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 This Lincoln - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Florida - January 29 - 10:00 am

  You have to test drive this vehicle to appreciate it. As a matter of fact at first the ride is noticably good, but as you drive it you get to notice just how great it is. I took a 500 mile trip and was rested when I got there. The other SUVs dont hold a candle to it.

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  Very Impressed! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Phil - January 27 - 2:03 am

  I drove them all BMW X3, Caddy SRX, Infiniti FX35, Lexus RX350 and Volvo XC90 but drove the Lincoln home. Great car with the perfect blend of style, luxury, performance and comfort. I did not think Lincoln could build a vehicle that competed with the vehicles I tested but this one exceeds all. Its a winner.

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  BMW and MB cant touch this car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By mec57 - January 27 - 12:37 am

  Ive driven many luxury and near luxury cars in my adult life. This includes several BMW and Mercedes Benz automobiles. The Lincoln LS V8 is, by far, the best driving and best value of any vehicles in its class at the time. I understand people have had issues with transmissions, coils and electronics. Honestly, Ive had all of the coils replaced under a service bulletin. The transmission valve body was also changed under a service bulletin. Other than that, there have been nothing other than normal maintenance items. In over 115K miles, I have only had to put one new set of brakes on the car and 2 sets of tires (I stuck with the Michelin OE because they lasted so long).

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  the aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By t jonas s - January 24 - 10:00 am

  the aviator is a great car! i get pretty good gass milage with it and it is extreamly comfortable to ride in! i take it to my realitives house quite frequently who lives 2 states away from me! i love the lincoln aviator!

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  what a great truck for your money - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By glenn f 3 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  its so nice

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  RV Towed ,DOA - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Texan - January 24 - 6:13 am

  My wife and I really like this SUV. It does the job, comfort, style and MPG. But when towed behind our Motorhome by the book, several times we have arrived at our destination with a dead battery in the MKX. The dealers say no problemo, there is nothing wrong with the suv. Just blank looks no solutions.We like the SUV but...

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  Perfect Sedan for 2 Years Now! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By cascadecolibri - January 19 - 3:40 pm

  We bought this car used in 2011 while I was expecting our first child. I would not settle for a vehicle if safety was in question. The comfort and space were perfect for my back and belly! The driver side easy-exit seat was awesome! I felt safe riding home from the hospital with my new born daughter. In the time since we purchased it we have only had to do basic maintenance- oil changes, transmission fluid & air filter etc. Coming up on needing new tires. Apart from that I have had No Issues and it has been a blessing. Wish it handled better though. When my daughter is not with me Id like a more exciting drive, but it might be best that it doesnt handle like a sports car...

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  Great New Car from an American Company - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By RH in Bucks County - January 19 - 12:13 pm

  I just received the Lincoln and couldnt be more pleased. First off, I special ordered it and received it one day short of 4 weeks! I test drove the Lexus GX460 and the Acura MDX. This car has a better and quieter ride and significantly more room. It is features loaded and thousands of dollars less expensive than the Lexus. My only concern is the long term relability of the vehicle. So far, Im ectastic about buying it and HIGHLY recommend it to others.

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  Thoughts on my 2005 Lincoln - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By James J Derba - January 18 - 9:30 pm

  The car is reliable, gives a great ride and can accomadate 6 passengers. I have purchased a Lincoln two years since 1982, with two exceptions. The cars I have driven have been maintainence and trouble free. One major issue. The radio in the last two cars is terrible. I also have a Mecury Sable and the radio is that car is excellent. JJD

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  my 1st car - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By danjb94 - January 18 - 12:01 am

  this is my 1st car and as a 17 year old driving around a Town Car I have to say it is awesome. Mine has only 71k miles on it so its still a baby when it comes to these cars. Only problem Ive had is I had to replace the idle air control valve last week because it went bad and the car would stall out at idle, but $80 for a new one off rock auto and it was done! Couldnt ask for a cooler 1st car!!! Im still amazed that I get 30+ MPG on the highway for such a big car.