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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  Love it Love it Love it - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bart - August 3 - 9:43 pm

  I have had the car for almost two months and have driven 3500 miles. Great car, I truly enjoy driving it. Classy yet not too flashy, which is just my style.

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  2002 v8 sport - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By larryd187 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We really enjoy this car. It has everything we wanted. It handles well in corners and cruises down the open road at ease. Its real easy to be going 80MPH before you relize it. The stereo is outstanding, except for the over powering sub-woofers in the rear. The www.llsoc.com website (Lincoln LS owners club) was very helpful and continues to be, with all the little quirks that happen from time to time. Would I buy another LS again...I dont think so, a BMW will be next for me.

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  Great Automobile - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Bald Eagle - August 3 - 2:00 am

  First it is a shame "Ford Lincoln Mercury" is discontinuing the continental. This is my third Continental and the dependability and comfort of this car cannot be denied. Performance and comfort with a trunk to boot. I live in the snow belt and front wheel drive in a larger car is not common. My only regret, is that this will obviously be my last Lincoln Continental purchase as there will be no more. So sad...

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  One year review - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By cajun - July 31 - 5:43 am

  Ride quality very good, engine is strong and reliable, and has never failed to start. Polymer finish on paint holds up well. Average gas mileage is 19 mpg in combined city/highway commute in Houston, better than EPA estimate. Had trouble with rear differential and one window motor, but replaced by dealer with high quality service. Front passenger space is somewhat limited, could be a uncomfortable for large or obese people. Stereo is excellent Still not up to real quality standards. Interior fit not good in places, only one automatic window, exterior mirrors need constant adjustment, some wind noise, especially in crosswinds. Seats could fold flatter. No luggage cover

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  Great SUV - 2010 Lincoln Navigator
  By Dad of 4 - July 30 - 1:30 pm

  I test drove every large luxury SUV on the market several times. The NAV L was the best value for the price. It is luxurious and the SYNC system is amazing. Fuel economy could be better but it is as expected for a vehicle its size. Very happy with my decision.

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  Nothing Could Be Finer - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By byebyels - July 30 - 12:26 pm

  People see me in their rearview mirror & say bye bye LS. My Sport leaves em in the dust

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  Such a great car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Eric Deshazier - July 30 - 1:53 am

  I have had the car for about a month, it has been really great. It got sugared and it is still running great. I couldnt ask for a better car. Everybody loves riding in my town car. It has so much room in it, and of course everybody calls it a granny car, but its not. Its a beast of a car and I love it, people know when to move when a town car comes their way. Because they know we be rolling. Lol.

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  hot rod lincoln - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By sdgedg - July 29 - 10:00 am

  fast cool powerfull fast fast fast fast

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  Great 6 cylinder car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Don Erickson - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 base model this spring and think its the best sports sedan Ive ever owned. The handling is best of class . Lots of room for a car of its size. Only issue I have is that the engine noise on heavy acceleration is more than I would expect. Ive driven it 3K with no quality issues at all.Plenty of room for taller persons

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  It makes people look - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Likeitalot - July 29 - 5:50 am

  The MKX drives very smoothly and quietly. We love the roof open, even for the back seat. It comfortably fits 3 in the back. The only question is gas mileage. It is too soon to tell. The first tank was regular only 14.8 mpg. Now we are trying mid grade to see if we get better mileage. Everybody comments how "foreign looking" and beautiful it is. We paid for the white chocolate, and it is beautiful with real light wood interior. Wish they had XM radio instead of Sirius however. I will not renew the Sirius contract and have XM in my Acura and in the home. They should offer an alternative.