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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  Liked the 03, but love the 06 - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ken - October 24 - 8:30 am

  I had an 03 and thought that was a good truck, but the 06 drives much better. They improved steering, transmission and the engine.

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  Bought this car new LOVE IT - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By v_sanders1 - October 24 - 8:26 am

  Ive owned this car for 11 years new and it still looks beautiful inside and out. No problems what so ever and I only change the oil when it says to. It drives wonderful and is very safe (airbags even in back). I would buy this car all over again but they quit making them during our economic slump :( You will not go wrong with this year model 2003

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  owner - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By keith poirier - October 21 - 7:30 pm

  Truck is good, with the exception of the tires, they are passenger tires and the side bow out when a trailer is towed. they are not safe for this vehicle. Why werent light TRUCK TIREs put on the vehicle to meet standard regulations for selling what you advertise?

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  LS V6 Sport w/ Manual Trans - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Storm33 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been very impressed with the LS. I have owned Japanese & German sports cars in the past, and wanted something sporty AND classy - so I decided to try some Detroit steel for a change. Couldnt afford a V8, so I opted for the V6 w/5-spd manual, which helps in the performance area. This car handles better than the VW GTI VR6 and the Nissan 300 I owned! The LS corners like its on rails, and the AdvanceTrac system is fantastic when you push it too far in a corner. I have driven a 530i since I owned my LS, and I definitely prefer the Lincoln. My next car will be the V8 Sport version, though.

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  my thoughts - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By sunsational - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my new navigator. I recently traded in a 98 for a 2004 and they are the same but better. The dash is easy to read and the trip computer is far easier to set with the new version. My only complaint is the location on the steering wheel of the radio controls. I seem to often touch the media button and have to then reset my CD player back to what I was listening to. The power lift gate and running boards are supper cool and I like the moon roof.

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  2011 MKZ 2100 miles on it now - 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
  By robvee - October 18 - 7:01 am

  I purchased mine about 3 weeks ago. I purchased it under the X-Plan. In addition, the dealer was able to find other incentives. MSPR was at 42K, I got mine for 34K. Very nicely equipped. Im 6 and have plenty of legroom and with the adjustable seats, headroom is not an issue. I drive about 70% highway and 30% city. Am currently averaging 41.4 mpg on this tank. Have not gotten anything under 40 mpg. The car is very eye appealing and for that price, why get the sister car Ford Fusion? Even still, you can get one w/out the nav package for 34K. If you ask me 6K for the luxurious amenities is a no brainer. Great car, very satisfied with my purchase. Highly recommend.

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  Lincoln LS is a dream - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By P_Visser - October 17 - 10:00 am

  My Lincoln LS handles excellently, has a very comfortable cockpit and all the extras a person needs. Acceleration is outstanding as is cornering and braking. It is a bit light on the back end but a bag of sand in snow makes it very responsive with the independent traction option.

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  My new MKS - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By Chippy - October 16 - 4:00 am

  Trading in a 2000 Mercedes S430 with 109,000 miles and needing new suspension, we almost bought a LaCrosse and then a Genesis. Figured I would save some cash and went to look at the new Taurus, yet was steered to the Lincoln MKS first. I had never researched this or even seen one. Knowing I needed to trade my ailing S430, I wanted to do something that day. Even though I was still smitten with the Genesis, it came with no cooling front seats-a must for Arizona summers. The more I drilled down on the MKS, the more it appealed. This while not even hearing about Ecoboost which I never saw and feel is overrated/priced. This 2010 MKS is very very nice and a welcome addition post Mercedes !

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  Best car yet - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By tom - October 11 - 8:06 am

  Brought the car while I was up in Virginia on a visit. Owned Fords and Lincolns for a long time. This one by far is the best. My wife drove it back while I drove our old Ford van back. She loved all the gadgets, I call them toys for adults. So far it preforms just like they say. I go for safety more than gas mileage.

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  Better than expected - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Dennis Arkin - October 10 - 1:14 am

  WOW, went from Mercedes C class fully loaded to MKZ fully loaded. The MKZ outclasses the C class. I test drove the Mercedes E class and the Cadillac CTS. I chose the Lincoln MKZ for comfort and value. The MKZ has more than expected standard equipment and amazing options in reasonably priced packages. The 2.0 w/turbo engine is all I will ever need. I drove 2200 miles round trip in three days, both my passenger and I have never been more comfortable.