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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  Fun and powerful - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Happycamper - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This not a Ford, the whole drivetrain is superior! The power and drive are fantastic.It looks great too this is one fun SUV to dive.I recomend this vehicle if you want a Truck and not a jacked up car! Youll love it.

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  Buy One if You Dont Mind Being Gased - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Shqipo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This large SUV is plain gorgeous. The seats are roomy, visibility is excellent, the ride is almost car-like, the third row seating is gracious. I would have appreciated a nicer material to be used on the inside door panels.

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  Nav 03To Be or Not To Be... a lemon... - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jarule - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle on 9/29/03 due to Fords 72 months/0% financing. I always wanted to own a Navigator. I have been back to the dealership three times. Excessive wind noise on the passenger door (due to a latch), replaced windshield fluid reservoir (sensor kept coming on),and replaced driver side mirror motor (cracking noise). I dont have a good feeling about this SUV. Any new prospective buyers... DONT DO IT. I was happier with my Tahoe. Dont get sucked in with end of the year deals. Ill keep you posted.

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  Second mkx - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By Scrowman - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got 2011 model after 48,500 miles on the 2009. New one has more power, is quieter, and technology is improved. Love the comfortable ride since I drive 600-700 miles/week. New model has better materials-not as much plastic. Nice new look all around. Have had Lexus RX, Highlander and Grand Cherokee in the past- MKX blows them all away. The 2009 did great in bad weather-no reason to think 2011 is any different in that regard. Highly recommended.

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  Major upgrade from previous Navigators - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Lanis - September 23 - 9:56 am

  When the lease on our 2002 Navigator was up, we decided to get a 2007 since the 02 had been such a reliable vehicle. Now that we have put 10,000 miles on the 2007, I can definitely say that Lincoln has moved the vehicle more upscale in terms of refinement and interior appointments. The THX audio system is unbelievable and the heated/cooled seats have come in very handy. Overall, the vehicle handles much better than the 2002 with less roll. So far, the vehicle has had no problems and is a joy to drive.

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  Georges - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Oscar O. - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This was a program car when I purched it. 21,900 miles have had it 19 months now 38,800 nothing wrong with the car, just to big wife does not like to drive it and it is not front wheel drive

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  Love my NAV but it loves GAS - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By john79 - September 15 - 3:26 pm

  Did a ton of research before buying and its one thing to read specs/view pics online and another to actually get into a vehicle. I was a little on the fence about front grill styling, didnt seem to have the "wow factor". When you actually sit and drive this SUV you will see how it simply beats out all others. I really love this truck in all aspects. If youÂ’re concerned about gas - you should be. I average 12 city/16 freeway. HOWEVER....I live in Central Texas and the weather is usually fair. If you drive with the windows down 1/4 way, with no HVAC, gas mileage shoots up to 15-16 City and 18-19 highway!! Not bad for such a large SUV.

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  the navve - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By mca - September 15 - 10:00 am

  its really fun to drive the nav except for the gas part. its like siphoning all the gas in the tank whenever you fill up

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  sweet navigator! - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By kooldad550 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have had in years. i am so happy with it and ive had it for about 7 months now. there were no problems at all yet. the ride is so smooth and the air suspension filters out every bump in the road, there is almost no wind noise, the v8 produces more than enough power, the interior is simply gorgeous with the finest and most supple leather. overall, i am very happy with my purchase and will gladly take it over the escalade and hummer.

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  Decent Luxury SUV - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By TVGiant - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I like the Navigator but having an 04 Escalade also lets me compare easily. The Navigator is tighter and steers better than Escalade but Escalade rides smoother and has more power.