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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  Surprised - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By PAMELA HENDON - May 26 - 7:43 pm

  This the first ford i have owned , i usually buy G.M. Products. However this auto rides almost like my dhs cadillac. This auto is very comfortable,tight,very little road noise. Looks great very sporty. Fun to drive.

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  2004 Lincoln Town Car - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Thomas K - May 25 - 9:16 pm

  Bought 2004 LTC in 2005. Love this car because: Dimensions are palatial. Ride is unparalleled. Easy to pass slowpokes. Good gas mileage for 4,500 Sedan. Very nice to look at - proud to own. Power everything. The funny thing about all the editors reviews is that they all say the car basically stinks. But most people who actually buy them love them. I wonder why that is. I wouldnt drive anything else. By the way the Mercury Grand Marquis is not a poor mans Town Car. The Marquis is a good, solid car, but the Lincoln Town Car easily outclasses the Marquis.

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  Solid Performer - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Ash - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I wanted an understated, luxury sedan with all of the finishing touches. The LS is fits the role. Lincoln did a good job on this auto. One trip to the dealer to replace the rear window lift mechanisms - known defect. The LS handles well, looks great and provides an high quality driving experience.

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  2003 Navigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Stacey F. - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Very powerful, DVD Entertainment System is very nice, everything is automated, bright headlights reduce chances of getting hit by large animals because of the brightness level.

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  Great car for the money - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By RXMAN - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after owning several imports in June 2001 and currently have 64,000 miles on it. The deal was very good, got the first payment paid by the dealer, a 1.9% interest rate, and free maintanance for 36,000 miles. When I take it to the dealer I receive a free loaner car and I have had a continental, aviator and town car as loaners, The dealer also provides free coffe and donuts and the am paper if you decide to wait. I ride the highway a lot, and the car is very stable and quiet, stereo quality is good but not as good as my previous Nissan Maxima

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  luxury 5 speed sleeper - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By ntec - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Let me start by saying this car is a big time sleeper. This is a BMW 5 series fighter all the way at half the cost. I dont think you could spend your money on a better USED luxury car than this. I was looking for a Lexus way overpriced or a Acura Legend old & overpriced.One test drive of this car and the rest is history.The 5spd tranny va voom you cannot get any more joy out of a luxury car than this .This can be driven hard with almost redline shifts or you can take it easy when you have to.Only problems so far,drivers heated seat doesnt work & oil in spark plug jackets.

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  Comfortable and lots of room - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By tennis1922 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Town Car and they keep getting better. I like the comfortable ride, especially on long trips. The large trunk is also a good feature. Another plus has been the service from the dealer Van Burkleo and the Lincoln Dealer Network.

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  My NEW MOM Mobile - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By tracy - May 19 - 10:56 am

  I am absolutely thrilled with my "new to me" TRUCK. I wanted to get rid of my MOM mobile safari van. I wanted a "TOY that was functional" NO van and Not gray. Was leaning toward a HUMMER and decided it would not be functional for our family. We need to HAUL our toys in the back of a truck; 4-wheeler, kayak, motorcycle plus tow a trailer at times. I get alot of compliments on my truck and people think it is brand new it is a 2006. No buyers remorse here and so far it gets 17.3-18.2 MPG not to bad!! FUN to drive. LOVE IT!!! PS. My Husband and son had to modify the muffler to add "rumble" it was to quiet for them. I have to admit I enjoy the rumble also. Thanks Honey and my son!!

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  Great used car purchase - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By fvcg - May 19 - 10:00 am

  After having owned this used vehicle for a year, I can say it is a good used car purchase for the value. Drove from Michigan to Houston, TX and back. It is comfortable on long drives and does well at highway speeds. It is sporty on stop and go traffic as well. Bought extended warranty from Warrantybynet and still have not used it. It is nice to have the peace of mind. Now has 72K miles on it. Plan to keep it for a while to get return on investment. It has features that a similarly priced new vehicle would not have. The V8 Intech engine has a good track record and it has been reliable for me.

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  Great Used Car Buy - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By JonP - May 19 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! Good for me it depreciates fast. I have owned Bimmers, Volvos, SAABs, and others and the fit finish is great. The value for the used car dollar is awesome!