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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  Great car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Paul - March 30 - 2:16 pm

  this is the best car i have ever had. its fast hot and all the girls love it.

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  Better than 2000 - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Steve LSE - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000LS V8 and the 2002LSE V8 is much improved. None of the little mechanical annoyances from the pevious model. The driving experience is why I got another one (Along with the great incentives!) Unfortunately the fit and finish still leave something to be desired. Lincoln does seem to take this stuff seriously and are taking care of all issues no matter how insignificant they may seem anybody but me.

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  Finally a car for the obese man! - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By MartinB.heart - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I have always had trouble finding a car that could handle my girth, but after 20 years of blood, sweat, and tears I have finally found a car that is ideal for the obese man. The Lincoln town car can easily handle a driver weighing up to 600lbs, and I being a few pounds short of 480, am a very fortunate man indeed. Well, need I say more?

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  classiest luxury suv - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By hollywoodsuv - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This suv is hands down the best.........all around. Drove from kentucky to California with 2 100 pd dogs, 2 kids, and a uhaul...would not have survived in any other vehicle. Love the captains chairs, tv, playstation, smoothride, complete power the whole way..felt like flying first class. The gas milege isnt the best but well worth it for all the bonuss this suv has. A++++ couldnt have chosen a classier suv

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  A Very Nice Car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By n33437 - March 26 - 2:06 am

  At 3700 miles in 4 months this car has performed to expectations. 1300 mile trip from fl to nyc was a pleasure with one exception (see below). Gas consumption very good on highway

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  2001 Lincoln Sport - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Houston resident - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the Lincoln. It has not had even one problem. The fit and finsh are perfect.

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  Love our Lincoln - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dbennett - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We have gotten many positive comments about our vehicle and we love it. Most people think it is a Navigator unless they look at the name. It is an elegant but sporty ride.

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  A Great Luxury SUV. - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By L QJack - March 17 - 10:00 am

  The Navigator is the finest luxury SUV I have driven; the ride is exceptional and the driving experience is wonderful. I was going to buy an Escalade, that is until I drove the Navigator. The Ultimate series has it all. Lincoln must be doing something right to greatly improve this vehicle from the earlier model years. All-be-it one mans opinion.

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  WHAT I FEEL ABOUT MY LINCOLN - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By DIRTYRED - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I THINK FORD MOTOR COMPANY DID AN EXCELLENT JOB ON THIS CAR AND I THINK ITS LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF THE PREVIOUS VERSION.

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  New to the Lincoln Brand - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Miami Vice - March 17 - 9:56 am

  My wife and I just leased a Navigator and so far we are thrilled. We looked at Acura, Infiniti, Nissan, Lexus, and Mercedes. The Lincoln makes you feel "PIMP" It is very comfortable and the interior is very well layed out. I never thought I would drive a Lincoln, but I am very happy I decided to go with the Navigator. So far so good.