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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  Rate 2004 Lincoln Navigator - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ural Decker - May 28 - 2:40 pm

  I have driven Lincolns since 1986 with this being the best I have ever had. It will do everything that is expected from a vehicle of this type.

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  Comfortable and classy - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Cody Marten - May 28 - 1:16 pm

  For a 15 year old car, she still gets around quite well. I bought mine with a salvage title with 42k miles. Have put over 15k on it so far and have had no mechanical problems other than one instance of a mysterious loss of power. Despite this hiccup, the only problems Ive had so far are cosmetic damage associated with having a 10+ year old car. My only complaints would be poor fuel economy and turning dynamics. Its a big car with a big engine, so I expect to pay a lot for gas though. Due to its size, it doesnt take turns well. Your rear passengers may go for a ride if you take them too sharply. Overall, its been a great car and Ive enjoyed owning it.

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  Road car heaven - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Ian - May 24 - 2:56 am

  This is the car I have been looking for. In a world of front wheel drive sedans the rear wheel LS is a breath of fresh air. I had the fortunate experience of driving my new LS back to back wih my brother in laws BMW 535 IX. The BMW was a little faster, a little quieter and a little more agile - but not by much. Certainly not enough to justify the huge price difference. The LS handles well and looks good. I had the pleasure of driving a 2003 V6 model on a solo road trip from Florida to Michigan a few years ago and never tired of getting back in after a long days drive. A great drivers car. My 2006 V8 is even better and I like it more each time I drive it.

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  1 Week into 2002 V8 LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By RonW - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the LS this week and had the following problems pior to delivery. 1.Top of the line stereo dead from the factory...no power so I am not sure how it sounds. Was this car tested ? 2.Water inside the right front light housing, keep in mind car not even serviced yet. 3.Opps factory forgot to put floor mats in this baby..Come on Lincoln ! 4.While test driving the LS sounds as if someone left a set of keys inside the drivers door..Great rattles Lincoln ! Still not delivered. 5.While test driving the LS computer screaming at me to change A/C filter and 0% oil life left on the test drive. LS still in service for repairs and have not even taken delivery yet.

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  Still Fun to Drive - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By markl - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the V8 LS in the first model year. Other than a couple of minor (i.e. < 1/2 day) warranty repairs, its been a great vehicle to own and maintain. Ive put 56,000 miles on it so far and Im having as much fun driving it today as I did the day I bought it. The handling is just superb and the ride is great.

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  My favorite car to date - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Thundaar - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had loads of cars in my day, but the 03 TC is the best so far. The ride is awesome (seems a little more sporty than older models though), the leather int is super, engine power is more than most. Im glad to see the hood ornament is back and the front cup holders finally hold a cup! Plenty of room in the back for the kids. Would recommend this car to all who want 4500 lbs of classic American luxury!

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  Wasnt too bad until the 5.4 "death rattle" - 2010 Lincoln Navigator
  By brian selai - May 19 - 12:14 pm

  Bought the vehicle certified used in 2012. Wife happy with vehicle until last month. 140,000 miles and engine dropped a cylinder. Apparently the 5.4 triton has a bad reputation for this. After several hundred dollars in palliative attempts, it was recommended by a Ford garage to just replace the engine due to its reputation. Only other issues were the running boards needed serviced at about 80,000 miles, the air blender occasionally makes the rattle related to plastic teeth failure. Headlamps are pricey to replace also plan on several hundred when they fail. Another issue should be the limited illumination of the high beams. Really no better than regular headlamps. Not convinced we would buy another.

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  Another step downward - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By longtime Nav owner - May 17 - 8:16 pm

  As a previous 2004 Nav owner and a 2001 Nav owner and a 1998 Nav owner, I certainly have a solid perspective on trends in the Navs design. I am sorely disappointed by changes to the 2007 model. All of the reviews talk about the spaciousness of the interior. They have definitely downsized the interior, lowering the height of the headliner. All of the exterior chrome certainly went past tacky. I was also positively spoiled by the huge sideview mirrors in the 2004 model. Im sorry to see those downsized too. Probably the only positive changes are the redesigned power running boards.

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  An Excellent Choice - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By ZMan - May 17 - 7:33 pm

  I researched just about everything currently available. I could not find anything, American or import, that matches value received for dollars spent. If you want a luxury vehicle, mid size, that offers excellent comfort, convenience features, and outstanding fuel economy on 87 octane, look no more. I only have 2000 miles on the vehicle, and I am already getting advertised fuel economy, plus. Recent trip on the PA Pike; 31 mpg at 65 mph. This vehicle is very attractive, well built, easy to handle, very quiet on the road, and continues the prestige associated with the Lincoln brand.

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  Has any one else got stories like this to share? - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Jerry - May 14 - 1:08 pm

  I have a 2010 MKZ. The seat won’t stay in automatic adjustment. We Found that when the battery goes bad, the seat loses it’s setting. We have had 4 replacement batteries in 4 years. The drivers side seat broke once. The lumbar on the passenger is now broken. The passenger side fender is loose. It came loose from where it is attached. The rims carode and cause the tires to leak via the rim. Tail light recall, repaired by dealer. Rear breaks done at 71,051 miles. AC line leak at 71051 miles Replaced at 71617 miles. Replace inner driver side door handle. A wire on the rear defroster grid got broken, rubbed. Right chrome mirror cover fell off, I was charged for the replacement. The AC is now not working properly again. Are other MKZ’s as troubled as this one? [contact info removed]