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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  Lincoln Zephyr surpasses competition - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By ewp400 - May 28 - 5:03 pm

  Top level for performance, comfort, amenities, quietness, handling. Better than the competition.

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  Lincoln can do better than this.... - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By MKZer - May 28 - 2:26 pm

  Very "herky-jerky" starts caused by the transmission or electronic controls. Dealership says its inherent in the new design and and even though they acknowledge the rough ride; they say Ford has not given any warranty repair advise. Therefore, they cant authorize any warranty repairs. They say its a problem but dont know what to do.... "poor design" i guess. Im very disappointed and will be looking to trade out of this car soon.

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  Surprised - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By PAMELA HENDON - May 26 - 7:43 pm

  This the first ford i have owned , i usually buy G.M. Products. However this auto rides almost like my dhs cadillac. This auto is very comfortable,tight,very little road noise. Looks great very sporty. Fun to drive.

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  2004 Lincoln Town Car - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Thomas K - May 25 - 9:16 pm

  Bought 2004 LTC in 2005. Love this car because: Dimensions are palatial. Ride is unparalleled. Easy to pass slowpokes. Good gas mileage for 4,500 Sedan. Very nice to look at - proud to own. Power everything. The funny thing about all the editors reviews is that they all say the car basically stinks. But most people who actually buy them love them. I wonder why that is. I wouldnt drive anything else. By the way the Mercury Grand Marquis is not a poor mans Town Car. The Marquis is a good, solid car, but the Lincoln Town Car easily outclasses the Marquis.

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  I only do 2,000 miles a year, but luv it - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By CigarSandy - May 24 - 9:00 pm

  In the 6,000 miles I have there has not been a single adjustment needed, not problem to be fixed. I love the car very much. Its the Special Mid-Year model, the "Limited Edition"in that Silver-Green Fire mist color. 1,000s of compliments on the color! Car needs 70 horsepower more, otherwise near perfect. Love the power closing trunk- toy. Love the moonroof and the in the trunk out of the way CD Changer with the single slot in dash CD. Sadly, for 05 they dumped that (along with Autolamp system & Rainsense wipers (I mean WHAT are they thinking? These are standard on a Toyota Avalon & not available on a 05 TC at any price?) I find the drivers door very heavy and it not easy to open !

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  Solid Performer - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Ash - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I wanted an understated, luxury sedan with all of the finishing touches. The LS is fits the role. Lincoln did a good job on this auto. One trip to the dealer to replace the rear window lift mechanisms - known defect. The LS handles well, looks great and provides an high quality driving experience.

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  2003 Navigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Stacey F. - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Very powerful, DVD Entertainment System is very nice, everything is automated, bright headlights reduce chances of getting hit by large animals because of the brightness level.

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  Great car for the money - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By RXMAN - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after owning several imports in June 2001 and currently have 64,000 miles on it. The deal was very good, got the first payment paid by the dealer, a 1.9% interest rate, and free maintanance for 36,000 miles. When I take it to the dealer I receive a free loaner car and I have had a continental, aviator and town car as loaners, The dealer also provides free coffe and donuts and the am paper if you decide to wait. I ride the highway a lot, and the car is very stable and quiet, stereo quality is good but not as good as my previous Nissan Maxima

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  luxury 5 speed sleeper - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By ntec - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Let me start by saying this car is a big time sleeper. This is a BMW 5 series fighter all the way at half the cost. I dont think you could spend your money on a better USED luxury car than this. I was looking for a Lexus way overpriced or a Acura Legend old & overpriced.One test drive of this car and the rest is history.The 5spd tranny va voom you cannot get any more joy out of a luxury car than this .This can be driven hard with almost redline shifts or you can take it easy when you have to.Only problems so far,drivers heated seat doesnt work & oil in spark plug jackets.

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  Comfortable and lots of room - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By tennis1922 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Town Car and they keep getting better. I like the comfortable ride, especially on long trips. The large trunk is also a good feature. Another plus has been the service from the dealer Van Burkleo and the Lincoln Dealer Network.