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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  Luxurious Behemoth - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By Peter Duncan - May 20 - 10:00 am

  My previous vehicle was a plain pick- up truck. No a/c or any other amenities, except for am/fm stereo. The change has been quite the shock. Leather is not vinyl, amenities galore, chrome luggage racks. Driving it has been a true pleasure for me. It is a joy to load the family in for a drive.

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  Hats off to Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Rod S. - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I had examined and researched this vehicle prior to purchase. In the past four months I have had nothing but satisfaction and pleasure in driving this vehicle. It is as comfortable as a luxury sedan, pull my boat with ease, and is an overall pleasure to own. Lincoln has excelled in creating a new model that has all of the features of its bigger brother, the Navigator, without the overpowering size.

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  I love it - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Norman A - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I dont like to drive SUVS. Im a "stick" sporty car driver. My wife has driven two Jeep grand Cherokees and a Lexus rx300. I only drove those when I had to, but now I cant wait for an oportunity to drive this SUV. It handles well, fast and sooo comfortable. My 22 year old son leaves his Musrang covertable in the driveway if he gets a chance to drive the Aviator. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  lincoln aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By preston whitlock - May 20 - 10:00 am

  we have not had it long but fuel efficiency really there dosnt seem to be any and the cover that comes over the radio with lincoln written on it should have a light-up feature as welli think that it adds to the appreance inside....

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  Great SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By rider4387 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the greatest suv you will ever drive or even ride in. Its got class, style, and outstanding monoverability. If you buy this suv driving will actually be fun.

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  very good car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By abzz - May 20 - 10:00 am

  lincon is one of the best cars in US

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  love it!! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By its just me - May 20 - 10:00 am

  for those of you looking for luxury and 4-wheel drive all wrapped up in a nice neat package..this is the vehicle for you!!! the size is perfect and the performance is awesome. this is my 5th sport utility in 16 years and by far my favorite.

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  Lincoln Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lilith - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Have had quite a few higher end SUVs including the big Lexus. The ride is FAR superior. The interior is absolutely beautiful. Everyone that drives in it is very impressed with the clean styling. I have horses, and use it to tow. It surpasses every other vehicle I have had for its towing capabilites, without having the extra length of the really big SUVs. Its a great all around vehicle, from carpooling, to the grocery store, to going out to dinner, to going to a horse show, all with style and elegance.

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  Love My Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Pink Lady - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I looked at all SUVs of every make and model before deciding on the Lincoln Aviator. I am extremely happy that I chose it. Not only is it fun to drive with many outstanding features, but other people on the road admire it as well. I was on a road trip with it and stopped at a dinner along the Interstate one day. When I came out, there were other people surrounding my vehicle and checking it out. When they realized that is was mine, they started asking me all kinds of questions about it. They climbed into their brand new supped up pickup truck while still staring at my SUV. It was a compliment.

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  American Prince? - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By chiengrand - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I wanted luxury, 260+ HP, a head- turning design, 3 rows of seats, decent MPG, tight ride and handling package, and American! What won me over was the ride! The combination of power,handling, and comfort was superior to the rest; the looks - an added plus - a bold, clean and sturdy look with no wasted curves and frills, and the best grille on the road! Very American! So I am a very happy driver with a slightly guilty conscience about the MPG, but I have gotten 18 on the highway, and 14 in city traffic. I traded in a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab that had worse MPG, so I keep telling myself that Im part of the solution!!