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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  Need to improve the outlook on luxury - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By sae185628 - January 24 - 9:50 am

  I bought this truck because it was dealer used and had only 12,000 miles on it. The truck rides great and seems to have power although I have not towed anything with it. Visually its a beautiful truck, but it has errors that should not be on luxury vehicles. The chrome rocker panels are wavy looking. The drivers seat is already showing signs of tear and wear with only 13,100 miles on it. The shifter feels cheap and the gas mileage is horrendous. 12-13mpg average. The touch screen for the radio and navigation is a pain to scroll through. No rear air controls. The brake dust is comparable to Mercedes and BMW.

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  Take a good look - then look elsewhere - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By love2drive4 - January 18 - 9:34 pm

  Ive had this car for 18+ months and Im looking to trade. At 5 months the brakes were making a terrible grinding. My rotors already needed turning. At one year, my battery needed replacing after many complaints of odd electrical malfunctions. My wipers still go on for no reason, on a completely sunny day sitting at a stop light. My radio features sometimes go awry, not going to preset channel or displaying two different stations on the dash compared to instrument cluster screen. Acceleration is sluggish, once youre going ride is comfortable. Absolutely hate the blinker. Every time I use it I think its going to break. Too hard to operate - what were they thinking?!?

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  One Of The Best! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Sphil-1 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best if not THE best car Ive ever driven. I traded my 2000 LS and cannot believe what I got. In every aspect this car excels. Dont be fooled by the low cost (arount 48,000) as compared to many similarly equiped luxury cars. It doesnt look cheap, drive cheap or handle cheap! Try one, Im sure youll agree!

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  An American Icon. - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By CDP - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Lincolns have been a part of my family for many years but none are what this car is. It is truly a beautiful car inside and out. Its funny, people are always asking me what kind of car this is. When I take it to get washed, I get special treatment because this car really stands out. But it acts the part. I feel safe with the stability control ABS Brakes and powerful engine. It just goes to show that you dont have to spend lots of money and still get a truly great luxury car. This car is truly a legend!

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  Lincoln Town Car - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By Libby - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This has been an excellent automobile with virtually no problems at all.

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  What a dissapointment! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By John - January 14 - 5:00 pm

  I was so happy when i purchased my LS because i always admired the car since Lincoln introduced the car in 2000, but that would be short lived. The LS has major issues! After a month of ownership, i had to pay $450 to replace the multi-function switch because my signal lights were acting up. Second, i had a engine misfire (which is a common problem on this vehicle) had to replace 3rd coil, all spark plugs and both value covers which cost $1100. Last, my airbag light came on and it cost another $1000 to repair. I took the car to the Ford dealership for service and repair. After 1 year ownership of the vehicle, i had to pay $2500 in non- maintance repair. Stay Away from Ford/Lincoln and the LS.

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  Simply The Best - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Donna Hines - January 14 - 2:03 am

  I bought my Ultimate 2004 Navigator, loaded with everything you can get on one....I love it. I also own a 1999 navigator....The new is wonderful, its all Ill every drive.

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  Fine fun car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rick H - January 13 - 10:00 am

  fun all around car, touch up paint 1-10 is a 1- Poor. Service Department at Vista Woodland Hills, Ca. TOP RATED, their sales department 1 to 100 they get a one, the worst sales department you can imagine (I tried it twice and was practically spit on, and did buy elsewhere twice the next day (I had good credit).

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  Problems - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Brad Wilhelmy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my LS for 21 days, it has been in the service department for 11 of those 21 days. Can you say LEMON. I love the car, but I got stuck with a piece of junk. I have learned that when the dealership will not listen, take it to the people....

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  Awesome vehicle - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By CallmeaLincMercfan - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is an excilerating auto that puts to shame the higher priced Lexus GS 300.