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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  Almost but not there yet! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Kingster - November 26 - 11:36 am

  I purchased my 2004 LS V8 Unlimited in Jan. of 2007. I test drove it and purchased within hours. I loved the ride and power but was unsure about the transmission. Although I had doubts it was a better car for me than my GTP. I love the V8, nav system and cooled seats are wonderful. But I am getting more dissimpressed with the transmission everyday.

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  Embarrassing quality issues - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Soxfan647 - November 15 - 8:00 pm

  I leased my 2005 LS V8 about a month ago, and have already had the vehicle in for service. The vehicle had several exterior trim fit and finish quality issues, including hood misalignment, driver side tail lamp misalignment, and passenger side rear door misalignment that resulted in the door latch impacting the striker bar, causing a loud squeaking noise when driving over bumps. Ultimately, 3 of the 4 doors were realigned, which took care of the squeaking noise. The driver side tail lamp and hood were both realigned. My only performance complaint is the responsiveness of the transmission. As a Ford employee, Im embarrassed that our luxury flagship would have these build quality issues.

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  AdvanceTrac Blues - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Rob Brixey - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Our car had 3 warranty related service calls on a advancetrac trouble before the dealership was successful in fixing it. I had to call Lincoln Customer Service Headquarters and complain. I couldnt find the Lincoln Commitment they hyped so much when they sold me the car. Nobody cared. My next car will be a Cadillac STS...

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  Great Ride, High Maintenance - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By Alicia Heath - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We had to replace brakes (rotors on front too) at 40,000 miles, and the air conditioning was replaced at this time as well. We purchased this car used with 40,000 miles on it, so it could have been due to the previous driver. However, we also have one plug that gets oil in it way before time for a tune-up, especially if driven for a trip of any distance over 400 or 500 miles. Maintenance cost is much higher than for many cars. However, this car has POWER and is a very good ride. It steers and handles great. All the little perks (compass, auto-adjustment of seat and mirrors for the driver, etc.) are great.

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  Excellent Value - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By LLP - November 9 - 6:26 am

  I find this vehicle is quick & handles extremely well. The Lincoln service has been the best! This car has been great & I have ordered a 2002 V8 Premium with all available options. One minor annoyance - it rides a little stiff over pot holes but out on the highway it is fantastic.

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  Lincoln LS is a Classy car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By gkarg - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my 2000 LS. I have had nary a problem with this vehicle and the satisfaction of ownership has been excellent. Long distance trips are a breeze. The early Duratec V6s dont have quite enough low-end umph - but when not loaded, there is ample power for every day commuting. The handling is superb. Ride is awesome. The safety features and ratings were a high point for me. I do not drive it in the winter, but with snow tires - it will perform in snowy conditions just fine.

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  Great car gone bad! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By D.Boyd - October 30 - 10:16 pm

  I purchased my 2001 LS as a lease return in Jan. of 2004 with 66,000K. Car was in perfect condition and had just been serviced by the dealer. Purchased a 48 month/50K warranty.Put 22,400 miles in 4 years when the transmission solenoids went bad. Cost $1090 to fix. Then a coil went bad. Cost $690. 10 months after the transmission problem, the transmission went out again. The dealer had closed so I went to AMMCO for the work. Cost $4200. Was thinking this car is costing me way too much when the car stopped on the freeway. Towed to dealer ,the engine coils were bad. Cost $2470. Dealer could not get the car to idle correctly. Took the car back 3 times, no luck. Traded in for 07 Infiniti G35.

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  wish I bought new - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By jkbflorida26 - October 20 - 7:00 pm

  I can say I purchased with 98000 miles, I had to replace a little rubber T in the vac system 4.00 part. Air suspension has a small leak so now it leans a little on the passanger side. it seems like there is a slight miss in the engine, but probably needs a tune up, it has 103000 miles now. I am sure it was a great car new, so I cant down it, I purchased used. I will Buy another when this one goes.

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  My Lincoln LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By yungdogg06 - October 17 - 8:28 am

  This car is pretty nice. I bought it in 08 with 35,000mi. In 2010 I started having problems. Transmission went out. Somewhere around $2500 to fix. Shortly after I noticed small things were breaking. A/c vent breaking off, driver chair back broke off, traction control button fell off, eyeglass holder wont stay latched, side rear view mirrors wont adjust, fuel buttons broke... And soon after the rear differential jacked up on me. Thats another $1500 that I payed out of my pocket. If thats not bad enough, just last week on a road trip.... My shifter cable popped off, wrapped around the drive shaft, ripped of trans cover, ripped off sensors and more. Guess theyre not built to last.

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  Lincoln LS V/6 - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By w5ihv - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have just returned from a 5,000 mile trip in mu new Lincoln LS, in general the automobile handled well, the comfort level was good. Mileage, (combined) was 27.8. I do not care for the requirement for 91 octane fuel. The automobile interior noise level is higher than I had expected. The LS performed well under some bad conditions, with water over the highway. In general I am satisfied, but not really impressed.