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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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Nikos - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the performance, looks and comfort. Ive had my 2003 Aviator for 3 months, and Im extremely pleased with it. If youre in the market for a powerful luxury SUV, one that will fit in your garage, look no further.

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  New and Improved - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By DEThier777 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This 2003 Navigator is much improved over the 2000 model I traded in. Although the exterior of the new model is a little bland by comparison, the interior design and improved drivability more than make up for that. This vehicle is also much better over all than the Cadillac Escalade which I test drove numerous times before deciding to opt for another Navigator. The reliability of my 2000 model was outstanding and I expect the same for the 2003.

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  American Muscle and Style - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Manny - April 28 - 5:16 pm

  Picked up a pre-owned 2006 with 32k on it. Love the ride, acceleration, and the interior. Im tired of all the gadgetry in all the other cars. I just want to drive, not be freaking entertained. Love the SelectShift and blowing the doors off of Beemers.

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  Good Car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bill Smith - April 28 - 7:46 am

  We have enjoyed this car and found it very dependable. It is comfortable to ride in and gets 21 to 22 miles per gallon with highway driving. The only work ever done on this vehicle is to repair right front fender and headlight after hitting a deer. It is kept in a garage. It has always been serviced on time. Tire wear excellent with 60,000 miles on original and 55,000 miles on second set of tires.

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  Classy - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Anthony - April 27 - 2:10 pm

  Have owned my Lincoln Zephyr for over 3 years and extremely satisfied with vehicle. Never had to take back to dealer while under warranty since Ive owned. Exceptional highway mileage of 30mpg with regular gas and extremely smooth and comfortable. Very stylish even though its several years old now.

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  The 96 Towncar - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By mac-shack - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used. It had 62K miles on it in March of 2003. The interior was immaculate. It gets excellent mileage,22-23 MPG on trips, 18 around town. It has excellent acceleration, it surprises most people that it can get off the line so fast. I also have a 94 model. They are both great road cars. Very comfy. I would buy another one. Small patch where clearcoat deteriorated, was easy fix. Had to replace pitman, had not been lubed ever!!!

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  Lincoln Ultimate 4X4 - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Satisfied Owner-DWS - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Love the options and the attention given the vehicle by others. My wife is short and had problems with entering my 2000 Navigator. The deployble running boards are excelle

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  Not Worth The Money - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Joe - April 24 - 11:36 pm

  Repeated problems with the seats; its been in the shop for 2 weeks this month with 3 different trips. The dealer fails to see the problems with the car just because the computer isnt showing codes. I guess codes are better than people in determining problems. Yeah right. If my car was on fire and it didnt spit out codes there must not be a problem, right. I wish I could get my money back. Im wondering if I can get the vehicle returned under the lemon law even if the dealer wont recognize the problems.

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  Paying for looks, not substance - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jon - April 23 - 7:10 pm

  Problems include: alternator that went out 800 miles after warranty, torque converter and other associated parts needed to be replaced at 75,000 miles, outside door panels that vibrate on interstate, the memory on the outside mirrors have amnesia- they never go back to the same place after they are moved. 13.5 mpg (which I expected. If you are buying one, be prepared to spend some money at the service department.

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  10 year ownership - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By jimboh55 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in 2000. No problems for first 7 years. Now am concerned. In last few years had to replace some coils, valve cover gaskets($1000), rebuild differental ($1000),replace front ball joints ($459),replace rack and pinon ($650),replace alternator ($450),fix airbag system (light stayed on -$400).replace driver window system ($400) Hope no more problems Car is a great road car and is wifes daily driver. We have used for multiple road trips (130000 miles) over the years.Outside of current repair concerns we love the car. Only other complaint is poor interior storage. We get 27 - 28 mpg on road trips.