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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  Rate 2004 Lincoln Navigator - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ural Decker - May 28 - 2:40 pm

  I have driven Lincolns since 1986 with this being the best I have ever had. It will do everything that is expected from a vehicle of this type.

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  Road car heaven - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Ian - May 24 - 2:56 am

  This is the car I have been looking for. In a world of front wheel drive sedans the rear wheel LS is a breath of fresh air. I had the fortunate experience of driving my new LS back to back wih my brother in laws BMW 535 IX. The BMW was a little faster, a little quieter and a little more agile - but not by much. Certainly not enough to justify the huge price difference. The LS handles well and looks good. I had the pleasure of driving a 2003 V6 model on a solo road trip from Florida to Michigan a few years ago and never tired of getting back in after a long days drive. A great drivers car. My 2006 V8 is even better and I like it more each time I drive it.

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  My favorite car to date - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Thundaar - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had loads of cars in my day, but the 03 TC is the best so far. The ride is awesome (seems a little more sporty than older models though), the leather int is super, engine power is more than most. Im glad to see the hood ornament is back and the front cup holders finally hold a cup! Plenty of room in the back for the kids. Would recommend this car to all who want 4500 lbs of classic American luxury!

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  An Excellent Choice - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By ZMan - May 17 - 7:33 pm

  I researched just about everything currently available. I could not find anything, American or import, that matches value received for dollars spent. If you want a luxury vehicle, mid size, that offers excellent comfort, convenience features, and outstanding fuel economy on 87 octane, look no more. I only have 2000 miles on the vehicle, and I am already getting advertised fuel economy, plus. Recent trip on the PA Pike; 31 mpg at 65 mph. This vehicle is very attractive, well built, easy to handle, very quiet on the road, and continues the prestige associated with the Lincoln brand.

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  An Excellent American Made Crossover! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By JoPaR - May 13 - 10:56 pm

  This crossover has been excellent. Average 17mpg city/23.5mpg hwy w/ac on. I consider that good mileage for a crossover/SUV and knew this estimated mpg when buying, so no surprise. It was either this or an Acura MDX. The MKX offered regular fuel & trailer hitch along with all the other bells & whistles at a much lower price & its American made! Would definitely buy another Lincoln MKX.

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  1998 Was a Great Continental Year - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Sandra Moody - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Although the maintenance of the Lincoln Continental is more expensive than some other cars, this car is worth it. Its great to drive, comfortable, and dependable. Regency treats their customers well - even though their prices are on the pricey side. Overall, I cant imagine ever driving anything but a Lincoln.

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  Great Car - Great Price! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Jim - May 9 - 10:03 am

  Purchased the car with all available options except I passed on replaceing the real wood interior trim with brushed crome. Put Mobil 1 Synthetic oil in and pumped up the tires to 42 psi. (The Michelins are max rated at 44 psi and Lincoln recomends 33 psi.) I averaged 33 mpg on a 400 mile trip which included mountainous terrain. Very satisfied! The car handles very well and the 221 hp V6 has plenty of pep. As far as looks are concerned, I have gotten many compliments on the exterior and interior design from friends and strangers. During my trip I observed many cars giving the Zephyr a good look and a buddy of mine who has been a Cadillac man for years is trading in for a new Zephyr.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By DAWN - May 9 - 7:36 am

  I love this truck, I went from a Trailblazer to this, what a difference. Smooth ride, classic interior. My son loves the DVD player, the second row bucket seats, and the third row seating for his friends!! Powerful engine, like any other vehicle, owner needs to get used to the handling and especially in bad weather!

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  I like my Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By TCR - May 9 - 6:43 am

  Great vehicle for the price. Had 2 Mercedes prior to this car. I cant see $10K+ difference if any Average fuel economy to date for the 4300 miles is a respectable 26.43 mpg

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  Glads that I made right decision - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By FrankZ - May 5 - 7:30 pm

  Before I bought the MKX, I was about to buy Nissan Xterra. And then My dad recommend me to buy Lexus RX350 or Lincoln MKX. After I drove both then I bought MKX. Now MKX has 24K mileage, without any trouble, just oil change 3 times. Ah right, there were one problem at 22K, its steering wheel vibrated while pushing brake from 70 MPH to 0 MPH. After went to dealership for tire rotation, then the problem is gone with no charge any penny! Very happy to have MKX!