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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  Torque of the town - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By brucelinc - June 20 - 11:10 am

  The ecoboost engine is awesome - smooth and quiet but deceptively powerful. I appreciate all the torque at low rpm. The car moves out strongly without high revs or drama. The cabin is extremely quiet at all speeds and is very comfortable. The sync and nav systems are flawless and user friendly. Although the press has been mostly positive, I think this car is too quickly dismissed by the public due to Lincolns lack of prestige compared with luxury brands.

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  Way to go ford - 2007 Lincoln Navigator L
  By 1happyperson - June 19 - 10:46 pm

  Ive owned a 2004 navigator and this one blows the old one out the water. It has a ton of power and it never skips a beat, the 6 speed transmission shift with out any noise inside the cabin. Passing car will never be a problem with this car. The gas mileage is better than what you would think at 13 mpg. The exterior has a bold face that cant be beat, it looks more like a 100k car than a 60k car. From what I can see now the build quality is the best around, the cabin is so quite that you can here a pin drop. There is almost no outside noise even at speeds of 80 mph.The car feels safe and stable. The car fills so comfortable that it feels like your sitting on your living room chair. Go get it

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  Best car ever - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Ronnie Stripp - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My Lincoln is the best car I have ever driven. Its fun to drive, responsive and a beautiful design. I recommnd this car to anyone who can afford to buy it.

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  Disappointed Owner - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By FormerLincolnLover - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Almost every item listed in tech bulletins applies to this vehicle. Frequent chimes with no read out, automatic windshield washer functions according to the mood of the car, sometimes comes on on a bright sunny day for a couple of swipes, frequently needs a boost to begin operation in the rain. Engine light, check Advance Trac and Cabin Filter lights often show, moisture in headlights. Re-setting a computer seems to be the standard answer. Steering column assembly had to be replaced because of worn bearings. One sway bar broken, other replaced because of excessive wear of bolts. Trunk lid and left rear door were out of line. Because of this auto has only 18000 miles.

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  Navigator - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By elmview - June 17 - 1:16 am

  I just got my new Navigator and find that is nice improvement over the previous model. It has almost all the features that I was looking for. the exterior styling looks fresh.

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  Lincon Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By 2006 Lincoln Zephyr - June 15 - 7:36 pm

  I traded in my Ford Explorer due to the high price of gas. I have had three explorers and really shopped around before deciding on the zephyr. I have three words for this new car... I LOVE IT! Its fun to drive and I love the navigation system! Not sure how it will do in the snow but so far Im loven it!

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  What a car - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By Flash - June 13 - 6:56 pm

  What a car to drive. Handles like a dream and the eco boost is all it is hyped. The interior is very nice.

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  Satisfied Owner of several Navs - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By jack - June 12 - 8:13 am

  This third Nav I have owned. Very satisfied with this and other Navs. Fuel economy is only fair with an Avg. 14.2 MPG.Very good dealer support with few required service items. Dealer has "tires for life" program and recently replaced 4 Mich. tires for Fl tax and labor only. Only feature I did not like, the elec. window controls in center console, has been relocated to door for 07.

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  Good car - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By ale11 - June 11 - 4:25 am

  I got this care used with 350,000 KM on it as I needed a cheap car for a new driver in my family. Paid just1,000 bucks for it. The engine still runs like a clock, tranny is still OK; hope the tranny will last for couple of more years... Evrything (except drivers eat not being heated and the rear window) is working in this 14 year old car!!! It has lots of power and cruising nicely on the highway. My family loves this car and prefers to drive it to a much newer ones! Ive had to fix the rocker panels as they were rusted through, painted the car and it looks very good now. I know it is old, but I still cant think of it as a clunker... Gas milege in the city is a pain of course with gas $

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  Our Navigator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Randys Wife - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I am not a car fiend, but I love this vehicle. My husband bought it for me for Christmas, and now I look for an excuse to drive. It handles very well, and is super comfortable.