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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  7 year owner of 1998 Continental - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By BILL HOWARD - March 8 - 3:03 am

  Had real problems with this car when I first bought it. Had to have it towed into the dealership 3 times, and their final answer was that I had had fuel pump problems. Also had a clicking sound at that right left front side of the car and they determined that a ball joint was cracked. Havent had any trouble along those lines since. My only complaint now is that the right front suspension is making a grunting sound that I notice when driving into the garage and also when driving slow and going over uneven road surfaces.

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  There is a GOD... - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By AV8Rcag - March 8 - 2:00 am

  ...he revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses. Now hes given heavens blue prints to Lincoln. Theyve really done it up right. The Aviator is typical Lincoln CLASS. The ride is superb (whatd ya expect for a Lincoln), but the clincher is the power and handling. This baby is a rocketsled. It will blow my wifes fuel injected Tahoe OFF THE ROAD. Though it rides like a Lincoln it handles like a sports car. The interior is sooooo classy. Almost felt like putting on a tuxedo.

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  Love my Lincoln hate Navigation - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By lyn17 - March 6 - 6:35 pm

  I bought a 2012 Lincoln MKX last year and every time I get in this car, I just love it. Great design, easy to drive. The Lincoln SYNC system isnt bad (although designed by Microsoft) as far as my Iphone and blue tooth is concerned but it truly sucks with the Navigation. Most of the time that stupid woman doesnt understand what Im saying (Calgary). Because she doesnt understand I want to type it in myself and then the battle begins. I would much prefer to use my iPAD and not Lincolns Sync system - much easier to use. The engineers should drop Microsoft and embrace Apple

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  An Overall Disappointment - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Ocean - March 5 - 1:50 pm

  This car has been a major disappointment as we came from a 2003 Lincoln LS V8 that was averaging the same fuel economy :18 MPG. While the MKZ is AWD, it has less power and a smaller V6 engine. The build quality and the materials is way below sup bar. The hard plastics and the gaps in between the interior and exterior panels is ridiculous. The wood trim looks fake, the dashboard has this twin look going on, that seems as if you could move the steering wheel and gauges over to the other side. Speaking of gauges, the retro looking dash is not cool, its very cheap looking! Note to Lincoln: Hire some better designers and stop looking to the past. This will be a long 3yr lease.

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  L6 Fantastic Value - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Paul Roberts - March 3 - 7:46 am

  I purchased a 2005 Lincoln LS w/ V6 in June. Between the Dealer, Lincoln & Ford Financing, I was able to snag this gem for $23,000. Its basic for a Lincoln with only special paint as an option. Since its a Lincoln though basic is pretty cush. The ride is great and there are tons of nice features that you wont find on an Accord, Camry and Passat. The fit and finsih are every bit as good as the best of the European and Japanese models. Im delighted with my purchase!

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  Just not sure yet???? - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By LisaB - March 2 - 11:16 am

  I just traded in my 2000 Infiniti I30 which I just loved and unfortunately miss after purchasing the Zephyr. I dont think the Zephyr is as sporty as I would like, but it is classy. I enjoy the heated seats and the sound system. I enjoy the smooth ride, but miss the sporty look and feel of the I30. I have no desire to go out and joy ride with this car. Ive only owned it a week and think Im still going through withdrawal of giving up my I30, so time will tell.

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  Bouncin Like a "Big Dog" In His LS! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Cynthy-Shorty - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Traded the 00 LS and bought my hubby an 03. This car is 500 times better. Literally! The Advancetrac, engine, (now 280 hp) ride, build quality, seats, adjustable pedals, wheels, appearance, everything has been upgraded! With the addition of the voice activated THX audio/navigation system you can be in your own "Heaven" in this car. Cant hear nothing but the R&B in this cabin! Need I say more!

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  Best Town Car Ever - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Taloncav - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I am 39 years old and have owned Lincolns since 1987. My family owned Lincolns since the 1979 Lincoln Town Car edition (a classic vehicle). Although I am an avid Lincoln fan, therefore a bit biased, I must say that the 2003 Town Car is by far one of the BEST Lincolns I have had the pleasure to own. I have been renting Town Cars when I go on business trips since 1989 and and when I had the opportunity to rent a 2003, I instantly decided to trade my 2002 Continental on a black Town Car Cartier. Geez, what fantastic car. This car handles like it is floating on a cloud. I cant say enough about what a magnificently constructed vehicle this is.

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  Happy customer - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By KEN - February 24 - 2:56 pm

  Top of the line is all i have to say, the best looking suv on the road. Great ride lots of room and power. Just a little sluggish. Wish it was a little quicker but we cant have everything

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  If you get lucky, Youll Get a great one - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By ghengisc - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the Aviator. Its very family friendly, easy to drive and looks great. Everyone of my friends that has seen it and drove it absolutely love it.