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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  Classy - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Max - February 27 - 10:46 pm

  this car is amazing, ive had it for about 6 months now, i bought it used. its a 2004 model. it is the most luxurious SUV on the market. ive driven in a range rover, and id take this over that. i think it is the best SUV you can buy. i have had no problems with the car, it has never had to go into the dealer in the time ive owned it. the interior is beautiful. the engine sounds amazing as well, when youre accelerating, it sounds like it has an aftermarket exhaust system. the thing handles like a sports car.

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  Power and style - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By justbe - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Navigator is comfortable to ride in for reasons beyond its leather seats and lots of room. A rear load-leveling suspension adjusts the height of the vehicle according to cargo weight to assist in handling performance, while long wheel base help to provide a stable, cushioned ride. Its also easier to drive than it looks, thanks to a short turning radius, and variable assist power steering. Very comfortable; tons of space; lots of extras; handsome design. The class of the American SUVs. The best part is I paid $39,900 brand new.

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  A Great Car To Have - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By David - February 24 - 11:13 am

  This is a great car, I got it at nero in Ohio, and there is nothing that I dont like about it. Buy it and you will love it!!! Everything is automatic, and done for you. This car is fully loaded, and in my case I would rate it #1 car!!!

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  if you cant afford the gas dont buy it ! - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By steve - February 24 - 7:30 am

  This SUV rides like nothing else on the road a true driving experience the thx radio is like nothing I have ever listen to comfort style lots of room I keep hearing gas mileage if you cant afford the gas then you cant afford the Navigator just dont buy it and I keep seeing comparisons to the Escalade they say it has more power there is plenty of power in the Navigator and the Navigator has more room inside and has a much more elegant look on the road.

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  Excellent Purchase - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Jorge Rodarte-Cruz - February 22 - 6:16 pm

  This is the truck to have, you can be Urbane and deal with farm roads too. What a great mix.

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  Extremely Satisfied Buyer - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By cjoanne - February 18 - 6:36 am

  I have owned 2 SUV s in the past, and this is the type vehicle I like/need for my work. I researched the MKX along with Lexux, & Enclave, and chose MKX. Im glad I did, and would do it again in a heartbeat. I love this car! The handling of the car is tops on my list, and it looks great!

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  Its all good - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By MPC - February 15 - 7:36 pm

  Not sure about the need for a digital and analog speedometer, but thats been an issue with this model since it was introduced. Cant surpass the car for comfort and reliability. Sometimes problematic small issues, but easily remedied under warranty.

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  Excellent - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By direct - February 15 - 10:13 am

  This is my 2nd LS, the first being a 2000. In 5 years, the LS has improved with an even smoother ride, satellite navigation system, heated and cooled front seats and other luxury amenities too numerous to mention. The LS is not only fun to drive as it handles like a sports car, but also very reliable.

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  Finest car on the road - 2009 Lincoln Town Car
  By Signature - February 14 - 10:36 am

  I bought this beautiful, safe and luxurious vehicle because we had owned a previous Lincoln. Because my husband is handicapped I immediately had U Haul install the strong underbody lift for his motorized wheelchair. We traveled in comfort to MN and Utah but his condition deteriorated and he can no longer use the wheelchair, therefore I hope it will be a solution to someone else who has a patient in need of this superior ride for their loved one.

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  try THIS ONE & be a proud owner - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By honesto - February 13 - 2:00 am

  winter storm was so terrible on this mountainous part of new jersey where all vehicles just gave up what they are supposed to do. but THIS ONE just kept on going and going and going and going.they say its a guzzler? hey if you can afford this baby you can afford gas.