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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  Big car works for big man - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Gerry - November 12 - 3:10 pm

  This is my first car in about 10 years, but my third TC. I am 69" and about 300lbs and have the leg room and head room in this car that I need. I had an Expedition before, nice vehicle, but no Town Car. Really enjoy the drive. I just took a 17 hour trip from Michigan to North Dakota and was amazingly fresh after being in this smooth rider for so long. Great car and I got over 25 mpg on the trip.

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  our best car yet - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Lewis102090 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Lincoln, I have had Cadillacs and a Grand Marquis. I would like to say that I believe weve reached the top , even though it is a used vehichle this car beats our gr. marquis (and it was new). However, the gr. marquis did save me from harm in a serious accident, I was rear-ended and pushed into on-coming traffic and hit head-on. All I had were bruises. I hope that I never have to test this vehichle in that manner. although I have no doubt that I will be completely safe. Thank you for my wonderful car. Mrs. Sheryl Lewis

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  All I need - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By TC - November 7 - 2:56 am

  Big, roomy, dependable, attention grabber, etc. etc. I have 40k miles and have had zero problems. Guest love the back seats. Its just a heavy, well contructed and cool truck.

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  Great car so far - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Rick Andrewartha - November 6 - 5:06 pm

  This car seems to be built with great quality and care. We have been driving Town cars for the last few years. The ride of the MKX is sure not in the same class, but has a great ride of its own. My wife is the primary driver and she just loves this car.

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  My First Lincon - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By dobb - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed with fuel economy - 25+ hwy and 19+ city. Acceleration is stonger than expected. Seems smaller than it really is in city traffic. Wife even enjoys driving and shes normally driving an s70 volvo. No buyers remorse, best car buy decission Ive made. Dealer very good to deal with, great pricing. Compared to my dads DeVille, no comparison for luxury for the dollar. A lot of value for you money....

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  194000 miles and still running strong - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By mikevee1 - October 31 - 3:35 pm

  I love love love this truck I have owned it since 175000 miles and it wont give up , According to the last driver who was an elderly person the only problem ever was a suspension fuse for the air system. It is huge, on the highway I get over 20 mpgs (the trick is using a k&n hiflow filter) I highly recommend this vehicle. In the snow it is awesome, dont even need the 44 since it is awd all time. The ladies love it, and so does visiting family. I believe I will own this until 300,000 miles. I just drove to Vegas from Minnesota and not a hesitation. Kudos Lincoln on making a sweet ride.

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  2002 Lincoln LSE...American Advantage - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By ronniepoh - October 29 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT vehicle. Powerful, smooth V8 power. EXCELLENT Chassis. (aluminum suspension really makes the car nimble and well balanced). Overall, it performs on par, if not better, than a BMW 5 series. Reliability has been excellent. A highly under rated vehicle. I highly suggest driving one before purchasing any other sedan.

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  Fun, but,... - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By SactoRed - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 5 speed used w/3k (company car). Only problems have been with rear window regulators (repalced 2x). Not much low end torque but a blast to drive once I switched tires and the engine seemed to loosen up. Fit and finish better than the town car it replaced, paint also holding up better. Drove a V8 loaner and loved the extra power - missed the shifter.

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  Head room - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By John J. - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about the car but one thing. There realy isnt enough head room for a big guy like me.

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  First Blush - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By dallasdon - October 27 - 6:56 pm

  First week for 07 LT following a Lexus LX470. Simply awesome. Usually buy "barely used" for the big discount, but such LTs available were priced out of line. This gorgeous, max-optioned new 07 was $45,590 MSRP, and the dealer dumped to $35,500 with no sweat. Best $35k vehicle in the world. Smooth, quiet, sexy attention grabber. Good for work, play, luxury night out, pick-up clients, road trips, you name it. Yes, they missed a few minor things, but dont dwell. So far, most enjoyable vehicle ever purchased. Wouldnt be quite as thrilled at $45k, but at $35k, its a no-brainer route to vehicular contentment.