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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  They STILL Dont Believe Its A Lincoln - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Stan The Man - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Its been almost 2 years since I got my LS Sport (V8). Even now, people still ask me what kind of car it is because of the way it looks and performs. Its the best car Ive ever owned or driven. This (rear wheel drive) car is very sure-footed. Grips the road even when you add a little water. The handling is just superb! Love that Advance Trac. The Select Shift too! For around forty grand, this vehicle is a work of art!!!

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  2004 Navigator Ultimate review - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Steve Stafford - May 3 - 7:16 pm

  Handling is excellent--feels responsive like a much smaller vehicle. Air suspension is flawless--better ride and handling than Cadillac, Tahoe, Dodge--equal to or better than Lexus and Infinity. Interior has much better quality of materials than Escalade, almost the equal of Lexus. Third seats have excellent leg room. Power third seats, power tailgate are pluses. Far more space, power and towing than Lexus. Has low range transfer case. Wants and wishes; More interior storage bins, rear backup camera, Telescoping steering wheel, more bass in stereo system, more interior lights on front floor and in seat storage consoles.

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  Unmistakably Lincoln Quality - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By J V McRae - May 2 - 3:26 am

  My wife and I took delivery of our Navi in 1/04 and 110k miles later WE STILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! Admittedly, the only issues we have ever had were one-time third row ventilation sticking and an occasional running board delay at the drivers side door. Out of 5 yrs of ownership, the quality, ride, and overall performance has been excellent. In retrospect, I wish the HP were bumped up a bit; especially in light of new technology. But, oh well. As compared to other high end SUV models, I agree with earlier posts, our 04 still turns heads; especially among Escalade and Hummer owners....go figure? No disrespect to those brands, but theres luxury and then theres BOLD-yet-REFINED LUXURY!!

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  Not your fathers lincoln - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By LSGrin - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Benchmarked to the BMW 530. Luxo performance drivers car. Very balanced. Bring on the twisties for the "LS grin." For good information, see the Lincoln LS Owners Club on line (30 days free membership). Definitely not your fathters Lincoln. More like, "How Rod Lincoln" by Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen. Much improved over the earlier iterations (before 2003)in all respects -- the NY Times review on line is out of date and does not do it justice.

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  LOVE This Car! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Deb - April 24 - 5:10 am

  Bought new, hitting 115,000 miles now, and still going strong. It is a beautiful car inside and out. I keep thinking its getting old and maybe I need to replace it, but I cant find a comparable car in size, quality, luxury features, comfort, performance, and "reasonable cost" anywhere. The seats are also extremely comfortable - even on very long rides. It also has the "get up and go" needed when youre entering highways, passing, etc. I have always kept it up, and I still get many compliments on its look/style. I really wish Lincoln would come out with this again.

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  Comfort for the Long or Short Ride - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Taylor Bowie - April 22 - 9:06 pm

  This is my fourth Lincoln Town Car, and I cant imagine any car more reliable, trustworthy and safe. In ten years of owning these cars I have had one minor problem with an electrical connection...otherwise, no trips to the shop for anything other than the scheduled services. I love the fact that road noise is pretty well cut out, the seats are great, and you feel comfortable and secure no matter if you are making a short trip or a long interstate haul. Controls, clock, DVD player etc. are all easier than ever to use. I am a happy Lincoln owner.

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  Zephyrlove - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By fredco - April 22 - 6:40 am

  I absolutely love this car. Great gas mileage, comfortable, quiet, good handling and great to look at both inside and out. Drove Devilles before but find this car more pleasurable to drive. Bought car the day after Christmas and it has been perfect so far. I couldnt be more satisfied.

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  I love my Lincoln - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Betty - April 22 - 3:40 am

  My Lincoln is a wonderful vehicle. It is fun to drive and fun to ride in. I feel very safe when I am in the car. It is truly a pleasurable car. You will not be disappointed with the looks, performance, and RIDE.

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  All you need - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Believer - April 21 - 3:03 pm

  I replaced my 2005 Chrysler hemi with this beautiful platinum white MKZ and could not be happier. It is the base model without all the additional bells and whistles and has more than enough convenience and comfort. 27 MPG on the highway is great and the power is comparable to the hemi - after all the chrysler weighed about 600 lbs more. The ride is smooth and the interior quiet is better than my neighbors Lexus 350.

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  2013 LINCOLN MKT LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AT 59000 MILES - 2013 Lincoln MKT
  By james303 - April 13 - 11:42 am

  I purchase a 2013 Lincoln MKT, and its a big mistake i made. the biggest problem I had with this car is the (water pump). at 59000 miles the water pump is leaking antifreeze and after takeing it to the FORD dealer they told me its the water pump. that need to be replace. and its cover under the warranty but it will take them a week to get the job don. and will code me one hundred dollars. plus I am having problem with the wipers. when I turn it off it still work I have to play with the switch before the wiper blade stop working. few months ago the seal for the transmission was leaking oil. the seal was replace free of charge under the warranty but cost me time.