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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  Sonnys - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By sonnysnavigator - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Shes beautiful and graceful. She drives like a dream and maintenance is nile. But the fuel economy is poor and it requires premium gas, so it is costly to fill up.

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  Awesome! - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By Best of Both Worlds - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I was driving a Dodge Ram and a Lexus LS. The Navigator is the best of both worlds all rolled into one. The towing power far exceeds the Ram, in fact you barely notice theres a boat back there, being quite capable of passing speeds on the highway with ease. The luxury compares moderately with the Lexus, while the sound system far exceeds it. Handling is quite good considering its massive size.

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  A great second owner car! - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By Bob - February 12 - 3:56 am

  This is the best overall car we have ever owned. A great used car bargin!At over 40K new the interior build quality is not there. We have put almost 100K on our car and other than replacing most of the front suspension parts we have had no problems. At about 80K miles parts of this car will let you know it was built in the Dearborn area! We would buy another if they still produced them.

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  An honest review of the Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Harley Storrings - February 11 - 12:20 pm

  When you first get in, you immediately notice the luxury and refinement of the cabin. The Aviators cabin impressed me far more than any competitors. The suspension and ride are excellent for an SUV, and the performance, while by no means insufficient, is the cars only weakness. I have had no issues of reliability, and Lincolns service has been top notch.

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  outstanding - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By george - February 10 - 2:00 pm

  Yes it is a large vehicle, yet, it is one of the best I have owned so far. I went to pruchase another vehicle and test drove the lexus, mercedes, nissan, even other lincolns. After each test drive I was very happy to get into my TC. I dont know if you would call it fun to drive put it is absolutely a pleasure.

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  Is it a Lemon or Just a Fluke? - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Sam - February 8 - 8:10 pm

  Had the car for a month and it has been in the service department for more than a week. I really love this truck and want it back once service fixes the faulty driver seat track and does something about that high pitch noise that I get from und the hood at freeway speeds. My wife says it give her a headache and I agree because i get one from the nosie too. Again I love this truck and just want it to be normal.

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  What a great automobile for the money - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By rwflorida - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I am just thrilled with this automobile. It a dream to drive. You do not hear a sound from the outside. I cannot say enough good things about this automobile. The service is also just the best. They cannot do enough for me. Plus, 3 year of service goes along with the sale. I have owned many cars in my lifetime and this one is by far the best I have ever driven.

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  Supercar - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By WildhareJD7 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I have 244000 miles on this car. Only problem was with the A/C compressor. This is my second Lincoln. First one was a 1978 Mark V. Both cars were awesome. Way underrated. Very reliable, great ride, and handle well for their size. This 1995 Town car is amazing. I bought it used with 125000 miles on it, and I think the way it drives 350000 miles is very possible! If the quality of the new Lincoln cars are like this... they have to be rated as one of the best cars in the world, at ANY price! I hope Lincoln builds Town Cars FOREVER ! There has to be a market for this type of car, I would think. Even fuel mileage is good, average between 22 to as high as 28 MPG ! This surprised me.

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  Awesome Car for the Money - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mike - February 4 - 7:56 am

  I am 47 and this car suits me very well. This is one of the best cars I have owned. I love the comfort and style. I love the characteristic Lincoln ride and quietness. No problems yet (12,000 mile mark). Gets 27 mpg at 75mph as well. Cruises like a dream. Good cold A/C for hot Texas summers! For the money it is an excellent value. I was also able to use an employee discount feature to lower the price as well. I bought this car after driving a used Zephyr that I bought for my Mom.

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  Much better than expected - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Bokar... - February 3 - 4:30 pm

  Having driven only Town Cars and a LS for the past several years I find the Zephyr comparable to the LS and much better in handling than the Town Cars. Pleasantly surprised at a much lower price. Why the name change next year and additional HP I dont understand. Must be geared to a younger generation who dont remember the old classic Lincoln Zephyr