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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  Three years later. - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By John Steinbruck - May 5 - 8:43 pm

  I was nervous at first because of its effeciency and responsiveness in steering (it went exactly where one pointed). It is tight and hugs the highway beautifully. I drive no more than a few miles above limit and rest easy as the fools pass me at 80 and above! It also draws many compliments in the parking areas i visit.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Nikos - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the performance, looks and comfort. Ive had my 2003 Aviator for 3 months, and Im extremely pleased with it. If youre in the market for a powerful luxury SUV, one that will fit in your garage, look no further.

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  American Muscle and Style - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Manny - April 28 - 5:16 pm

  Picked up a pre-owned 2006 with 32k on it. Love the ride, acceleration, and the interior. Im tired of all the gadgetry in all the other cars. I just want to drive, not be freaking entertained. Love the SelectShift and blowing the doors off of Beemers.

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  Classy - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Anthony - April 27 - 2:10 pm

  Have owned my Lincoln Zephyr for over 3 years and extremely satisfied with vehicle. Never had to take back to dealer while under warranty since Ive owned. Exceptional highway mileage of 30mpg with regular gas and extremely smooth and comfortable. Very stylish even though its several years old now.

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  The 96 Towncar - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By mac-shack - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used. It had 62K miles on it in March of 2003. The interior was immaculate. It gets excellent mileage,22-23 MPG on trips, 18 around town. It has excellent acceleration, it surprises most people that it can get off the line so fast. I also have a 94 model. They are both great road cars. Very comfy. I would buy another one. Small patch where clearcoat deteriorated, was easy fix. Had to replace pitman, had not been lubed ever!!!

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  Lincoln Ultimate 4X4 - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Satisfied Owner-DWS - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Love the options and the attention given the vehicle by others. My wife is short and had problems with entering my 2000 Navigator. The deployble running boards are excelle

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  Nothing better - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Sharlex - April 22 - 1:06 am

  This is the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever had the pleasure of owning. I love the luxurious interior, the beautiful exterior and flawless ride and handling. The bright cathode lights on the dash are gorgeous and it was worth every penny. I test drove many SUVs and nothing comes remotely close to the Lincoln Aviator.

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  Engine noise - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Alvin - April 20 - 7:56 pm

  This is my first Ford purchase. Previouly I owned 3 Buick Riverias. I am very pleased with all tne new technology offered in the MKz. Thus far my chief complaints are I find the width of front seats about 2 inches too narrow and the engine sounds too loud,like a 4 cyl. I suspect the engine sound is the result of the fan blades on the engine. Very annoying>>>>

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  This aint no Explorer - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By E. Mayer - April 19 - 2:00 am

  We were in the market for an SUV with 3rd row seating. If this is you, do yourself a favor and test drive this SUV. Youll understand why most limos are Licolns - its all about the ride and this SUV delivers.

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  The Best Car I Have Ever Had! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Holly - April 17 - 12:23 am

  I love my AWD MKZ. It handles beautifully and is a fun car to drive! This is my fourth Lincoln and wont be my last. I had 3 Continentals prior to this car and loved every one of them but this car is a perfect fit for me. I feel so safe and grounded in this car and it takes curves better than the Lexus GS that I have driven so often. MKZ is a great value for the money. The only thing I am slightly disappointed in is the gas mileage but with just 6300 miles on it I am told it will still improve. MKZ is a lot of car for the money. I am a loyal domestic owner!