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:

• 

  LS 2003 NEEDS WORK - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By HOWARD ROTHMAN - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have two major problems with my LS. 1. Car listed at 20/26 gas consumption. I get 15/26. Since most of my driving is city driving this is a problem. 2. I cannot see the dash in bright sun. Having a black dash is pretty but not a a smart thing. I spoke to the Lincoln consumer affairs people they made note of this and told me I wasnt the only one to complain. I consider this a safety problem.

• 

  Great New Car - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By MyGeorgeJ - January 10 - 12:40 am

  Bought the base MKT with Elite package, rear bucket seats with console and rear entertainment about 1 month ago. Couldnt be happier. The car is very comfortable. The middle row has tons of leg room, and with this crossover lower to the ground than most, my wifes grandparents slipped in and out with ease. Great to drive. Its very responsive and has good, not great, acceleration. Test drove the Ecoboost and would get that next time. What a great engine! Have really enjoyed the Ford/Microsoft Synch system. Easy to use with lots of cool features. After a month of ownership, Im still excited to get in and drive it every time.

• 

  The Last Stylish Lincoln Towncar - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By sko - January 9 - 1:26 am

  Aloha: We love our towncar as do our two small dogs who sit between us upfront. Plenty of room and love the inside door storages. Beautiful ride, plenty of power for going over the mountain since we live on the windward side of Oahu and must go over the mountain to get to Honolulu. Twice I have had hotel doormen go to open the back door thinking I was entering my limo or something. The husband and I got lots of laughs from this. It is a beautiful comfortable car.

• 

  Not so thrilled - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By EDF - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Im 50/50 on the Aviator. However, the brushed silver console scartches so easy and if you buy this vehicle to truck kids around, it gets scratched up quickly. If you use all three rows, forget putting anything in the back. I can barely fit an umbrella stroller. Lastly, I never had a V8, and didnt realize how much gas it eats up. If I had to do it again, I would go with a Volvo or Acura SUV. I told the dealer I wasnt happy with my choice and he basically said tough.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Dan Morrison - January 4 - 3:46 pm

  A joy to ride with the 6 speed transmission and luxurious inner cabin.

• 

  Want my towncar back - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By diva50 - January 2 - 1:16 am

  I have driven Lincoln town cars since 1984 and have owned a total of 6. The Lincoln MKz cannot be compared to the ride and comfort of the towncar and the mileage per gallon is horrible. It Lincoln does not improve on this vehicle or bring back the town car, this will be my last purchase.

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Thomas - January 1 - 12:30 pm

  Mixed long distance highway and heavy city trafic. Very safe, easy to drive and considering the size, 19mpg on the highway.

• 

  Worst vehicle ever - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Mr. G - December 31 - 12:13 pm

  Undoubtly the worst car I have ever owned. I have put 1000s of dollars keeping this car running. I bought it at 70K and have about 127K now. It has cost me more agrivation than any other car I have owned. The front end linkage has been replace serveal times, the wheel bearing have been replace on both side twice, the steering rack has been replaced, the water pump has been replace and much more not to mention the little things. Like the roof quit working, the window control quit, the heated mirror went out and on and on.

• 

  Why I like the Town Car - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By David Stewart - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a great car. Its my first Lincoln. It get great gas mileage 24.4 mpg, great for a car this size. The only complaint that I have is that there are no beverage holder except in the front ashtray, and they are very small. All in all this has been a great car. I have 160000 plus miles on it and it is still very dependable.

• 

  Like our Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By SHC - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Very roomy, comfortable. Drives good for a large car.