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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  A GOOD WORK IN PROGRESS - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By workingschmo - June 18 - 7:48 pm

  Bought my Lincoln used and got a great deal on it thus my high marks on value. However, would never buy this new because I believe Lincoln couldve done better compared to the competition. First off is the trunk problem that many complain about. Poor design - you can live with it though. Second - the interior is definitely more Ford than lincoln and could use some more upscale touches. The OEM Brakes are a bit mushy but replacements improved that drastically. Now the good - car feels solid and handles wonderfully with a nice ride and quiet interior. The navigation and SYNC work flawlessly and make this car a true pleasure. 70K miles and no problems whatsoever.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Vince - June 14 - 8:36 pm

  Im a 20 year old male who went from a 1999 Mercury Sable LS to a 2005 Lincoln LS V6 Luxury. The exterior of the car is just great. Its a very sharp looking car that turns heads. The base audio system puts out a good amount of power. It gives a very comfortable drive in town and on long highway trips. Car really hugs the road on winding and hilly roads. Not up to par with the European industry leaders, but good for what it is.

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  Very Impressive ! - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Dave B (Mr D) - June 14 - 3:03 pm

  Only had this vehicle for a few weeks, but Im impressed. Had 107k miles when purchased, but still looks new and a great ride too. Gray with chrome really sets it off! If you ask me, this is just as luxurious as the Town Car. Thank you Lincoln.

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  Too many problems - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lolaj42 - June 14 - 7:23 am

  Our Ultimate AWD Aviator has been in the shop every month since weve owned it, mostly due to overall quality (or lack thereof). The most recent being a steering wheel vibration/pulsation that occurs when turning the wheel to full lock when parking. Weve been given a host of excuses over the 3 service visits on this issue, the latest being that its a "design feature" and we have to live with it. To date, weve had the transmission control module replaced, since the one it was originally shipped with was for the Ford Explorer and as a result, we were unable to put our AWD system into a full-time locked mode until it got replaced. Entire NAV system replaced. Too much trouble. Never again

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  2011 MKX Enging Knock - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By cybworld - June 12 - 6:17 pm

  I purchased TWO 2011 Lincoln MKXs at the same time. Day one I had an enging knock in one of them, and nobody seems to care. I set up a web page for this problem. [violative content deleted] This car has a lot of cab noise when traveling down the freeway. The GPS locks up the radio and features when in GPS mode for more than 30 minutes. this vehicle is the worst car I ever purchased.

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  Id buy another but...... - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Greg L - June 11 - 12:23 pm

  All and all it has been a pretty reliable SUV. I have put about $2000 in fixing the air suspension on the front and back of the vehicle. It is very spacious. The ride is a bit rough and the power could be improved. My major issue is the interior for a $50K vehicle it just completely came apart. I think everything is made of plastic and they all break. I like the new one but I may wait awhile to see some reviews...

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  Love this car - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By George N - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this new. It has been dependable and dealer support has been the best I have ever had. This is the 4th Lincoln we have purchased and the best. 3 have been front wheel drive. I will only buy front wheel or all wheel drive. Sad that Lincoln has no more front wheel. Next purchase will probably be Cadalac.

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  Buys nothing but Lincolns - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By GL - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I now have 103,000 miles on my Town Car and it is still like new. I have had no problems to date and all mechanicals are still factory original. I purchased this car to replace a 1989 Cartier Town Car that was totaled in an accident (it had 200,000 miles and was still factory fresh). The 1999-2002 Town Cars are just to ugly. I will always continue to buy Lincolns. They are inexpensive to keep. Could use more horsepower. I remember the 60s Lincolns with the 460 engine. Those Lincolns could move.

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  Fun Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By gbones - June 11 - 10:00 am

  A Mustang with 4 doors

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  MKX love it - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Ranko - June 11 - 1:23 am

  Wanted this vehicle from the first time that I saw it and had it delivered in May. I commute 180 miles a day and it has been a pleasure to drive. Great mileage for a SUV and I get tons of admiring looks from other drivers and pedestrians.