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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  Noise and Brake Hell - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By C. Murias - April 7 - 8:50 pm

  Since I bought the car I had to have the front brake pads replaced, transmission fixed, back window fixed and recently the front hub barring, with only 35K miles. Before I had the brakes replaced they squealed and after the brakes were replaced they squealed and continue to squeal. My brake pedal itself makes a rubbery squeaky noise, which the dealer has told me there is nothing wrong. After taking it in about 5 times, they tell me that this is a common problem and known defect and there is nothing they can do about it. I would not recommend this car, especially if you do not want to have a car in the shop all the time. It is nice to have maintenance free car, but come on.

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  Lincoln Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By John Hoie - April 6 - 12:13 pm

  The car drives smoothly, with good acceleration, medium suspension, little body lean. Steering is nicely weighted

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  Homicidal car at best - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By sebago588 - April 5 - 6:14 am

  I purchased this "Florida driven" vehicle in April of 2011. It had 70k original miles on it which was one of the selling points. The minute I drove it off the lot, the problems began. Power drivers seat died $360, a/c compressor $500, engine manifold cracked and leaked coolant all over engine damaging spark plugs and cylinders $2000+, bi-polar alarm system $450, engine shuts off randomly when driving but starts back up instantly(??) and this weeks newest problem is an exhaust leak which was estimated to be about $250 at local garage. Next sedan will most definitely be either a Cadillac Deville or Mercedes S-Class. This Town Car is a death trap on wheels.

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  cyberfrank - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By cyberfrank - April 4 - 5:00 am

  Only a few minor improvements needed except for a dangerously underpowered engine.

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  Classic cruiser - 2011 Lincoln Town Car
  By Tim - March 7 - 6:02 am

  Purchaesd a 2011 in December of 2015 for 1/4 the retail price to replace a 2003 Crown Victoria. The dependability of the Ford made the purchase decision an easy one as I appreciated the simple roomy reliable qualities of the panther platform. The car is a georgeous silver metallic with a black leather interior and extremely classy. The car drives like a dream and feels like I am sitting on my couch at home, so much room. When you pull it up into the garage, its that comfortable that you really dont want to get out, at least thats what the wife says. :) I have owned it for a year and have had to replace a light bulb, $10.00, a power lift gate latch $300.00, and a relay switch $160.00. So far I am very pleased with the car for its ride, comfort and space. The relay switch although inexpensive to replace caused havoc for a week giving the dealership fits trying to trouble shoot a mystery battery drain that appeared to come from a light control module but was actually from the air conditioner. The dealers customer service far exceeded any I have ever had in the years of repairing vehicles. Kudos to Lincoln. I know that as vehicles become more and more technologically advanced as the years progress, my car, built on 1990s technology, will seem like a dud in comparison, and thats just fine with me. I will have a classic sedan.... dependable, comfortable, simple, with all of the creature comforts you really need. If any upgrades were to be made, an upgraded aftermarket Bluetooth, navigation setup would be all thats required. Anticipate keeping this one for the next 6-7 years and if its still going strong, will push it to 10. When its time to replace it, will there really be a car that can match the comfort and roominess because whats on the market now pails in comparrison....we shall see.

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  Great car if your rich - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Dr Rocket - March 6 - 10:06 am

  Excellent car but repairs are very expensive. Plenty of power but interior gadgets are confusing. Gas mileage is good for a v8. Much better then new lincolns.

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  My Review - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By mercedesamg17 - March 5 - 9:03 pm

  The navigator is a very sharp looking car. Thank God it doesnt look like the Expedition because that is very ugly! Overall great car that is fun to drive and is truly luxury.

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  Nice Truck - 2008 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Fishin Dude - March 1 - 12:16 pm

  The Mark is a pleasant truck that will do all I ask of it in hauling a boat comfortably. I like the features of sunroof, heated seats, a tad of leather and satellite radio. The reverse scanning system is top-notch. I find the Mark is first and foremost a truck. The Escalade, my other consideration was too elaborate for my needs.

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  My Towncar - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bogie - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This model has less driver, and especally passenger-side, legroom than previous years. Two much attention has breen given to rear passenger comfort in this area at the sacrifice to the front seat occupants. The power plant is anemic - underpowered and virtually no performance - needs a minimum 5.0L and ideally a 5.7L or 6.0L engine. Other than these issues, a well designed, comfortable vehicle for the money.

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  the car is great - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By pg021400 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car after working for a lincoln dealership and it was everyt hing i had hoped for. i read all of the other reviews and people are rating this car bad because of the dealership and that has nothing to do with the actual car. if you want to down the dealership call lincoln division and let them know dont down a great car