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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  Room to Roam - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By 2X4 off road - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The comfort can only be beat by bigger luxery cars.The worst milage is 11.5 mpg uphill in town at low speed and the best on the hwy is 23 mpg with it getting 20.5 easily on the hwy at 70 mph. I just did a long trip and got 19 mpg at 90 mile per hour most of the way.

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  Lindsey Family Review - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By John C Lindsey - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle- we looked at Escallade and the Navigator puts it to shame on interior comfort. Exterior appeal is about equal on both, but there is no comparison on the interior superiority of the Navigator. Performance of the Lincoln is just a tiny bit less, but is so much more than you need, the difference is not important. Very nice engine performance.

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  Good, and the reason for 2 speedos - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Hugh - August 17 - 5:16 pm

  I have had 6 S Class MBs whilst living in Asia and Europe. The last one was an S320 diesel which had to go back 13 times to the dealer. This is my 2nd Town Car whilst living in the USA. And its great, good gas mileage and reasonably reliable. The "new" 2003 redesign is a reasonable job. It rides better than an S Class, as quiet too. Not so good at going round corners. I love the 2 speedos for when I go to Toronto - change the digi one to kmh

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  Simply Marvelous - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mr. Carkin - August 17 - 6:40 am

  Although I have owned the 2006 Signature Limited Town Car for only five days, I feel that I should speak. I traded in a 2002 Town Car which I loved. As much as I loved the old car, the new car is firmer in handling, the ride is significantly improved, absorbing bumps with grace, and the car is as firm as can be on the road. It is a beautiful car to drive and to look at. Improvements? Thicker visors, like the 2002, richer leather on the dash and other trim, real wood instead of plastic for the "wood" trim on the dash. The back seat could have a bit more standard leg room. These are small issues for a car that is very pleasing to travel in and effortless to drive.

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  Better Than Expected - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By David - August 15 - 2:56 pm

  This is our 2nd version of the Navigator. Our previous was a 2004 and this model is definitely improved. We have a 2007 Escalade as well and except for the larger rear view camera and more powerful engine on the Escalade, the Navigator beats it in all other areas.

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  Luxury at its finest - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By jdw - August 12 - 2:00 am

  A perfect Luxury car. This car is very comfotable and performs well with the V8.

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  great car so far - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By circlea - August 12 - 2:00 am

  i love this car!! i traded in a 2000 Ls and boy what a difference in the two cars!!everything has been improved in my opinion. i love driving this car.i never seem to get tired of driving it. there is more storage, better sound system, more horsepower and lots more upgrades.

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  Best SUV - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Marti - August 11 - 10:00 am

  The Lincoln Navigator is by far the most superb vehicle I have ever owned or driven.

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  My Zep - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By bigtfromdc - August 11 - 5:40 am

  Very happy with my purchase. The car is quiet, very easy to ride in, takes interstate ramp turns that my Chrysler 300m could not take well. The interior is awesome. I have the Merlot with sand, the blond wood is really pretty. Everyone comments on it. I just got stuck on a no-merge ramp and had to gun it. The car almost got away as it shot into another gear. Can you say New Horrizons...oh, that is a NASA rocket! :) The trunk is big enough for both Haffa and brother Bin! What a blast. Great value for the money.

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  Do not buy - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By akalucky - August 7 - 8:50 pm

  I have just traded in my MKX after owning it for less than a year. The new Lincoln and Ford MyTouch Sync is a disaster. This system was pushed to market far to soon - very disappointed in Ford. The system is buggy and slow. Do not purchase any vehicle with the Ford or Lincoln MyTouch.