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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  I love my Navigator! - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jennifer - January 8 - 11:06 am

  I bought my Lincoln a month ago and I love it. Usually I have buyers remorse with a large purchase, but not this time. Its so comfortable and drives like a dream. We almost bought the Luxury, but then upgraded to the Ultimate and Im glad we did. Its like a tank in snow and ice. We drove over icy passes in two states two days after we bought it and its the best winter driving vehicle weve ever owned.

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  First 180 days - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By wfalden - January 8 - 5:30 am

  To date the car has performed as one whould expect. The six cyln engine is to small for the size of the car but does have surprising performance. The auto has great electronic features while the inside looks nice but at a closer glance a lot of cheap parts.

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  hello again mr mechanic! - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By lincoln nav - January 3 - 1:40 pm

  i got the one with chrome wheels, heated/air seats, wood, 6 disc- ammenities r great! but this car has been to the repair shop and to the gas station 1 too many times. This is a good looking car, very comfortable, but when i went to the repairmen to get it inspected he said i needed new ball joints. ok, but then he said that lincoln made it so that the would intentionally break!

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  I cant believe this! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By doster79 - January 2 - 7:26 am

  Ive had this car for less than two years, and take great care of it. Started hearing noises in the transmission and it also started to slip. Still under warranty so I took it back to a different dealer because I moved. Dealor wouldnt give me a loaner because I didnt buy it there! Needs new transmission after two years? Ive heard an acronym for Ford and we all know what it is. As soon as it came out of the dealership I drove straight to Cadillac and traded it in for a CTS, before the warranty expires and it falls apart on me!

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  If Ford Made all of its cars like the LS - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Drcaveman - January 1 - 10:00 am

  The 03 LS is much improved the handling is superb, the Ride is perfect and the engine finally has the power it needed to cpmpete with BMW. I would have liked to purchase the THX system, but I did not want to waste my money on the NAV System. My fuel economy is about 12MPG if I can control my urges to bash the throttle the Mileage would be much better.

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  Love it - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Kevin Lewis - January 1 - 10:00 am

  After owning a 1995 Explorer, weve found the Aviator to be a big step up in ride and comfort. Other than the meager gas mileage, I would definitely buy the Aviator again.

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  Dont be scammed - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By volley6 - December 31 - 8:36 pm

  I bought my Lincoln a year and a half ago. In this time, I have replaced 3 going on 4 window motors (around $200 each), a new ball joint ($400), different valves ($200) along with scheduled maintenance. Although the mechanic said that it was Fords lack of grease that cost me $400, Ford refused to reimburse me. The best part is that my car had been "checked" for that EXACT recall prior to my purchase. A little to ironic for me. I have had nothing but problems with my car and would not recommend it to those without extra money to blow. This has made my first car buying experience a truly memorable one.

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  The Lincoln LS is better than your ride! - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Joey G. - December 29 - 11:23 am

  I have driven plenty or cars and trucks, but the LS is by far the best. I love the speed my V-8 has and how handles all conditions is crazy. If you are thinking of buying a BMW,Caddy,or Mercedes you must try the LS first. Audi, Thunderbird,Volvo,and Saab dont even come close.

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  New Lincoln LS Tampa FL - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Tampa John - December 26 - 7:36 pm

  I feel this car competes with BMW and the Japanese sport sedans in performance and styling. My second car is a late model Corvette,this car has great acceleration and handling characteristics,is almost as much fun to drive as my Vette. The Lincoln LS has been discontinued and my decision to buy was the great value, 11,000 in discounts made this the best value for a great handling and preforming sports sedan.

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  Love The Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Patty - December 26 - 10:00 am

  After owning 3 Explorers (two xlts and one Eddie Bauer) I am really impressed with this truck. This is my first Lincoln and I truly doubt I will ever own anything else. I havent had the chance to test it out in New England winters yet but Im sure it wont let me down.