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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  A Great Automobile - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By dharris - August 31 - 10:23 pm

  I have spent over 45,000 trouble free miles in this car. During this time the car has not failed to start or act up in any other way. Dealer has replaced interior door handles and headlights (due to leaking).

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  Second Lincoln Ive Had - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By M Olson - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Our first Lincoln was a 1987 and we traded it in for the 1998 only because we had put almost 185000 miles on it. We really never had a problem with the 1987 except for replacing the front and rear airbags. (ouch $1,500.00) for for front and same for rear. Our 1998 we have had only 1 major problems is all, (replaced front sway bar) other than that we just have done regular maintenance (oil changes every 3000 miles, rotate tire every 4000 miles and etc.) Always garage kept and washed and waxed regularly. This car rides and drives like a dream. Plenty of power when you need it and you seem to float down the highway.(Because of it being white lots of people on interstate think its a cop car.)

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  Sweet ride - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By simple guy - August 26 - 4:30 pm

  This car is very enjoyable to drive and ride in. The electronic package is wonderful and huge moon roof is a delight at night. The car is very easy to drive and a delight to ride in on those long trips...and between all the choices for music you should never be bored. My only complaint is the arm rest on the door is too low and too far away...

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  A GREAT value for a used car buy - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By aaack - August 26 - 2:00 am

  A lot of (used) car for the money. Many convenience/luxury features. Nice ride. Powerful InTech V8 engine easily overcomes Michelin tires, but traction control works pretty well. The engine is bulletproof, but transmission fluid MUST be changed every 15K miles to maintain shift quality and if you expect the transmission to last more than 50,000 miles. Handling is decent but not up to Lexus/Benz. Quality is quite good for American made car, but not up to the Japanese highline models. I would never buy a new one (even if they still made them) - too much depreciation - but for $9000-$13000 you wont find a nicer car with as many features.

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  Luxury at its best! - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Teresa Collins - August 25 - 4:23 pm

  You will have test drive to see what a great vehicle it is.

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  Bring back the LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By 2005 lincoln ls - August 24 - 7:20 am

  This is the car Id like to be driving forever. I could care less if sales slowed down. I bought one, and when Lincoln decides to bring this vehicle back to the lineup, I will replace mine with a brand new LS

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  fisherprice or ford, lego or lincoln - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By brian hughes - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Luxury car with a toy engine.I do tend to have the best looking car on the side of the road and the flasher are the best working part on it.My car now has oil leaking around the oring gaskets onto the spark plugs.This oil causes the plugs to foul out making my car cut out.The dealer could not find this problem that makes the cab of t he car smell like burnt oil until the warrant was over then they wanted to charge me for it.The transmision jerks hard when you first put it in gear.The dual climate control get stuck turning the heat on full blast on the driver side.Pass.side heated seat dont work.Both power rear window regulators have broke.

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  comfort, safety and decent gas mileage! - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By Stuch - August 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought ours used with 44k miles on it. It has the performance suspension and the 16 inch wheels, so its not too floaty or soft. The updated interior on the 95 through 97 models is very nice and roomy. We have had to change the transmission fluid (highly recommended if the trans clunks/shudders), fix the drivers side power window, and fix the heater fan, but thats all. Set the cruise on 60 mph and you get 30 miles per gallon! Feel safe when your wife and two small kids get in the car! I think its safer and more economical that a mini- van or a SUV.

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  2003 Navigator 2WD - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Craig R - August 18 - 1:06 am

  I love this car. The only real criticism Ive got is the mileage, particularly in light of recent fuel price increases. I researched the vehicle before I bought and the lack of power was something I read about. My vehicle moves along just fine. The interior is spacious and the seats the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive ever owned. My lease is up next spring. I will watch the fuel prices, thats the only thing that will dissuade me from getting another Navigator.

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  Alll in one - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By D and T - August 17 - 11:10 am

  Ive never had a 300hp engine in my control before. I bought my wife this used lincoln aviator and now I drive it half the time! The interior is flawless, the engine is quiet but powerful. The controls are all within distance. I truely believe mpg is more reflective on the driver rather then the vehicle. My wife and I get 17.5 MPG average! We recently learned that driving within a certain speed helps MPG(read the manual) So I dont think the MPG too bad, just try not to be tempted by that 300hp engine. Exterior is decent, looks a bit better then the Mercury or the Explorer. I expected us to buy a Mountaineer, glad I didnt!