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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  Great Car! - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Dan - August 3 - 2:43 pm

  This has been a great car for the past 5 years. Repairs have been minimal re: Heater core went when we 1st bought it.$600 dollars to fix. Mileage is 130,000. We like the size and comfort. Gas mileage compares to a much smaller and lighter vehicle. We get 22mpg. around town and we have gotten as high as 30mpg highway!

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  Second Post - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By KeyedUp - July 31 - 8:20 pm

  Ive had such good experience with this car, I had to send in another review. Gas mileage has greatly improved. Pure interstate driving yeilded 25 MPG and around town at 16 MPG so Im very pleased for this sized auto. Comfort, fit and finish all very good and the ride gets better everytime Im in the car. Now, my wife has discovered the MKX so shes driving it whenever possible. She like the great visiability without the big SUV size.

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  Great Package - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By jacob - July 31 - 7:23 am

  I really love the car. It has style,luxury appointments, and a thoroughly modern look. Ford learned alot from Jaguar,I feel they have incorpoated the same approach,quiet luxury. Even the dash looks like something Ian designed himself. Lots has been said about being underpowered. The engine delivers much to my satisfaction while keeping me away from the pump. It took restraint not to give this an 8 cylinder. Lincoln went the right direction, looking ahead to what gas prices will surely be again. MKS is not BMW and doesnt want to be, its more like Volvo meets Acura meets Lexus. Now meet Lincoln.

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  Love my car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By SUSIET2 - July 31 - 3:13 am

  After driving Mercury Mini Vans for years I finally have only my husband and myself and was able to get my Lincoln. I love everything about this car. It is fun to drive and the gas mileage is wonderful. I am getting 29 MPG on the highway. The only drawback is the NAVTEC map disk are updated every 2 years. I purchased my car in November 2006 and received the 05 map, the new 07 map was released in December of 06. If I want an updated map Lincoln is saying I have to pay for an updated version which is in excess of $150.00. I dont like the fact that a $2495.00 option is already costing me $$$.

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  The best car I ever owned - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rodney Smith - July 31 - 1:56 am

  This is my first Lincoln after owning two Sables. What a difference in the performance. I have the LS V8 Sport and the power is outstanding and the vehicle is very quiet free of wind noise. Appearance and styling are very good and gets quite a few glances when I drive by. Interior is very nice and the leather seats are very soft and comfortable. Stereo system is fantastic with the radio and the CD player. Overall this vehicle is very well put together and I hope to keep it for quite a while. Handling is exceptional in the rain and on snow. Very nice car.

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  A Happy Navigator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Muskie Man - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The Navigator has met my expectations as a reliable luxury SUV. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. In todays market there are many luxury SUV options that did not exist in 1999. The vehicle has performed reliably in the four seasons of northern Wisconsin. Currently with 72,000 miles the vehicle seems just barely broken in. I expect to keep it for many years to come.

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  LS V8 SPORT - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By RDEVERTSEN - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I PICKED THIS CAR UP ON JUNE 1ST AND DROVE IT CROSS COUNTRY WITHIN ONE WEEK. WHAT A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. PLENTY OF POWER AND GREAT HANDLING TOO. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS SMOOTHLY AND HANDLES ALMOST LIKE A MANUAL STICK. I THINK THE MAINTENANCE COVERAGE THAT COMES WITH THIS VEHICLE IS SUPERB

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  My new wheels - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By sugar - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The aviator is nice. It has a good ride,but i am a little surprised that there is no assist handle on the drivers side. also it doesnt have enough room in the console etc, for things you need to put in a car. and for the price you would think that they would include the navigation system,or the vidio thing. and a big thing that they have to change is the controls on the steering wheel. when your hand brushes against it the station changes on the radio,or it changes from radio to cd.

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  My new baby - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Grand Mom - July 30 - 10:00 am

  One great SUV, recently purchased as my 50th Birthday present. This is my 3rd Lincoln, I own a 2000 Towncar and had a 1992 TownCar. I wanted a SUV and my husband said it had to be a Lincoln and the Aviator is right on time. My grandaughter is 4 years old and she travel with me all the time and the DVD player keeps her well entertained. really loves it. It rides smoothly and handles very well.

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  Muscle and Style - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By ChowChowLimo - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Beyond all of my expectations What a joy, finally and SUV with muscle and style, it leaves all of the rest of the so called luxury SUVs in the dust