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:

• 

  Luxury Sedan Preference - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Alfred Lang - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned three Lincoln Town Cars and found them to be consistently of top quality and excellent in performance. The newest convenience features are always offered. I am entirely satisfied with this vehicle.

• 

  Only drive while under warranty - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Al - May 3 - 5:06 pm

  Its a pretty good bet that the transmission will need some work. At about 35k miles, mine needed to be overhauled while on a road trip out of state. Ignition coils were recalled and I would recommend just getting all 8 original coils replaced, BEFORE they go out, which eventually they will. Overall, Ive enjoyed owning this Aviator but now that its well past the Lincoln warranty and extended warranty expiration, its time to let this Aviator get some rest before it puts me in the poorhouse.

• 

  The 2003 Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By 03 Aviator - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is #1 , Looks like the full size Navi but if a small package, it is the benchmark for its segment betas out all the Imports BUY AMERICAN!! comfort and exceptional luxury superb performance agile handling smooth quiet ride heat ed & AC seats , DVD , ALL the options cost $ 49,000.00 Dont be cheap GET the BEST!!!

• 

  An Excellent Luxury Mid Size Sedan - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bill - May 1 - 8:46 pm

  Purchased the MKZ after two months of research. Looked at all of the luxury models, domestic and import. The MKZ offers the best value for the dollar. Recently drove a 2010 as a loaner from the dealer; was not pleased with the recent changes, although cosmetic in most cases. The only feature worth noting on the 2010 is the dash lighting. It is exceptional. But overall, not the vehicle the 2008 is. Also; fuel economy is excellent. I am able to achieve 33 mpg on the Interstates at speeds up to 70 mph. City driving is in the 18-21 range, but that is just about average for any mid size V-6.

• 

  Zippy - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By don smith - April 30 - 5:01 am

• 

  My Lincoln Is Better Than Your Review - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By Larry Haley - April 30 - 1:26 am

  All of you Lincoln MKS Nay-Sayers. Immediately retract your statements of discontent. I recently came off lease of a Mercedes GL 450 and was quite apprehensive about the MKS due to the lack-luster reviews it got from non- consumers whos testomony to Lincoln are memories of their grand parents Continental. I have the Eco-Boost MKS in candy red and loaded to the tilt with amenities. The interior spacial accomodations rival that of the; BMW-750, Audi-A8, Lexus-LS460 as well as the S550. At the cost of the; BMW-5 Series, A6 and or the E-Class. The only thing that I miss about my Mercedes is the thing that most of you cant see past. A LOGO MKS VS Genesis: Youre Joking Right

• 

  nice vehicle except shoddy build quality - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By mcgyver64 - April 29 - 11:53 pm

  Engine has plenty of power. Comfortable seats, Ride is quiet and comfortable on smooth roads but gets a little harsh on bumpy roads (probably due to the 20" wheels). Rims are not chrome plated aluminum as stated, seems to be some type of wheel cover over alum rim. Overall build quality is substandard. Doors and tailgate do not line up properly. Center A/C vent not installed properly is crooked. Rain sensing wipers occasionally wipe when no water is present. Bluetooth is unreliable with my Blackberry which is on the MYSYNC compatible list. This is my 18th new vehicle and first Ford. Overall Im disappointed and would probably go back to Cadillac or Mercedes next time

• 

  Expect more - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By Vance - April 28 - 12:43 pm

  I have put about 5000 miles on the car since I bought it. I noticed the next day that when cruising at almost any speed, it would periodically hesitate or jerk. It was so subtle that I was not even sure if it was the car or the road. I drove it on some smooth roads and I continued to notice the jerking. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and now they are telling me that they worked for 2 days with ford and cannot figure out what is wrong. Ford is telling them that it is a nuance of how the car drives. I think its a computer flaw that the average driver does not feel. The shop foreman and a mechanic rode with me twice and they both felt what I was telling them. They still cant figure it out

• 

  cps ls - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By cpkish - April 25 - 11:53 pm

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. I wanted to own this car since they first came out in 2000 but held off until now. With zero tolerances, now refined for the 280 hp v-8 it acts like a 350 hp car of the 60s. Very suprised that mpg delivers as advertised with such a powerful v-8. Every feature/option works as expected...no return yet to the dealer for any defect.

• 

  Luxurious SUV - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By discusdoc - April 24 - 5:56 pm

  I purchased a Lincoln Navigator Ultimate used with 20,000. The car has every imaginable accessory, including after market DVD viewing screens in the headrest and front visor. The only problem I have had in 3 months is that the rear automatic door doesnt close properly sometimes. The car gets very poor gas mileage (about 11 mpg) and requires premium gas.I have tried lower grades of fuel, which seems to work okay. The Navigation system does not work as well as those from Garmin (Street Master III). The car doesnt hold its value very well. The car, as equipped, would have retailed for more than $65,000. I bought it with 20,000 miles for $35,000. I enjoy the car very much.