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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  04 LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By rojodarryl - February 5 - 3:46 pm

  Just bought this car! love it, fun to drive, classy looks and style, all the goodies you can imagine. Very happy with this car.

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  IVE OWNED TWO - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Negritakc - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my second LS...first one purchased in 2000 - best car Ive ever owned and I cant imagine ever owning anything but a Lincoln

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  Partridge - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Donal Partridge - February 4 - 10:10 am

  Its a great car. No problems since I bought it. In my opinion, the best part about this car is its performance. Excellent handling, and its very fast for an SUV. Interior is identical to the new Navigator models, but much smaller.

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  Happy Lincoln Owner - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By DinoDon - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Absolutey a kick to drive, drives like a large sports car. It is extremely tight and quiet, and we love the throaty sound of the V6. Dont need the v8 and I have raced cars. The ultimate sports luxury car. We tested bmw, lexus, accura, and others, but this was the best bang for the buck.

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  Best Lincoln I Ever Owned - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By alexvaughn - February 1 - 11:00 am

  Live in FL we drive to MA we average 27 mph doing 70. We love the car. Have nothing wrong with it & its very comfortable to drive. I loved the dash on my 95 better

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  excellent - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By bob turczynski - January 31 - 3:13 am

  great car

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  America does it right - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By CharlieB - January 27 - 3:30 am

  After 50 years of owning autos , I have found this Town Car to be the best . Comfort, relibility, 30 mpg on the highway, no wind noise, easy to drive, auto trunk, auto headlights and wipers. Well worth the money

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  American luxury at its best - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By golfnut - January 27 - 1:20 am

  Traded in my 02 LS for the 06 LS. What a shame that Lincoln has decided to table this car - it is simply fantastic. Compared this car to the BMW 5 series. The Lincoln has as many, if not more luxury features at a fraction of the price. Handles smoothly and has great looks. It is a real head turner. Lincoln finally corrected the lack of interior space and added 17 inch wheels. The gas mileage is not great, but it is not terrible either. It is comparable to other cars in this class. The LS is a blast to drive and it will not break the budget. My out the door price before the trade was $33,268.

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  LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By rhahnke - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Defines excellence in every way, always an eye catcher where ever I go.

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  Happy and safe driving - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By john Steinbruck - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We are extremely pleased--especially with admiring comments.