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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  greatgreat - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By ritz - October 7 - 2:00 am

  great car i love the way it looks and handles. it is a great car.i am very happy with it

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  Love it - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By MajorGeek - October 6 - 2:50 pm

  Bought this towards year end with a great deal having owned an Aviator before. Needed a pickup that I could throw stuff in and haul with occasionally, but with luxury items. It drives great, is super comfortable and draws a lot of looks still. Plenty of horsepower and ride quality. I have treated this truck, on quite a few occasions, like a old work horse. I have hauled a couple yards of gravel with it, it did not break a sweat. Launched jet skis in a non launch area, off road, and of course, Syracuse, NY salted roads. The Mark LT has no surprises, its a sexy, over the top F150 for those who want a pickup truck with the luxury items found in many cars today. Just a great truck.

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  Last of the breed - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Jim O - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have owned,in the past 10 years, Lincoln Town cars. I decided to get a slightly smaller car and choose the Lincoln COntenintal. Is has met and exceeding my expectations. I could find no fault with this vehicle. I do miss my Town car but this car handles better at the loss of some minor comfort. I can adjust things to fit my personal needs.

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  NICE NEW CAR - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By NOGO55 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  HAVE DRIVEN T.C.S FOR YEARS ON AND OFF. THIS IS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE MODEL YET!! IF YOU LIKE FULL SIZE LUXURY AT A PRICE THAT WONT KILL YOU. "BUY THIS CAR" THE DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS THIS YEAR AS WELL AS THE AUTOMATIC FEATURES THE GAVE US MAKE FOR A WONDERFUL DRINING EXPERIENCE....

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  Glad That I Changed My Mind - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Shorty101 - October 4 - 10:46 am

  I bought my MKX a month ago. I was going to buy a Toyota Highlander Limited until I drove an MKX. I love the MKX. It is very comfortable to drive for both my husband and myself. We are both over six feet tall. The heated seats and phone system is great. I have plenty of room for all of the items that I have to carry for work and for my two year old. I am averaging 18.65 MPG overall. I am very happy with this.automobile

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  a Great Car I Love it!!!!!!! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By lillian Auspitz - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Easy handling. Great appearance.Very comfortable. Great on gas on long trips.Loads of luggage space. Love the drivers seat which moves when you get in!!!!!!!!

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  aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Bob volosevich - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Love the suv. lousey on gas a little noisey, but this lincoln more than makes up for it.i would like to see a little more console storage. everone remarks what a sharp looking car"!

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  THE BEST SUV - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By SAMPSON ASHIN - October 1 - 2:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS A NICE ONE,AND IT DRIVES SO GOOD.AND I BELIVE THAT IT IS THE BEST JEEP OUT THERE.

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  I expected nothing less from Lincoln - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Michael - September 30 - 2:20 pm

  I really enjoy this vehicle and have had no major problem out of it. I only drive it on trips and the performance is outstanding. The gas mileage is great on the road but around town not the best. I want a Town Car, which will provide the room I want.

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  A nice car, not a great car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Mudbone - September 30 - 6:06 am

  I purchased my LS 3 months ago "previously owned" with 24k miles. Its a nice car, but not a great car. The ride is firm (depending on the tires) and solid. Its big but doesnt feel big on the road. Exceptional ride on the highway - city driving is unremarkable. In the 3 months I have owned it, we have been in the shop 3 times - transmission, engine knock and noises from the steering column were the causes. You hear too many noises for a car that costs this much. I know I didnt pay sticker, but thats probally the reason the LS is going out of production - its way overpriced. I got mine for less than half of sticker after only 18 months of use.