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:

• 

  Big Lincoln - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Drew - February 1 - 10:26 pm

  This is a great truck. Easy to drive taking into consideration its size. I dont think I could ever go back to a car

• 

  love the style - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By jeffb136 - February 1 - 3:15 pm

  ride levels,one of a kind looks lincoln did an awesome job not to use any ford sheet metal on the outside or interior trim,just love the car,..the my Lincoln touch is easy to use and not complicated like the radio in the xts,too bad people dont know what they are missing,love the ability to set the mood lighting for the surround of the cabin ,when the doors are open the light on the end of the door turns red for greater vissability at night quiet lincoln ride,,test drove a caddy xts before this too loud,dont want people to here me rolling in,if I was in europe i would consider the xts but with the speed limits in the usa who needs all that rumble,the lincoln is just perfect for what I need

• 

  2002 LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By SRW - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2002 LS. I haven t had any major problems. One of the headlights hold condensation constantly. The dealership would not replace it cause Lincoln is trying to perfect the part. It has been this way for over a year. Very annoying. The tires make loud noises on different road surfaces. I was told that is normal LS noises. I should have bought an SUV. A Yukon XL does not make those noises.

• 

  Outstanding performance - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By techman - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The LS is billed as a combination of luxury and performance and delivers both, especially performance. The V-8 is smooth and has plenty of power and torque, but the most impressive thing about the car is the handling. Its responsive, goes where you point it and corners like its on rails -- a real thrill to drive! I considered earlier models, but the refinements in the 2003 model sold me. Lincoln obviously listened to owners. I have no regrets so far and would recommend the car. Test drive one and find yourself some curves!

• 

  Very Satisfied - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By NaXXX - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle was purchased for my wife. She loves the car and I know that she is safe in it. It is spacious even at the third row. Design is gorgeous. Only drawback is the fuel economy due to weight but I can live with it.

• 

  okay - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By cee dee - January 31 - 9:26 am

  this suv is just okay. i would not purchase it again. the air conditioner is too loud and drowns out the music. the locks in the rears seats are too far back for the pass to open it comfortably. i drive the city alot and the gas mileage is the worst. the newest problem is the radio waits about 30 sec to come on when i start the veh. i am not thrilled with this vehicle

• 

  Green Godess of Greatness - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By Doug Oswald - January 28 - 5:44 pm

  I have owned this 1999 Town Car Since June 1999 and only repair and replacement has been a blower fan, fuel pump, break pads,and rotors. Regular maintainance has been carefully performed. The passenger comfort is beyond outstanding.

• 

  Better than average - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By speedboy3000 - January 25 - 4:15 pm

  This is my third car, and a hand-me-down from my father. I have been driving it for 3 years now. I hated it when I first got it, as a big, boat like sedan was not fitting for the outdoors man in me. However, its slowly grown on me. 175,00 miles on it currently, second transmission was replaced at 105,000. The air ride suspension went out on it and replaced with struts. The engine is strong and reliable. The 4 speed transmission was a horrible implementation. Its a beast in the snow, never failed up the ski mountain, and I have nicknamed it "The Snow Boat". Overall, compared to similar age and mileage cars I have seen, this has been, and I swallow my pride to say, superb.

• 

  One Sweet Ride - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By jakebank - January 25 - 12:20 am

  Just bought this car new and we absolutely love it. It has every single option that is available and it is a well designed vehicle. The interior cannot be beat. Compared to the Escalade and the Infiniti QX56 the interior if far superior. Good performance and adequate gas mileage for a vehicle this big. Everyone takes a second look at you when youre driving this thing. We got the white chocolate paint and its beautiful. Excellent car and I would reccomend it to anyone.

• 

  last of a breed - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By Joseph - January 24 - 7:53 pm

  If you want a traditional American luxury sedan this is the only one left. This vehicle has been a pleasure to own. Last of a breed.