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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  The best car I ever bought - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By Kenneth Smith - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all. Beautiful ride and design. The cartier has all the styling that you could ever want in a car. I paid $4000 cash for mine. Its the best deal I ever made. From the moon roof to the powerful 4.6L engine,with 22 mpg city, you cant ask for more. I will always be a Lincoln owner.

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  Fantastic Driving Experience - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By kiki816 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my new 2004 Lincoln Aviator for one month now. I love the new comfort,ease of driving and all the great features.The interior looks very classy with its burl walnut accents and satin nickel chrome.My new Aviator is wider and longer than my previous Mountaineer and also has the advance trac and roll stability control, along with side impact airbags and speed sensitive front airbags.The only drawback is that it does take premium gas and the milage is not as good as a small car. However, with the Lincoln Name and Luxury I am getting a Fantastic SUV that is a pleasure to drive and a pleasure to look at.

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  Love this car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By ecnjd96 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  What an engine!! Nice looking car and fun to driv

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  LINCOLN TOWN CAR - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By MDEHART - September 12 - 10:00 am

  THE ONLY BETTER CAR I HAVE OWNED IS A LEXUS LS400

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  Fun and Very Comfortable for the City - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By art - September 11 - 7:43 am

  Decided to buy a comfortable, yet practical car for around the city. I need to be able to comfortably maneuver and park in garages. I also wanted something high end and very well built and with good value. For me the 2010 MKX fit the bill. I received a good deal for a fully loaded model and it turned out to be only a few thousand more than a loaded Ford Edge, but, much better appointed. Get the Xilon coating. The first week I parked it outside at a shopping center and some retard decided to key it from the front fender all the way down to the rear. It buffed right out.

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  Solid in every way - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By jnd - September 10 - 5:36 am

  This is our second Navigator and this is much better then the 2005 model we replaced. Recently towed a 7500 lb boat and had the vehicle packed for vacation, trip was 120 miles each way and averaged 11 mpg. Handled the trailer like a champ. This model is significantly quiter then the model it replaces and seems smaller even though it is the same size. Engine and drive train are the same as the 2005 but the 2008 uses regular gas. Plenty of room for passengers and gear and the 3rd row seats are very comfortable even for large adults. The high itensity headlights are not as bright as the 2005 but the coverage is very good.

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  Nothing better than a Lincoln - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By pureghol - September 9 - 5:43 am

  I did not like this body design until I drove one. I have owned a 81 and 88 T/Cs and it has been a real surprise to me that it is now extinct. My car performs exceedingly well and the controls are easy to reach. The ride is surprisingly smooth. Two of my relatives after riding in it went out and got their own. I would buy another one in a heartbeat! Mine has the dual exhaust and the extra power is really felt when I lean on it.

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  First LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By MSWheel - September 7 - 8:23 am

  This is my first luxury sedan. Ive owned many sports cars and had trucks as my daily drivers. The latest sedan that I have owned is a 2006 Grand Prix, so my comparison will be based on that car. The LS is a very fun car and as it is used, it only has 4500 miles on it. The power level from the small V8 pushing 4K pounds is very substantial and smooth. The ride quality is very good and allows quick response during any situation and speed. As far as the interior goes I will have to agree that there should have been more effort from the designers in allowing more/better adjustments for the drivers seat, it just seems a little flat compared to the other vehicles I have had, inc the trucks.

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  ls - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By johnny boy - September 6 - 2:00 am

  overall, i am pleased. there are few concerns i have. there is not much interior space for storing things (cds, maps, etc. the ride is not as smooth as i thought, but then again, this is a sport car and not the lincoln town car

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  My first Lincoln and not my last! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Vinoguy - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This was my first Lincoln, first LS and first 0% loan! Great sound system....it helps with the road noise. The 2004 LS seems to be more quiet. Im waiting for a major body change on the LS before I purchase another one. You can bet Ill get the premium sound system and the sports package. I have had no problems with my LS. I drive it hard and really use the brakes....which had to be replaced at 35K....which was covered under the warranty. Otherwise no repairs! It is every bit as good as a BMW, Lexus or Benz and not as much $$. My friends have these high dollar cars and the repair bills to go with them.