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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  "Warning" Prospective Lincoln Owner - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Rosie - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Lincoln new. 3 months after the manufacturers warranty expired and only 46,500 miles driven, I started experiencing problems; first the ignition coils($600 aftermarket), the air conditioner($400), parking brakes, brake rotors, pvc tube, etc. I wrote Ford-Lincoln numerous times, but they have refused to take responsibility. Dont be deceived, after more research, Others have experienced the same problems. These are common problems with the Lincoln models, I dont understand why there have not been a recall?

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  2004 Navigator Ultimate review - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Steve Stafford - May 3 - 7:16 pm

  Handling is excellent--feels responsive like a much smaller vehicle. Air suspension is flawless--better ride and handling than Cadillac, Tahoe, Dodge--equal to or better than Lexus and Infinity. Interior has much better quality of materials than Escalade, almost the equal of Lexus. Third seats have excellent leg room. Power third seats, power tailgate are pluses. Far more space, power and towing than Lexus. Has low range transfer case. Wants and wishes; More interior storage bins, rear backup camera, Telescoping steering wheel, more bass in stereo system, more interior lights on front floor and in seat storage consoles.

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  2005 Navigator - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By rudy - May 2 - 6:10 pm

  3,000 miles in one month. Great truck for all around use. averaged 17 mpg on highway and 13 in city. not bad for such a heavy truck. Lincoln did very well on the all around design. Looks timeless.

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  Unmistakably Lincoln Quality - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By J V McRae - May 2 - 3:26 am

  My wife and I took delivery of our Navi in 1/04 and 110k miles later WE STILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! Admittedly, the only issues we have ever had were one-time third row ventilation sticking and an occasional running board delay at the drivers side door. Out of 5 yrs of ownership, the quality, ride, and overall performance has been excellent. In retrospect, I wish the HP were bumped up a bit; especially in light of new technology. But, oh well. As compared to other high end SUV models, I agree with earlier posts, our 04 still turns heads; especially among Escalade and Hummer owners....go figure? No disrespect to those brands, but theres luxury and then theres BOLD-yet-REFINED LUXURY!!

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  unreliable - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By gunman - April 29 - 10:00 am

  i have had fords and chevys on and off for years, and i thought that this time it would be reliable, i hoped, but i was wrong, after 16 years or so of owning cars ford still cant make one that is reliable it has a lot of luxary, thats nice when your sitting beside the road waiting for the tow truck, ha...

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  Not your fathers lincoln - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By LSGrin - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Benchmarked to the BMW 530. Luxo performance drivers car. Very balanced. Bring on the twisties for the "LS grin." For good information, see the Lincoln LS Owners Club on line (30 days free membership). Definitely not your fathters Lincoln. More like, "How Rod Lincoln" by Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen. Much improved over the earlier iterations (before 2003)in all respects -- the NY Times review on line is out of date and does not do it justice.

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  Dream SUB - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By MKXLuva - April 26 - 12:53 pm

  I been eyeing this SUB since it came out! It took me 8 months to convince my hubby to buy me this car. We bought the 2008 Limited Edition with the 20" wheels. I LOVE LOVE this car! Its an eye candy! Lots and lots of compliments! Lots and Lots of look! We test drove a Benz, Lexus 350 and Acura and its uncomparable! I probably will drive this car for the next yearS to come!

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  Review - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By MB1 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable and attractive, but with build quality that Ford should be ashamed of. Have owned Lexus in the past and BMW currently, dealer has no clue how to sell or treat the customer base that they are trying to attract. Dealer does not live up to any commitments made during the sales process.

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  LOVE This Car! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Deb - April 24 - 5:10 am

  Bought new, hitting 115,000 miles now, and still going strong. It is a beautiful car inside and out. I keep thinking its getting old and maybe I need to replace it, but I cant find a comparable car in size, quality, luxury features, comfort, performance, and "reasonable cost" anywhere. The seats are also extremely comfortable - even on very long rides. It also has the "get up and go" needed when youre entering highways, passing, etc. I have always kept it up, and I still get many compliments on its look/style. I really wish Lincoln would come out with this again.

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  Comfort for the Long or Short Ride - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Taylor Bowie - April 22 - 9:06 pm

  This is my fourth Lincoln Town Car, and I cant imagine any car more reliable, trustworthy and safe. In ten years of owning these cars I have had one minor problem with an electrical connection...otherwise, no trips to the shop for anything other than the scheduled services. I love the fact that road noise is pretty well cut out, the seats are great, and you feel comfortable and secure no matter if you are making a short trip or a long interstate haul. Controls, clock, DVD player etc. are all easier than ever to use. I am a happy Lincoln owner.