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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  Solid American Luxury - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By NCK - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Owned it since 95. Currently 78000 miles. Brakes were a problem until I got a Goodyear unlimited warranty on them...now OK. Had to have the trans rebuilt at 70000 but other than that NO problems and average 22 mpg. Solid and comfortable!

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  3 Year Cartier L Evaluation - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By noelbush - July 20 - 10:00 am

  A great road car for comfort. Wind noise is unbearable from around front windows where door meets windshield pillar. Excellent gasoling mileage for a car of this stature. Ride is unduly rough on other than smooth pavement.

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  Good, solid, comfortable car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bob - July 17 - 2:53 pm

  This is our second Town Car. The full- frame Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns are the absolute best ride on the road. We have two Jaguar XJs, both are fun to drive, but the quietness and comfort dont even come close to our Lincoln. The trunk space is unbelievable too. Last trip we drove the newer Jag. Thought Id need a crowbar and a stick of Dynamite to get our luggage out of the trunk. Highway mileage is good (24 MPG) for the size of the car.

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  Very nice - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Abe - July 17 - 2:10 pm

  I thoroughly enjoy the vehicle. Performance and mileage are very good considering the type of vehicle. My only real criticism is the level of finish under the seats...too many wires and cables visible. I would recommend an MKX!

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  My Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By bobland - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Best riding SUV Ive ever driven, had a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer, cant even compare to the Lincoln. I do a lot of driving down south on 95, and the Mercury would vibrate and really drive like a truck over 65mph. In the Lincoln, I have to keep looking at the speedometer because the ride is so smooth.

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  On my second one.... - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By bcgal29 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. This is my second LS. My first one was a 2001 Luxury model, this one is the Sport. Car handles as good as a BMW or Jag. I love my LS and plan to get a newer model soon. This ones up to 64,000 and the only major investments have been tires and front breaks.

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  Gorgeous truck - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Gary Del Piano - July 8 - 3:53 pm

  The Lincoln Mark LT truck is an elegant version of an F-150 Lariat. It drives like a luxury SUV with absolutely no "trucky" feel, making you forget youre driving a pickup. The engine is smooth, strong, throaty. Transmission shifts seamlessly during cruising. Body fit and finish is impressive. The stereo pumps. The shortbed has generous cargo space and extends to 8-ft with the tailgate down. Theres lots of plastic on dashboard, but is tastefully done and durable. The Lincoln trim makes it more mature and sophisticated than an F-150. Negatives: the leather may be bit delicate, rear seat backrest too straight up, no overall difference than an F-150 Lariat, which sells for $6,000 cheaper.

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  Aviator - Its not my grandmas Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By RD in the foothills - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Love the Aviator. My wife spent months researching vehicles on the net and narrowed it down to the Aviator. I just wish the mpg were better and the vehicle used regular gasoline.

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  Luxury sedan - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Newsmellier - July 6 - 10:00 am

  a map guiding device should added in

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  Replaced SHO - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Scott - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 1998 SHO on the LS. Had 87,500 miles on the SHO. While I miss the SHO this is a fun car drive. Neighbor with a 99 BMW 525 was impressed with the LS. I prefer to compare to the SHO. Love it so far hope it is a good car. Considered the Lexus ES 300. Choose the LS based on additional power and handling.