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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  Im tough on it - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Wakeboarder - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I push my truck around alot because Im always hauling around 3K lbs of boat all the time. Ive had some problems. The chrome on the grill was flaking. The back chrome accent the screws started to pop through. The air compressor shocks went out, and the airbag light was coming on too. The silenoid went out.

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  Nice vehicle - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By VJM - June 7 - 11:26 am

  I replaced my Lexus with an Aviator 3 years ago. It only had 10K miles on it. Besides general mte. have replaced rear brakes and tires. Rear window panel cracked 2 yrs ago and was replaced under warranty. Has now cracked again (not under warranty). Dealership told me that Lincoln was aware of this problem but was not helping with replacement anymore. Was told yesterday (at 56K miles) that water pump was leaking. My husband likes this vehicle better than I do. But I drive it 95% of this time. I consistently get 17 mpg on a combo of city/highway driving. When my husband drives it the mpg goes down because he has a lead foot and loves "floor it" after a stop.

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  Envy of the neighborhood! - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By runflat - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought Navigator 3 months ago...black with mono-chrome treatment. Beautiful vehicle with great ride. Wife is primary driver and she LOVES it! Got a fantastic deal since 2003 came out...$13,000 off sticker. Initial quality has been disapointing. In 90 days: horn quit working and an interior roof support beam came loose. Was unaware that vehicle requires premium fuel. On top of that, gets 12.1 MPG in city and only 15.5 HWY. Towed an Explorer on trailer with Navigator and did not even know it was there!

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  Comfort with decent mileage - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Richard - May 29 - 2:03 pm

  I average about 17 miles a gallon. Comfort is the key word for my Touring Edition sedan. I can fit everything but 4x8 sheets of plywood in this trunk, which makes it great for my work. Had problems with the factory installed alarm system. Its been good to me, and I learned to do the repairs myself so Im looking at keeping it.

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  Our 06 Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Edward W. Purcell - May 26 - 10:23 am

  WE love our Lincoln Zephyr, it handles and drives very well, hugs the curves and the ride is smooth. The only thing that I feel could be improved is that the front seats are too small for my frame on a long trip. I am 6 3" and weigh 225. Although the Zephyr is my wifes car and she loves it especailly the GPS system. WE do like to take it on trips in excess of 400 miles and that is where it becomes un comfortable for me. Besides that I feel the Zephyr is a solid vehicle. I suppose we will need to look for a larger Lincoln perhaps a MKS, we shall see. Thanks for listening Edward & Alice Edward & Alice

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  Great ride; Rear End Problems - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By omnidj - May 25 - 5:13 am

  Bought this used Town Car after having owned a 1996 Executive. Better car; better ride; great styling. Around 72K mi developed noise in rear end. Im now informed that I need a bearing kit for the rear axle. Wearout at less than 75K mi is unsatisfactory. Ford had a recall on "some" 2003 TCs, but not mine. Also had to replace brake rotors. They seem to warp easily and require regular turning (maybe its new metallic type pads). Overall, I still love the car and Ill stay with it

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  My MKS mistake - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By John - May 23 - 9:30 am

  I ordered my MKS online in March, 2008. Because of the color(white it wasnt going to be in production until Mid-July. It didnt go into production until Mid-August. This was okay with me, however I wanted it before October 1st to take on a planned vacation. It arrived around Mid-September with 45.3 miles put on at the factory. It was the first time I ordered a new car from the factory and was very disappointed that it was driven by someone other than me on the highway. It took the excitement out of the experience. At first I wasnt going to accept it and after a few days I did. Upon close inspection I found 16 flaws in the paint. I feel I made a mistake purchasing an American car.

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  Fun to Drive - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Randy - May 21 - 5:53 pm

  Great car for a winding road (with the sport package). Replaced a Pontiac Bonneville w/ this LS and was amazed at the tight road-hugging suspension. I love getting on a curvy road, hitting the curves as speed, and holding on for the ride!

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  Lots of miles best SUV yet! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By EbaJ - May 2 - 9:13 pm

  Bought this to replace an Explorer - my fourth- and there is no comparison....no front end issues original tires went 67,000 miles, brakes went 76,000 miles no warranty work, just regular maintenance. Beats the Explorer hands down. Ready to trade in Feb but they are changing it so where do I go now?

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  Happy Warrior - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By golfbuggy - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Licoln has put back into this model all the things they removed after the 1996 Town Car.Passengers all comment about how well it drives and how functional the insides is.