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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  Best car I have owned - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Steve Timm - October 27 - 5:00 pm

  Everything about this car shouts performance and quality. It is everything a BMW or Mercedes is, but better because it is AMERICAN! If there is anything I would change , I would give the back seats a little more leg space. At 63" I have to move the driver seat forward to provide enough leg room for anyone older than 10. My knees almost touch the dash which is not comfortable for any lenght of time. Otherwise a great car.

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  2nd Nav., 05 Best Ever - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Oberwerk - October 27 - 8:10 am

  After 53K trouble-free miles on my 02 Nav, I thought an 05 Expedition Limited might be just as nice for 10K less. Test drove the Ford and was disappointed- not as nice as my 02 Nav. Then checked out the 05 Nav and was surprised to see how much theyve improved. Bought it and have been very pleased. Major improvement over my 02, and I was quite happy with that.

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  2006 Lincoln LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By C. Rose - October 25 - 6:36 pm

  I love this car! The ride is great! I cant believe that this car is being discontinued. This is the kind of car that Ford Motor Co should build around. American luxury that is amazing to drive no matter how you drive! This car is a keeper!

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  Iam Hooked on Lincolns - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By LincolnBoi2005 - October 24 - 2:26 am

  my experience has been great with my Aviator... recently drove from Ga. to NY .. i couldnt ask for a nicer drive .. Got 22 miles per gallon. the comfort was great since i drove straight through .. Handled great & engine power was like a breeze cutting through the mountains . was able to load everything i wanted to bring in the back cargo area ..

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  2017 MKZ Best looking car in its class - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Elliot Samuelson - October 20 - 8:39 pm

  The car is beautiful inside and out . Ride is superior, as is steering and brakes. The anti collision feature is worthless. Does not slow down or stop until within a foot of obstacle. Should work as well as braking for cruise control.

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  2017 MKZ Best looking car in its class - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Elliot Samuelson - October 20 - 7:15 pm

  The car is beautiful inside and out . Ride is superior, as is steering and brakes. The anti collision feature is worthless. Does not slow down or stop until within a foot of obstacle. Should work as well as braking for cruise control.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By intelu1 - October 19 - 10:00 pm

  I love this car. We have taken several long road trips and this is the most comfortable riding car ive ever been in. The gas mileage is great - weve gotten up to 30 mpg on a road trip (freeway), the avg is approx. 26 mpg on highway driving around town its 21 to 23 mpg. This car has plenty of leg room not only for the front sead riders, but more then enough room for the back seat riders as well. My parents have cadillacs. They went on a trip with us and they both stated that their caddies cant even compare to the comfortable ride you get in this car. They stated next time they buy a new car it will be a Lincoln town car.

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  An Awesome car with one little problem - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ted and Elizabeth - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We bought a 2000 Lincoln Town Car Executive L. It is an awesome car the style and comfort is great. never had any problems with anything except for the Airbag light came on once and had it fixed under warranty and two months later it is on again. our car has the cloth top on it and the chrome along the bottom of the doors and around the wheel wells. gives it great curb appeal and lots of stares. if you want a car that gives you luxury and that statement of a well to do person than this is the car. Cadillac couldnt even compare to this car.

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  fine lincoln ever - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By digby - October 17 - 6:43 am

  Very happy with everything about the car

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  As Good AS My 3 and 7 Series - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By krscpa - October 15 - 5:40 am

  After two months this is the Ultimate Driving Machine. On par with my 1997 BMW 328ic and 1999 BMW 740i. Great balance in performance and luxury. Gas mileage was better than expected at average of 24 MPG. THX/NAV system sounds excellent and NAV system is user friendly. Interior very classic and comfortable.