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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  2011 Lincoln Navigator Limited Edition - 2011 Lincoln Navigator
  By dlewis3494 - March 11 - 11:10 pm

  I really like the vehicle. It super comfortable to drive. The one let down I have found is that it only has a single disc CD/DVD player. I would have thought a luxuary car would have a 6 disc player. Quality is some of the best I have seen but some of the SYNC/Navigation system is taking a while to learn. I have had 4 trucks with the SYNC before this one and this one is different. Some of this high tech stuff is hard for us older folks to learn, but the comfort is there.

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  All Around Great - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Dick Dillon - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and it was 4 yrs old. in Aug. I have never had a better car for overall looks and performance. I get about 15 mph on trips and 13.5 around town. That is not far from the 1987 Pathfinder that I traded in. The performance is well worth the extra gas that it uses. The main difference is the price I have to pay for the premimum gas that is recommended by the manufacturer. Im 74 years old and pretty sure this well out live me by many years. Im happy to have lived long enough to enjoy my remaining years in such comfort. Its like riding around in your living room.

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  Love my Aviator (Kittyhawk) - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Sugar - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Proud to own it and Proud to drive it. Im blessed

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  Who Needs a BMW - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Nolan in Pensacola - March 7 - 1:50 am

  I tell you what. I have had this car for 4 months, and have put on about 5000 miles. It is so much fun to drive, and is extremely comfortable. The only complaint I have about it is the storage space. There is none. The motor is powerful enough and it handles so well. The sport package just makes it look that much cooler.

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  elegant - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By victor potter - March 3 - 2:30 pm

  like sitting on your couch on a trip, while seating twice the people a vw rabbit . bet the rabbit doesnt get twice the milage unparalled reliability of any automobile ive ever owned. will not switch even if they quit making it.

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  Great truck - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By michael - March 2 - 3:06 am

  This truck amazes me every single day. The engine is remarkable, handling is precise (especially for its weight and size), and its extremely comfortable. Towing capacity is great--eclipsing most other SUVs in its class. Gas mileage is actually pretty good for the engine and weight of the vehicle.

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  VALUE LUXURY CAR! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By OracleMontage - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great bargain compared to the Japanese and German equivalents . . .

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  Great Car! - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By kurdt - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I love the Towncar and I dont drive it 45 mph! This car has great pickup and power. Quite a fast car. Most people dont know this about the Towncar. I have driven them since 86 and I drive mine like a sports car.

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  100 % AMERICAN VALUE - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By MARGARITO ALCORTA - February 28 - 10:00 am

  FOR YOUR MONEY, IT EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS, IT IS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE, AND I ALWAYS GET COMPLIMENTS. I AM GLAD I WENT WITH A WINNER.

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  Ford is the best of American made cars - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By BenjiS49 - February 26 - 4:06 pm

  Owned the vehicle for 2 months and really love this car. I get many compliments on my new car and I inform them it is 4 years old and not new. This design is like the 2010 MKZ and in top condition so it appears that way. The mileage is very good, not great. I get 24 in town and 27 on the highway. Seats are very comfortable and fully adjustable. Leather seats are wonderful on long trips.