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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  Overall - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Phil Axt - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Add the wood grain dash and you got yourself an SUV with beauty!

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  THE BEST LUXURY CAR ON THE PLANET!! - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By CANDY MAN - September 24 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING, IT IS MY 4TH TOWN CAR, AND TO ME THEY SEEM LIKE THEY ARE GETTING BETTER AND BETTER, WHEN YOUR DONE DRIVING THE REST, TREAT YOURSELF TO THE BEST!! THE 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CHOW.

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  These are a few of my favorite things - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Nook Schreier - September 22 - 11:46 am

  I bought my pre-owned Zephyr over 4 months ago, and I still smile when I walk up to it, its just fantastic. Its such a classy-looking car, ESPECIALLY in black, which mine is. Unfortunately, being black, the birds seem to enjoy hanging out above it... often. Its very fun to drive, though as has been pointed out repeatedly, the gas mileage leaves something to be desired. I live pretty close to work and dont drive a whole lot otherwise, so Im getting about 17mpg regular. But on the highway, I have gotten 30mpg, so thats something. Ive read reviews saying the acceleration is bad, but I havent really experienced that, if you drive it intelligently (dont slam the gas/squeal tires).

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  A great & elegant SUV - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By cwmobley - September 22 - 12:06 am

  The ride is super quiet & ultra smooth. The V-8 engine is very responsive and the vehicle is easy to maneuver for a large SUV. At 34,000 miles, there have been absolutely no warranty issues whatsoever. It has all of the features expected of a luxury vehicle & more. This ownership experience is the best Ive had in 50 years when comparing it to Lexus, Infinity, Cadillac, Mercury, Thunderbird, Porche, Corvette & many other Lincoln cars that I have owned. American produced automobiles are now superior VALUES when compared to foreign owned companies. We are now considering a trade for a new Navigator.

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  Black is beautiful. - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Jim G. - September 19 - 4:53 pm

  I just completed a five week, ten thousand mile "road test." This is the finest large vehicle Ive ever owned. Its also the best looking truck on the market.

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  One Great Car - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By highlad - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This car became the company plane after 9/11. 95% 0f the 60,000 miles driven were high speed highway miles and the car performed perfectly. Most trips were 8 to 14 hrs. duration and the car was very comfortable and the fuel mileage was exceptional. This car was selected after renting various makes and models for business trips to determine their comfort and suitability for long business trips. The Town Car beat all the others. We purchased one and it proved the value of our selection process, it was every bit as good as we expected.

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  best yet - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By David Clay - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Fourth Lincon tc for us. Much better than the 98 tc we traded in. Could tell difference immediately. Better power and handeling. The feel of the ride is much improved. Very smooth. very bright headlites. Quiet cabin At 8000 miles so far no problems.

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  my hot rod Lincoln - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By chuck s - September 18 - 10:21 pm

  Bought used with 74,000 miles. Have driven for 5,000 miles with no problems. Very comfortable. Handles well in part to AWD. Could use a little more power. Difficult to see controls below the radio. Very small and not intuitive. Climate control works very well but would be easier to use with a knob to turn and set highway temp. We drive 85% highway and get 21.5 mpg. I use a mobility scooter and it breaks down and fits in the trunk with room left over.

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  Trading in for Smaller vehicle - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By DON1 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Its a vehicle just wonderful but want to downside.

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  Poor Material Parts - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Herb Berger - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have maintained this auto beyond specs suggested by Lincoln. However, at 89,000 miles the plastic intake manifold melted causing the car to overheat and needing to replace the engine. Upon further investigation found out this is a common problem. P.S.Lincoln denies any responsibility.