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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  High Class. Low Price. - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Bojiphil - December 14 - 9:30 am

  This SUV is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have 90000 miles on it and its suspension still holds tight. No leaks. I am very pleased with my purchase. Even with gas over $4.50 a gallon the space and comfort is well worth it.

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  Sometimes the First ones are the Best - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By Craig - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 98 Navigator in 2003 after looking for a Minivan. Initially thought the vehicle was too classy for an SUV. However other than replacing coils it has been fantastic. Usually the early models are lacking, but I feel with Lincoln they had something to prove and put all the quality into the 1998. We still have it with 138,000 on it now and love it..

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  MKX Owner - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By LJ - November 17 - 5:00 pm

  Havent had it long but love the way it drives. One thing they need to replace in a hurry are the front seats. Starting with mine. The drivers seat as well as the passengers is tipped up where your back of your knee is. By 45 minutes in driving your legs tingle then go to sleep. Not good! There should be a movement as such, designed in the lever so you can tip it down.

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  Excellent Value - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Happy in Ohio - November 16 - 2:33 am

  My last two cars were Jags (XJ and S- Type). I thought the LS was a poor copy of the S-type, but huge rebates lured me to take a test drive . I was shocked. The 2006 LS corners and handles better than my S-Type with less wind and engine noise. The 3.9 V8 has a sportier feel than my Jags 4.0. The interior is less "euro," but still clean and luxurious, with a few nice touches my Jags didnt have. When I learned Id get an extended 6-year drivetrain warranty AND $14,000 reduction off the $43K sticker ($29,000 !!!), it was -- "duh"-- impossible to pass on such an excellent value! If you can live without a European nameplate, buy this car while they last and bank your money.

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  The Most Fun Car Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By vipbrettp - November 15 - 10:00 am

  In 2001 I got out of a Ford Taurus SHO and into a 2000 LS. I have to say that despite the signifigant drop in horsepower, and increase in weight (the LS weighs over 4000 lbs) the LS is still more fun to drive. I only say this as I have the 5 spd manual tranny. The engine is too weak for the automatic, which I think feels very underpowered (though newer models have steadly increased horsepower). The rear wheel drive and surperb balance make cornering a dream. Have had several interior trim issues as have been noted elsewhere. All window regulators have been replaced. I do have oil in the spark plug wells, causing the car to missfire. Now the break l

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  14-18 mpg is honest - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By driver - November 7 - 7:50 pm

  The 2005 Lincoln Aviator is easy to drive and they have thought of almost every amenity to make driving comfortable from heated/cooled seats and zoned climate controls to all radio and cruise contols on the steering wheel. The sensors in the rear bumper are a plus for me since this is the first non sedan type for me. I havent owned it long enough to have an opinion about the build quality or reliabilty. My average is 15 mpg and I have driven 3,000 miles (1/2 city and 1/2 highway). Lincoln indicates 14-18 mpg which is true. I make trips to the airport often and it has plenty of room for 4 engineers and their gear plus me the driver.

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  Intelligent Design defines Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By valuehunter - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The Aviator is an intelligently designed mid-sized SUV with class- leading functionality and performance. The exterior and interior design is simply superb. With few exceptions, the fit and finish of both the interior and exterior are on par with the best that the Japanese and Germans have to offer. The problem with the Aviator is that most people willing to spend 40k plus for a midsized SUV want the cache that goes along with a Japanese or Gernman moniker. That is too bad, because the Aviator really packs world- class luxury, functionaliy and performance. This is the first American car I have ever owned and I must say that I am very pleased.

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  nmgc - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By iugyf - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Ijust love its fun to driveand very convinent smooth riding power trunk its just wonderful.

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  Lincoln / Signature Series - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By J. Fallon - October 24 - 2:03 pm

  The vehicle drives great, its pick up and ability to handle the road is great! Maintenance to Lincoln Town Car is a major part of owning a luxury vehicle. The weather in New England can be absolutely brutal, not only to a vehicle, but to the roads also. These luxury vehicles arent made for sleet and snow and especially pot holes. So one should remember to first be aware of what your vehicle (Lincoln) will be contending with when it comes to bad New England weather. You must remember, this is a luxury vehicle, not a truck. If you abuse it, it will cost you. One other thing, dont buy a used Lincoln from up North, go down South, warm climate dictates an over all better treatment of the car.

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  NOT WORTHY TO BE CALLED A LINCOLN - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mike38 - October 17 - 2:13 am

  Bought my first used car. After many miles in a full size Lincoln via a former employer I gave the little MKZ a try for my wife. I liked the looks and it only had 6K miles as a former spotless fleet car. Was enjoying the car until we went on a 300 mile trip to Florida. My wife was the first to say my GMC Sierra truck rode a whole lot smother with much more comfortable seats. Never have liked the foreign type tilting wheels very limited positions and sorry but better in the GMC Truck. I do like the way the seats lay down way back but are not very comfortable when down. Over all nice car but far from being worthy to carry the Lincoln name.