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:

• 

  A beautiful piece of junk - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By flaflamingo - June 3 - 4:24 am

  This was the most beautiful car I have ever owed. However, after being in the shop just first year over 10 times, the problems just got worse. The first week I owned it, put the moon roof and it peeled the headliner back from the roof. Then the drivers seat broke, 3 of the 4 locking mechanisms were replaced (this continued after replacing), AC would not be consistently cold, lumbar blew out in passenger side (also in drivers side 50 miles out of warranty), garage door opener never worked, door numbers worked hit and miss, swipe of numbers wouldnt work. This went on up until the time I traded it. They would not declare a lemon; Lincoln refused to work with me

• 

  Pass everything but a gas station - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By BrianH - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is simply awesome! Its got everything you could imagine and more. The 302 horsepower engine is more power than you need, like that is a bad thing? Its so much fun to drive and still retains the comfort and class of a Lincoln. Its a dream vehicle for the younger hope-to-be Lincoln owners. I love it and Im a Town Car man.

• 

  2003 plus and minus - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By BrianH - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Lincoln improved on a lot of little things on the 2003s, but the steering is a bit of a let down. The steering is more stiff due to the rack and pinion steering, plus riding on the interstate you feel a lot of wind resistance underneeth your feet. Car is more responsive and feels a little more sporty. All of the standard quality is still there, but the steering and different ride may turn off a lot of traditional Town Car owners. I also own an Aviator, no complaints at all about that one except the gas mileage. Its awesome! Town Car beats it only on ride comfort, but not by much.

• 

  Love My Crossover! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By 3dsnmj - May 31 - 7:10 pm

  I researched and test drove several crossovers over the past year. We chose the Lincoln MKX. It had the best features at a great price! Its truly an attractive crossover.

• 

  Fantastic ride! - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By cliff30 - May 29 - 10:20 pm

  Really a sweet ride! My MKS with Ecoboot is an amazing car. It was great in the winter, going uphill on a road with 4 to 7 inches of snow--even with 20 inch wheels and tires! The only other vehicle that didnt get stuck was my neighbors Tahoe. I was really impressed. There is a ton of room and I really like the leather they use. It feels really soft but has held up well (20,000 miles)

• 

  Love it! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By gd9704 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I leased my ivory parchment 02 LS in January of 2002. 24,000 miles later, I am still in love. This car is comfortable, quick, nimble and nice to look at. Pricey? Well, yes. But I believe that the LS is a better value than a comparable Lexus or BMW. Plus, I like the fact that its American Made and has had no problems since new!

• 

  Love my Navigator - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By W. Melgin - May 27 - 12:03 am

  I was going to buy an Infiniti QX56 but it was too tall for our garage. I love this Lincoln in all respects. It has almost everything I need and the comfort and drivability is unmatched.

• 

  Theres good and bad - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Diane - May 26 - 9:03 pm

  We were on a major highway during a surprise white-out snowstorm. Cars in front and behind us spun sideways. Only way to go was down into ravine between east and west lanes to avoid accident. My husband steered the Aviator down into ravine and after 100 feet we rode out and back up onto the highway, NEVER sliding or spinning out of control. This car has saved our family. The handling in all types of weather has been wonderful. Cons: Very restricted seating-leg room, etc; poor gas mileage; cheap interior materials: leather poor quality, fake wood. Have owned many expensive vehicles, cant understand why Lincoln skimped on these. Front seat backs need to be powered. Heating vent burns legs

• 

  2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is a great ride! - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By Arthur - May 26 - 4:42 pm

  Fit and finish is excellent. Infotainment is a little complicated and counter intuitive but manageable. Nearly 50,000 on original Michelins. GREAT car overall. Getting a 2016 tomorrow with even more technology - SWEET!

• 

  Excellent Ride - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By 08navi - May 21 - 6:03 am

  This is our second Navigator(2004) and the best one overall that we have had. The monotone option is a must if you find the extensive chrome too much. The leather is much nicer than our 04 was and the 08 is a lot quieter. Interior quality is significantly better than the Escalade.