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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  second lincoln LS - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By g.butler - April 30 - 2:00 am

  We really like the new LS we just bought,it is very fast and handles extremly well.The interior could be a little fancier but it is very acceptable.This one is much improved over the first one,although we didnt have any problems after the first month on that one[a 2000 Ls sport V6].The new one is an LS V8 sport 2003.

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  Better than ever! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Exit32 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2000 Lincoln LS V8 and loved that car. In fact, I bought a 2002 T- Bird for my wife mainly because the new T-Bird is based on the LS platform. When I heard about the improvements on the 2003 LS (e.g., more power, THX audio, GPS navigation system), I was first in line at my Lincoln dealer and ordered a new 2003 LS in October, 2002. I took delivery on New Years Eve and can confirm that my new LS is significantly better than my "old" LS. Responsiveness, steering precision, and ride comfort are all noticably improved. No "buyers remorse" here!

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  GREAT VEHICLE! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By PJ&BW - April 30 - 2:00 am

  The aviator is the best handling amercian vehicle I have ever driven. If you want power, those 302 horses will give it to you. Its not as noisy as other SUVs. Just drive one and youre hooked.

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  Loving it - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Wisconsin - April 27 - 11:23 am

  So far, an excellent car. Was between this, a SAAB 9-5 and Volvo S60. This car is superior hands down, great ride and very fun to drive. Classy interior with the dash vent open.

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  MKS Is An Awesome Car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By REWInAmherst - April 26 - 2:23 am

  The 2009 Lincoln MKS is an awesome car. I have previously owned 14 Lincoln Town Cars and 1 Lincoln Aviator and rate the MKS amongst the best of those vehicles when it comes to my driving and ownership experience. I do a great deal of highway driving for my businesses and the MKS drives and handles very well and is a luxurious and comfortable experience over many hours spent on the road between destinations. My MKS has the "Ultimate Package" with all of the technological toys and conveniences which I appreciate greatly. I highly recommend the Lincoln MKS to everyone who is seriously interested in a true American luxury sedan.

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  Love it - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ric F - April 25 - 4:53 am

  Wanted a newer vehicle for the family to enjoy and love our Navigator. Spacious, comfortable, and a joy to cruise in around town and on the highway. Highway 16-20 MPG and around town 12-15. But we bought it for the total comfort and enjoyment of a Lincoln. My wife is a teacher and therefore has plenty of room for her compliment of daily needs for the classroom. Seperate controls for audio, video, and climate gives each their own true level of comfort. Not a lick of trouble since owning look forward to its years of service for us.

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  Good Vehicle - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By ucsader - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my LS for 4 months and I really like the vehicle. It is a great ride and much better than my previous Volvo S80 T-6. I do wish that there was a little more leg room for the back seat passengers. This is a good looking vehicle that attracts attention. The wood trim on the interior really dresses up the dash and I like the feel of the steering wheel.

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  good car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By drvd1773 - April 21 - 9:33 am

  I traded my BMW 540I for a Lincoln and it has been great I am only 31 years old so I may not be your normal limcoln driver. The only problem is at around 70 mph the steering wheel has a vibration in it not something would expect in a car like this. It has done this sence the day I drove it off the lot but I guess not everything is perfect.

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  After all these years! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Jerry Stratos - April 17 - 9:56 am

  After 3.5 years of owning a used Lincoln LS... Never again. :( Especially taking new dates on ventures where you smell smoke buring off the engine because of a valve cover gasket leak... As I go down the highway the sterring wheel shakes vigorously and I assure her everthing is safe. :O Last but not least... I refill my tires with air because I dont have the money to replace my corroding rims that are decaying from the inside out. This car has cost me more money than it was worth... I should kept my old 87 Honda Accord that I sold for 500 bucks! No wonder our beloved automakers are losing ground against the foreign competition...

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  Value for the Money - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By ahmedfunny2003@yahoo.com - April 15 - 1:00 pm

  I went shopping for a new car, i stepped in to the Lincoln dealership to test drive An MKS,so I fell in love with this car,and Lincoln giving away the car really ,almost 8000 in rebates so the total price of the car is like 27000$,cheaper than a loaded camry ,and this car alot better than any hybrid i owned before,i averaged 43 mpg mixed,i am a long time hybrid owner so i know how to get the best out of them,do yourself a favor and check this out before going to any other basic Boring car dealership ,I got the base model Premier 400A is More than enough,I don`t care about moon roof and steering assistance,The car is so comfy,no road noise at all,best car i ever owned