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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  Okay, not a Lexus - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jordan.W. Wilson - October 26 - 9:50 am

  The Towncar has a smooth ride and good leather and comfortable seats. In 10,000 miles there were no mecanical problems at all. How ever, my Uncles 2001 Towncar has 40,000 miles on it and needed a new belt after 34,000. This car could be better. The quallity is good but not like a Lexus. The features are okay, the sound system is okay. I would buy a Lexus instead because this car is not the best luxury sedan, I payed to much.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Gary747 - October 24 - 11:46 pm

  Very comfortable to travel in, and definately noticed when on the road. Like it or not, people sometimes DO judge you by what you drive. Sound system, remote folding mirrors, retractable running boards, air- conditioned front seats and electric tailgate all get comments. The third row seating is adult sized, and the electric folding seat option is worth having. With judicious driving I get 18 mpg without much effort, but average 15 mpg. There is a big difference between city driving and cruising with this car. Ive maxed 21.7 mpg on one perfect trip to LA.

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  Liked the 03, but love the 06 - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ken - October 24 - 8:30 am

  I had an 03 and thought that was a good truck, but the 06 drives much better. They improved steering, transmission and the engine.

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  Bought this car new LOVE IT - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By v_sanders1 - October 24 - 8:26 am

  Ive owned this car for 11 years new and it still looks beautiful inside and out. No problems what so ever and I only change the oil when it says to. It drives wonderful and is very safe (airbags even in back). I would buy this car all over again but they quit making them during our economic slump :( You will not go wrong with this year model 2003

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  I think my next car is German - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Craig VonStraten - October 22 - 8:23 am

  I love this car to tell you the truth, but Im going to be forced to buy a German vehicle next (maybe Audi or MB). Its overpriced, there are more features on a M-Benz C230 Sport Sedan than on this vehicle. Not so impressed with leather. Pretty nice handling. Ive also noticed that D Waters is right! My LS Doesnt only blow dust in from the back rows, but from the front rows as well. It might attract more business if its called a V6, cause no one really wants a very weak V8, they want a Powerful V6. Luxury options are too pricy, and I might say the exterior is, well, ugly. However, the Interior is pretty nice. On an overall, I would recommend a BMW 330i or a MB C280 or Audi A4.

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  owner - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By keith poirier - October 21 - 7:30 pm

  Truck is good, with the exception of the tires, they are passenger tires and the side bow out when a trailer is towed. they are not safe for this vehicle. Why werent light TRUCK TIREs put on the vehicle to meet standard regulations for selling what you advertise?

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  Dont Waste Your $$$ - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By rjbinwv - October 19 - 4:15 pm

  I purchased a 1999 Lincoln Town car in Feb. 2010 with the car only having 75ooo miles on it. The interior and exterior was in mint condition. Well........it is now Feb 2011 almost a year-to-date, and I have probably spent close to 2,000 dollars on this thing!!! I dont think I have ever hated a car as much as I hate this one! I HAD to change air suspension over to shocks, or it wouldnt pass inspection-500dollars. Countless coil packs, alternator, a/c compressor with clutch, NOW this past weekend smoke was pouring through the vents! I was like"what the crap is going on NOW?!" I have a broke heater core. Its a 60dollar part for a 700dollar job! Getting another car! Dont waste your money!!!!!!

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  LS V6 Sport w/ Manual Trans - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Storm33 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been very impressed with the LS. I have owned Japanese & German sports cars in the past, and wanted something sporty AND classy - so I decided to try some Detroit steel for a change. Couldnt afford a V8, so I opted for the V6 w/5-spd manual, which helps in the performance area. This car handles better than the VW GTI VR6 and the Nissan 300 I owned! The LS corners like its on rails, and the AdvanceTrac system is fantastic when you push it too far in a corner. I have driven a 530i since I owned my LS, and I definitely prefer the Lincoln. My next car will be the V8 Sport version, though.

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  known problems with drive train - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By spdrcrgo - October 19 - 2:00 am

  vehicle performance and utility are adequate, however the rear axle whine that seems to be standard with the vehicle prompted me to lemon law my 1st one (a 2003)ford exchanged it for a 2004 model after apprx. 1100 miles the same problem whine developed. im looking to trade this one in for a quality suv within 6 mos.

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  my thoughts - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By sunsational - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my new navigator. I recently traded in a 98 for a 2004 and they are the same but better. The dash is easy to read and the trip computer is far easier to set with the new version. My only complaint is the location on the steering wheel of the radio controls. I seem to often touch the media button and have to then reset my CD player back to what I was listening to. The power lift gate and running boards are supper cool and I like the moon roof.