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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  Awesome - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By mcroad - April 15 - 6:43 am

  We just received our MKZ hybrid this week after waiting 5 long months and believe me it was worth the wait. My husband was worried about being comfortable in this car because he is a big guy. He love it and fits in it just fine, cannot say anything negative about this purchase. We have not broken it in yet to get the 45mpg as said but the manual said 1000 miles to be broken in. If we do get the 45mpg then it is that much more pleasing. Love the color we got the smoked quartz and it is similar to yankee blue. Lincoln has really worked wonderfully to make us happy with the purchase and incentives for waiting. Thank you Lincoln.

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  navigator 02 - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By r young - April 8 - 11:43 pm

  the car was fun to drive, had no trouble with it at all.

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  Do not buy - 2012 Lincoln MKT
  By zaabby - April 8 - 8:35 pm

  I am very disappointed with this car. It is my fault I bought it however…. It is very uncomfortable on long trips as it is too narrow. The two zone comfort system is a fake; as there is only one fan. Thus the zone with the greatest different control’s the fan. The safety system is silly; it beeps and you get a message on the screen telling to look around. Plus it has lots of other poor design choices. When the wind blows it will whistle, also when someone pass you when the wind blowing it will whistle

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  Next time Ill look past the new - 2011 Lincoln MKZ
  By cudaowner - April 8 - 8:25 pm

  I am sorry I did not drive this car for a few hours before we leased it. After the first road trip I knew I had made a mistake. Undersupported seats make for a miserable ride. You cannot get the air from dash vest off of you. The radio is rediculous and the wind and road noise is awful. The sloppy shifting transmission newer knows what gear it wants. The memory seats have a short memory. I sure dont see any value or luxury in this MKZ.

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  I love it - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Lewis - April 8 - 5:36 am

  I love this car! great handling good power great sound system. I love this car best car i ever owned.i cant find 1 fault great job. keep up the good work lew

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  So-So Experience with Navigator - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Mike - April 6 - 4:50 am

  It was between this Navigator and a Range Rover Sport. The deals and financing Lincoln was offering was leaps and bounds better than Land Rover was offering. So far, the navigation system only works when it wants to and half the time doesnt know where the car is, or the screen wont come up. My biggest complaint is the seating. The heated/cooled seats are too firm and need to have softer filling. Beware that the Ultimate seats with the heating and cooling are stiffer than the standard luxury seats. After driving for a period of time, the seats are so stiff that my legs fatigue and become numb. The seats should be softer for a $60K vehicle and have not such a hard and unforgiving feel.

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  A great....bigger auto. - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By David M Brown - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Driven for 6 months before off-center collision @ 50-55 mph with a 2003 Ford Ranger. I walked away with no injury. This vehicle is impressive. Agile for this size: no problems parking in any parking lot or street. Road trips with family and "stuff" are very comfortable:acceleration/passing no problem, even fully loaded with a/c on.I would buy another one of these.The Aviators positive journal reviews are well deserved. One criticism:"plain" heated seats not an option:heated-and-cooled seats is a package. David M Brown kinichiwah@aol.com

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  AWESOME NAVIGATOR - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By GTURNER - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I am a Navigator fanatic.This our 3rd one.We test drove the other SUVS and kept coming back to the Navi. Comparing price and equip. hands down the Navi. is the best bang for the buck.The handeling is great.It has the power that we need if we want to tow the boat or trailer the Harley.It is sporty yet luxurious @ the same time. It is also big enough for me and the family. I would only trade this for another unless a new SUV were born

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  03 Navigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By soglear - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I looove my truck! I had an 01 Suburban with a Regency conversion package prior to this truck, VERY nice looking. I miss my Suburban, but got what I was missing as far as quickness in my Navi. What a difference in the 03 models vs. 02 & earlier. 03, you feel like you are driving a car - earlier, the vehicle is more "truck" feeling, and a little top heavy.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By RCC - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my Lincoln. The power is adequate and the comfort is exceptional. I am looking forward for an improved power version of this vehicle in the future (320 - 350 horse power).