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:

• 

  Never buy again - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By VALENCIA EPPS - February 7 - 3:53 pm

  I also made the mistake of buying this car and had continuous problems from the brakes to the a/c unit. My car stayed in the shop, and I was told it would be replaced because of so many problems. The car was never replaced. So I was stuck with some problems never being fixed and some additional problems later. Parts coming loose was devastating. I will never buy another Ford or Lincoln from this experience. My automatic lights are not working properly at this time among some other things.

• 

  Actual experience - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By don - February 6 - 9:13 am

  Traded in a 2004 TL automatic. MKZ has a better ride by far. Sync works much better than the TL voice system, seats are more comfortable, more adjustable, trunk is bigger back seat more comfortable and the air conditioned seats are by far the best thing going. Long drives they come in real handy.

• 

  My 2nd LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Aaron - February 4 - 5:50 pm

  I recently purchased a 2006 LS Ultimate. This is my second LS. I had previously owned a 2002 LS V8 Sport. We were so impressed with it that when looking to refresh our car this year, we considered only the LS. We decided to purchase new because the Ford Family pricing (in Canada) and other incentives brought the price in line with what we wanted to spend. I love this car. However, I dont love everything about it. The rear seat leg room is poor. The fuel economy is merely acceptable, but the Premium (91+) requirement means spending even more on gas. The interior is beautiful, with real wood trim and premium leather. Power adjustable everything with memory is great with two drivers.

• 

  Enjoyed this car! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Pete Shemetulskis - January 30 - 1:10 am

  Other than the transmission which I have found to be a problem for Lincolns, unless the fluid is changed early, this car has been a very good addition to my family. I would highly recommend owning one.

• 

  You gotta get one or two - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Eric, Fairfield OH - January 15 - 2:56 am

  I brought this brute used and it was going to be the long trip car only. Well guess what, it is my everyday driver. The features on this car rival all the so called new tech opts even on the 6 figure imports. The best feature is the selectable rear susp and steering level. Wow! Only Lincoln drivers know what Im talking about. The steering wheel mounted controls for HVAC fan speed, temp, radio and cruise..all the things you need to keep any button pushing techy stoned with amazement and awe for years. I have been on Ohios northern snow highways and others spun while I run. When summer hits the clean paint and chrome blinds the sun.

• 

  Fits Me - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Good Looking - January 12 - 3:20 pm

  I have had my LS since April of 06. Bought it brand spanking new. I traded my Mercury Mountaineer for it because I wanted a car something sporty for a 40+ yr old female, good looking. It growled at me at the dealership showroom. The performance is excellent. It will git up an go. The color, Silver/Platinum nice. Now, the only problem I have is the rumbling noise in the dash. Supposedly it is coming from air in the heater line?

• 

  Legendary land yacht - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ken in Raleigh NC - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 96 Lincoln Town Car for one year as a used vehicle and thoroughly love it. It carries 5 (6 if needed) in total comfort, drives with ease and kicks butt when needed. The only way to travel!

• 

  Noisy and uncomfortable - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Billcars - January 12 - 2:00 am

  From day one this car has been a complete disappointment. Uncommon vibrations and very high ambient noise make it very uncomfortable. The selling dealer didnt want to hear the complaints and said the noise and vibration were normal. A second dealer replaced two front tires with flat spots and no mileage on them and put in new motor mounts. The vibrations were stopped but the road noise is unbearable. This was my first and last Lincoln.

• 

  Lincoln Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By marmil - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has outstanding style, performance as well as utility. Much preferred over the Lexus GS 470. Gas mileage could be better as could reliability: power steering pump replaced, a few rattles fixed, poor fit on some body panels.

• 

  Nice SUV - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By bal - December 26 - 11:03 am

  This car is an overall good vehicle. It has room for 7 passengers which makes it convenient for families with children. The car is very large and takes a little bit to get used to if you havent driven an SUV before. The sound system is great. Very reliable and well built. The only problem we had was an electrical one with the window which was fixed under warranty.