail. I like that floaty-boaty feel! When your spending big money for luxury car.. thats exactly what you want it to feel like, period! The engine is as storing is the day I bought it.. and the appearance is just as good. Every vehicle acts differently depending on who the owner/driver is, and mine has been somewhat pampered. With just over 191 THOUSAND "and not stopping anytime soon", its my daily driver. 117,000 miles out of the factory brakes before needing a change. Just bought the 3rd battery, and went the first 10 years without spending a cent. Finally at 150,000 miles the air ride shocks started to weaken, so I had them changed for another set. NO! I did not resort to coil & springs! No even an option. Other than that, I have adored this car since the day it was built. Only a very few complaints.. and not the car itself, but the design. Whos bright idea was it to make the headlights detachable (for bulb changing purposes I guess) lock in place with 3 tin clips? When hitting a hard bump, they wobble. And its noticeable to me and drivers in front of me. Secondly, the easy in/exit moving seat stopped working early on. Dealer said hes surprised I got that far. He told me.. dont last, never did, hasnt seen one work right since day one. I would have had it fixed, but it required full seat replacement.. and cost huge money. Thankfully it stopped in the exact position I use and like. Other than that, I am shooting for 250, thousand. These Town Cars last forever. Gas mileage is good. Rated at 17&25. 6 disc CD changer in the trunk. HUGE trunk. And eve after 15 years, its still unmistakably Lincoln. People ask.. when are you going to buy a new car. Answer: when they bring Town Car back! Id rather drive a 15 year old Lincoln, htan something lesser thats brand new.

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  My big ride - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By IlliniFan - December 12 - 9:23 am

  Always wanted a big luxury car, and a Town Car or DTS/Deville. Found this 05 TC and fell in love with it when I took it for a test drive. I have tinted windows and gives it the look of a limo. Im not the typical TC owner, but to me it rides and drives like a dream. On the road, it floats, seats are like my recliner at home, CD player is awesome, the reverse sensors come are a life saver when backing up. The clock in the center of the dash is just too cool looking! Its a great car, gets 25-28 mpg hwy, 23 city, cant beat that for a V8! So far not a single problem - and today thats rare.

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  Size Matters - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dacuck@msn.com - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Good size, good looks, great engine..!! Have not bought American for a few years. Sold 99 Audi A8 4.2q to buy SUV. Looked at everything... wife is principle driver... i might have prefered FX45.. BMW- gets to pricey with opts. Lexus- a little small/cramps front leg room..front wheel drive. Murano-didnt drive..just looked at..??

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  Capable handling and good looks - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Flyer - December 12 - 2:00 am

  After test driving most of the domestic and foreign built SUVs in this price range, I bought the Aviator. Great handling, smooth engine drivetrain combo, suspension is superior to every other SUV I drove, great looks.

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  Continntal - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Continental - December 11 - 5:46 am

  Lincoln Continetnal is a fun to drive comfortable car. I love to look at it and would recommend it to anyone as the best value in Luxury Sedans

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  V8 Sport - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By akirby - December 10 - 10:50 pm

  This car is pure driving pleasure. It handles great, has plenty of room (for four), has lots of amenities and truly comfortable seats. I find myself making excuses to drive to the store - its that much fun. V8 power is great although it launches a little slower than I would like. It plays the role of highway cruiser and hot rod equally well. Its hard to find a better value in this segment. Highly recommended.

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  Missing a few items - 2007 Lincoln Navigator L
  By familyman - December 4 - 6:33 am

  Very smooth, quiet ride. We have four teenagers, all tall, and the leg room in the second and especially the third row cant be beat. Looked at the Escalade ESV, Mercedes Benz GL 450 and the QX 56. Decided on the Navigator L because of price, the roomy interior and the power fold third row. I only have had it about a month, but so far I like it. My previous SUV was a 2002 GMC Denali. Definitely an upgrade on interior space, although the Denali was not as firm to drive. I do believe that Lincoln left off a few items that should have been included on their "premier SUV". No bluetooth, backup camera, heated second row seats, mute button on steering wheel or even daytime running lights.

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  Nice Town Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By CASH - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This Is Our Third TC And They Get Better And Better. The Comfort Cannot Be Beat. I Really Like The Performance On The 03 TC, It Is A Joy To Drive.

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  The Ultimate Christmas Gift! - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By james - November 27 - 2:10 am

  My wife surprised me with a 2010 Lincoln MXK for the holidays and I am impressed with this vehicle. This is my first crossover vehicle. We live in Philadelphia where the roads are terrible. The MKX is very smooth with excellent handling. There are no blind spots to worry about due to the large side mirrors. The overall responsiveness of the MKX is great when driving in challenging conditions like snow. We just received 24" of the white stuff and the MKX remained under control at all times. The turning radius is excellent as well when trying to negotiate small side streets and tight parking spaces. The MKX is meeting the challenges of the city without hesitation.

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  Excellent in all ways. - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Glynn - November 26 - 5:00 am

  This is one the best cars I have had the pleasure to drive and own. After test driving this car I did not even want to look at any others. I used to long for a BMW or Mercedes, but no longer. I am now a loyal customer for many years to come.