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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  What a RIDE! - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By markndoug - March 12 - 10:00 am

  WOW!!! Did I get get lucky. My dealer (Pacific Ford in Long Beach Ca.)was offering a $20,000.00 discount on the Blackwood. Thats right $20,000.00.Im in a $54,000.00 truck with a $34,000.00 price tag.Ford created one an amazing vehicle and Im so happy that I was in the right place at the right time to pick one up.If your considering buying or leasing one(only 10,000 were produced) take along your favorite CD and pop it in on your test drive.If the truck or ride doesnt sell you, the stereo system will!!

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  The Lincoln LS Delivers! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By ezaircon4jc - March 10 - 2:46 pm

  This the most fun Ive had driving in a loooooong time! The LS handles beautifully. I find myself looking for reasons to drive!

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  Traveler - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By bkegin - March 10 - 9:30 am

  My work takes me on the road quite a bit and I like to have a vehicle that is reliable, fuel efficent and comfortable. My Lincoln gives me all these plus it is sporty looking and fun to drive.

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  2nd Lincoln owner - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By harnettg - March 8 - 7:00 pm

  I traded from a Lincoln LS V8 for the 2010 MKX; I was looking for all wheel drive, and I liked all of the included features of the MKX. A similar equipped import would have cost $20,000 more than the MKX. Trust the reviews of the owners and not auto reviewers. Real owners seem to like the vehicle more than the car reviewers.

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  I Love It - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By JJ032004 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Drove an Explorer for years, looked at Pilot, Highlander, and Explorer to replace. Drove an Aviator on a whim, the family loved it! Fun to drive, pulled a trailer with no effort, ride is great, there was no comparison to other vehicles test driven. Handling is solid, seats very comfortable, even during several hour uninterrupted stretches of driving. Everyone I have had as a passenger has really liked the ride and internal comfort. Buying experience was the best I had ever experienced!

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  lincoln ultimate - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By thomas j. myers - March 3 - 10:00 am

  it was a step up in looking at the ford crown victoria and mercury marquis.. lincoln town car is a delight to drive. quiet, handling reasonable, has class look. fit and finish excellent. the list of standards is impressive. could not ask for more.

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  Salesmans Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By John C - March 2 - 3:33 am

  Ive driven this car 67,000mi in the past 18 months. As a salesman with high mileage, I luxuriate in its overall comfort. The huge trunk has an insert to keep loose articles secured below the false floor. This coupled with the limited use spare provides the most usable space in any trunk on the market. The plush leather seats are very comfy & real wood trim is classy. The navigation system is easy to use and very helpful. The backup assist, makes parking this large car a breeze. I average 24 mpg on regular gas. The brakes have been the only problem area. In the first 40,000 miles, I replaced all 4 brake pads & rotors. Beauty, comfort, low insurance & gas economy - Expensive but worth it!

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  What it is worth TC - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By Steve Meikle - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This has been one of the most pleasant experiences I have had owning this truly fine car. Besides luxury and comfort is has economy not found elswhere, at least by me. Have taken trips that averaged 500 miles or more and recorded measured miles per gallon of 27.8.... A joy to drive, and safety all around, I will own another... smm

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  Perfect Ten - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Aviator Driver - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The Aviator is at the head of its class. Those who wouldnt even consider an Aviator simply because they are accustomed to purchasing imports such as BMW, and Mercedes Benz are missing out BIGTIME! All it takes is a comparison drive and the Aviator will certainly shine through. Verses the X-5, Acura MDX, Lexus GX470, and the ML500, the Aviator triumphs in ALL ASPECTS!

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  Great Lincoln Exec - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By MERT - February 27 - 5:33 pm

  Great car! If the new ones get any smaller it will be the last Lincoln that I will buy.