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/C Compressor - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By David Craik - June 19 - 8:50 pm

  "Grinding noise" when A/C turned on (hot or cold) FOMOCO states this is normal. NO FIX DESIGN FAULT aka DEFECTIVE. FOMOCO says its happening on all Explorer size vehicles. Not true, dont believe it! Only occurs on 03 & 04 Lincoln Aviator units. Considering Class Action Suite

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  WOW,,what a great car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By John - June 19 - 4:23 am

  Without question the best car I have ever owned. Have had LSs, Town Cars, you name it, FORD has however delivered a winner.

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  A True Luxury Car - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By Molodets - June 17 - 5:13 am

  I was intrigued by this car the first time I saw it and was sold on it after the test drive. Ive not been disappointed. The MKT handles great: it has ample pick-up and good braking; it hugs the road with a smooth, quiet ride. It has lots of features and conveniences that pamper the driver and passengers. Every time I drive it, I know Im in a luxury car.

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  Lincoln Navigator - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By Angel R. - June 16 - 1:03 pm

  Rides like a cloud. Smooth ride and handling. Practically no interior noise and wind noise is minimal to none even at highway speeds. Performance is quite good for a vehicle its size. Comfort is excellent. Cup holders and compartments are well placed through out the vehicle and so on. Exterior design is not its strongest point, but overall has an excellent appeal with the 20 wheels and its unique grille design. I would definitely recomend this vehicle and would probably purchase another at some point .

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  Continental Review - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Lincoln Owner - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Fortunately, this car came with a 4 yr/50K warranty. Under warranty, the following items have been repaired and/or replaced: windshield, A/C, Powertrain Control Module, battery, door keypad, top of trunk upholstery. On three occasions, I have had to use a rental car since my Continental was not available due to: no start, trunk popping open randomly, and A/C inoperative. I sincerely hope my experience isnt typical of all Continental owners. I will say that it is a very pleasant car to drive on trips when it happens to be running OK.

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  great car/needs some quality work - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By triman - June 15 - 10:00 am

  this car is a blast to drive, and ive put 36,000 in just under two years. it holds the road wonderfully through the twisting turns of upstate ny and new england, and has superb power to tackle the changes of terrain. the drivers seat is, without a doubt, one of the most comfortable seats in any class, adjusts easily and with memory recall, even those boys at the car wash can play with the seat without upsetting me! im planning on buying the 2003 model in a week or so!!!

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  Good car so far but a little hesitant - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By TEE TEE - June 15 - 9:56 am

  I brought this 2000 Lincoln with 46,000 miles on it in May 2008. The only problem Ive had so far is the brakes (squeaking) and now as I speak a hose leaking and it want stay crank. I hope I dont have to experience the scary stories Ive read per other reviews. But if I do Im trading it in. No questions asked.

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  My 2nd Lincoln MKZ - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Lee - June 13 - 10:00 am

  My 3 year lease was up on my 2007 mkz. The 2007 was a great car so I was back to buy a 2010. I could see many improvements on the 2010, and I like the handling of the sport package. I like having a car that you dont see at every stop light. I get compliments on the car all the time. I like the size and performance of the mkz, and that it runs on 87 unleaded. I drove a Cadillac cts and when the same as the mks its $5,000 more. I also checked out the Buick lacrosse which is priced about the same as the mkz but didnt seem as nice.

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  Beautiful truck! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Brad Schwier - June 12 - 5:43 pm

  This car is beautiful on the inside and out. Its classy interior design makes you feel like you are in the best of the best. With 300 hp you dont even feel like youre driving a big vehicle, it feels more like a sports car when it comes to acceleration. The gas mileage isnt to brag about, but either is a Camaros which was my last car.

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  Wow, I love my new car!!! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By D. Taylor - June 11 - 1:43 am

  I just purchased my Zephyr. I can say that I am very happy with my new car. The interior is beautiful and roomy with many options at the base level. The engine is more powerful than I expected at 221 hp. The car feels a bit faster than 221 hp. People looking at the CTS, should take a look at the Zephyr before signing the check.