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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  Wanted it to be better.... - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By LHC - September 5 - 11:43 pm

  When I first laid eyes on my 2008 White Chocolate "Tri-coat" Limited Edition and was in love! It was everything I wanted and more. I had shopped extensively, and being used to high-end vehicles, was amazed at the array of options that came with the MKX. Exterior/interior were gorgeous! Ive had it almost two years now, and still get stares while on the road. We all know what they are, so Ill decline to mention them here, again. However, after only two years, my lovely car must go. It seems to stay in the shop more than in my garage! The service dept seems clueless, too, with this SUV. So, I hate it, but Im looking to trade. I envy you guys who are not having trouble. Beautiful car!

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  Happy LSing - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By kchingon - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Been driving it for only 4 days and the more I drive the more I fall in love with it.

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  Best for the money- by far - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Tom Anderson - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned it for 10 years, and have 274,000 miles on it. Just came back from 2500 mile trip, 80 mph and 25 mpg, sailed along like it always does. Snobs can drive other things, this is the best for a car load of toys and presents and smart driving. I dont care what the others think, theyre wrong. This is a tough, solid car. Had one before totaled, t-boned by squad car, and i didnt even get a scratch. Want to live and live good? Get a towncar.

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  braking problems on ford full size cars - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By CLARENCE - September 2 - 2:00 am

  i have had 4 experiences of brake pedal travel so great that foot feed is pushed down at time of braking , this causes full engine power. i complained many times. i finally cured problem by putting 1/4 inch shims under left foot feed control at fire wall mount and 1/4 in at foot pedal mount.this moves the foot pedal away from brake and stops the problem. i this to showed to dealer.

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  Finally - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By lac - August 30 - 3:53 am

  I bought my Lincoln MKZ on 5-20-09 and I cant stay out of the car. So many features to enjoy, From the sat radio to the snyc my ride, I am enjoying for free for 6 months to the beautiful interior and comfort, and the Navigation System is just so special. I have never driven a car that handles so well and feels so good under my hands. I have always had a Lincoln but this one far exceeds all the others. And so darn stylish. Great car. Take one for a ride, and youll be hooked.

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  The best US built luxury sport sedan - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By tony d. - August 30 - 2:00 am

  An extremely capable sport sedan. Good road manners, quiet interior, excellent drivetrain, excellent sound system.

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  Lincoln LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rick Wells - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent power and driving, however I am not impressed with the plastic bumpers, and am not impressed with how flimsy the rear quarter panel is attached - you can literally shake it wiwth your hand. However, the car is extremely light and they had to save weight.

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  Great Navi - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By JVAC - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck! We bought it when our first child was on the way because we thought it would be a good, safe family car. The oil light came on yesterday while driving on the highway, then the engine started making an awful sound as I was exiting, so I had it towed to the dealer. They say the engine is dead at 92,000 miles. This is a sad day for me deciding whether to buy a new engine or a new Navi.

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  In love with my Aviator!! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Jacquie - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I test drove just about every SUV out there before purchasing this vehicle, and the choice was crystal-clear for me. The engine has a "snarl" to it, combining great pick-up with a smooth ride. The Aviator handles exceptionally well. The quality and material are luxurious, yet also practical. No feature is over-the-top, or ostentatious. The overall product is elegant, sporty, classy, and functional.

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  solid and strong - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By kheit - August 28 - 10:00 am

  not a bmw but pretty close with thousands in your pocket