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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  Over-rated - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Morris Sgro - October 11 - 12:50 am

  As far as the exterior style goes, nice lines, sharp looking! Here comes the bad news! It has a horrible exhaust noise that sounds like a cow ready to give birth! The ride is smooth if youre on a newly paved road, but at higher speeds, turn up the volume! The MKX needs to be find tuned, there are just too many squeaks and rattles for it to be marked Lincoln! Its a glorified Ford Edge! Too bad! Nice looking!

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  Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dfsreb - October 9 - 12:06 am

  The convenience of a luxury SUV with the performance of a Cobra. Lots of style and comfort. Enjoyable to drive on long trips with the climate controlled seats and power adjustments.

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  After 2 months, still love this car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By hobby - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased this vehicle used and was quite impressed with the power, comfort and handling of this car. The V8 spins up quickly and the car eagerly handles the twisties. I also like the elegant comfort of the leather seats. I dont know what else I could ask for. I was surprised that Lincoln could build such a nimble car with room for my family.

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  2010 MKZ - what a surprise - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By JoeK - October 6 - 4:03 pm

  I now have 2,000 miles on my 2010 MKZ and can say it is terrific. The Ultimate Pkg is fantastic. The BLIS systems is great. The THX sound blows you away. The MKZ handles well, the build quality is as good as a Lexus. I traded in my Lexus SC430 on the MKZ because I needed a sedan, so a Lexus IS and GS was my first test drive. Both were great, but were lacking in trunk space/storage space. I loved the Acura TL, but it didnt fit in my small garage, and the Caddy CTS and BMW 528ix didnt have a rear camera and were pricey. Now that I own my MKZ, I know I selected the right car. Lincoln has definitely turned the corner on quality and is equal or better that its competitors.

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  Mediocre at best - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Mattius Maximus - October 4 - 10:36 pm

  Lincoln started sucking it up when they redesigned this car. Its got a good, reliable V8 engine but a 4 speed manual chokes the power. Its luxurious, good stock stereo, and relatively comfortable for long drives. If you are nice to it, its nice to you. Its no sports car, its your typical boat of a luxury car with a big engine. Im not shedding a tear at their discontinuation.

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  Noisy tires - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By kate - October 2 - 7:56 pm

  This was an incredibly quiet car to drive until about five months ago. I started hearing "wawawa" sound from the tires when moving and our trusted tire man rotated and aligned them saying the noise was due to "cupping." There is no uneven tread wear or any tread wear for that matter. Was told if continued, though annoying, was perfectly safe to drive on these Michelins. Not what I had in mind for a luxury car.

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  Close to perfection - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Sanford - October 1 - 3:30 pm

  My 03 is a mid-year LIMITED EDITION Signature Series. Only 1311 of these were made. She is perfect, never a problem. Silent interior, has decent power (could use 65 more horsepower. Flawless execution of assembly & detail. Loads of trunk room, and interior space to spread out. Love the Limiteds black grille with chrome surround & HID Fog Lights. Like the Cassette & C.D. in dash combo with a 6- disc changer in the trunk. Steering is tight and the handling is worlds better than the pre-1998 Town Cars. Shes a unique light silver-green met with gray/beige interior. Only has 12,000 on her, as from November to April I use a Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 (2001)

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  hot lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By captmo - October 1 - 10:00 am

  very enjoyable to drive. gas mileage is poor but it will go 90 miles an hour all day long on the road. the thx sound system is great

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  Superb Limited Edition - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By cb - October 1 - 12:03 am

  You know this is a special vehicle if I traded my 04 Mercury Marauder and 08 Ford Bullitt Mustang to get this. I have the AWD Limited Monochromatic version with all the goodies. Great looking black grille and two toned interior set it apart from the rest. Drives great and has enough power to accelerate when needed. Great ride height. Built very well. All doors sound solid when closing. Uncluttered engine compartment. Easy access through the powered rear hatchback.

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  finish not up to imports yet - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By nikkis dad - September 29 - 5:46 am

  the wrap-around finish fo the front drivers side stops like a cut off pipe and cuts into yhe back of the right leg.The trunk headliner is stuck on with double-sided tape which continues to give way.Ford has not come up with a fix for either of these problams.