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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  Shake and rattle - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Pierrot - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The day after I took delivery of this vehicle was in the shop. It has been in the shop on 6 different occasions for over 30 days. There is a vibration throughout the drivetrain including the steering wheel which manifest itself by shaking when driving down the road. It is noticed by noise and feel. Ford says that all Avaitors are this way so be aware. If you feel your hand shaking or hear vibrations it is not in your head. Other problems include oil, leaks tire sensor failures and bad tires.

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  Who Needs a BMW - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Nolan in Pensacola - March 7 - 1:50 am

  I tell you what. I have had this car for 4 months, and have put on about 5000 miles. It is so much fun to drive, and is extremely comfortable. The only complaint I have about it is the storage space. There is none. The motor is powerful enough and it handles so well. The sport package just makes it look that much cooler.

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  elegant - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By victor potter - March 3 - 2:30 pm

  like sitting on your couch on a trip, while seating twice the people a vw rabbit . bet the rabbit doesnt get twice the milage unparalled reliability of any automobile ive ever owned. will not switch even if they quit making it.

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  Great truck - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By michael - March 2 - 3:06 am

  This truck amazes me every single day. The engine is remarkable, handling is precise (especially for its weight and size), and its extremely comfortable. Towing capacity is great--eclipsing most other SUVs in its class. Gas mileage is actually pretty good for the engine and weight of the vehicle.

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  VALUE LUXURY CAR! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By OracleMontage - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great bargain compared to the Japanese and German equivalents . . .

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  Great Car! - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By kurdt - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I love the Towncar and I dont drive it 45 mph! This car has great pickup and power. Quite a fast car. Most people dont know this about the Towncar. I have driven them since 86 and I drive mine like a sports car.

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  I have doubts and issues - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By deeman - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Upon delivery headliner started to fall down in the rear and sunglass holder in roof fell down. Upon arriving home back doors would not unlock, had to crawl over front seats to exit auto. There are muffled noises coming from the passenger side dash and we have been told it may be caused by temp change, but they cannot find anything. Paid a premium price for what I thought was a luxury car but it hasnt lived up to the mark yet--I have my doubts that it ever will.

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  poor customer service - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By clarksalmo - March 1 - 2:00 am

  540 miles on the car the transmission went out, 500 miles from home. Lincoln customer service is non-existent. Basically was told I was on my own. Wont be buying any Ford products again. Very disappointing experience.

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  100 % AMERICAN VALUE - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By MARGARITO ALCORTA - February 28 - 10:00 am

  FOR YOUR MONEY, IT EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS, IT IS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE, AND I ALWAYS GET COMPLIMENTS. I AM GLAD I WENT WITH A WINNER.

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  AMERICAN COMFORT - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By STINGER - February 28 - 10:00 am

  DRIVABILITY IS COMFORTABLE AND QUIET. CONNIE ALWAYS FEELS IN CONTROL. LOTS OF POWER-ETC IS AN ESSENTIAL FEATURE. CONTROLS ARE LOCATED WELL. INSTRUMENT LIGHTING IS DIM IN DAYLIGHT W/HEADLIGHTS. COMPUTER SYSTEM AND DRIVER IDENTITY FOR SETTINGS/READOUTS IS GREAT. STYLING IS OK--CAR IS NOT VERY DISTINCTIVE--APPEARANCE OVERALL RESEMBLES A FORD CROWN VIC.