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 highway cruiser !! - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Rib - December 3 - 2:00 am

  A great highway car - extremely comfortable. The handling is superb on the highway - but, a little sloppy on rough surfaced roads. The fuel economy is exceptional for a car of this size and weight. I am averaging about 25 - 26 MPG on the open highway ( where I do the bulk of my driving . I have owned six previous Lincoln Towncars - 1985, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1998 and a 2001 before the present Lincoln Towncar. These are great cars, I would definitely buy another Lincoln Towncar ! Highly reccommended.

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  Refreshing American X-Over - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Allen - December 1 - 8:13 pm

  The vehicle has more room for 2nd row passengers than my Navigator. Very comfortable on long trips. Great radio and nav system. And descent fuel economy for the vehichle size.

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  Perfect 10 - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By LS is best - December 1 - 3:50 am

  Almost bought a 2002 model, but this is a big improvement, I have the Sport model with power sunroof, and stability control. So much power, lots of room and very conservative styling, this car is not as flashy as the Jaguar it shares architecture with, but appears much more muscular and aggressive. The silver on black combination I have is beautiful and the cooled seats are awesome! The local dealer is very helpful and their service is reasonably priced and professional. This car has been exceptionally reliable and feels very sturdy. I just love it!

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  My Second LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By LSLover - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I previously leased a 2001 LS and had some problems with reliability. However, the drive experience more than made up for the problems. When the lease renewal time came, I did not hesitate to stay with the LS. The increased horsepower and improved sound proofing and other tweaks to the design and ride make me glad I stayed with the LS. This is one great ride and a real blast to drive!

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  Excellent - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By rlf - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent American vehicle Power, luxury and super sound

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  My Towncar - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bill Johnson - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is very comfortable. Its only been in the shop (dealer) once for a faulty spark plug.

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  Didnt Want to Give it Back! - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Happy in Florida - November 28 - 1:43 am

  I first came in contact with the 2016 Lincoln MKX in Albuquerque, NM. We had rented a full-size sedan, but were offered the MKX instead. We agreed and fell in love. I had rented suvs in the past, but had never owned one and never thought I would. Ive always been a luxury car guy. We drove the MKX around town for 9 days and were very reluctant to turn it in. My wife and I joked about driving it back to Florida instead of flying. We could find no faults. When we returned home, I began my quest for a new suv since we had become believers. I considered Lincoln, BMW, Jaguar, Range Rover and Cadillac. We researched and test drove all. Everything considered, we easily chose the MKX, not only for best value, but we also just liked it better than the others. We ended up with one identical to the one we had rented - white with cappuccino interior, 3.7 liter, Reserve level. We recently returned from a 1,500-mile road trip, had no problems and are even more pleased. After 1 1/2 months and a total of 1,650 miles, we know we made the right decision.

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  Lincoln Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By mark - November 27 - 5:53 pm

  great handling in the snow. I am a former owner of a suzuki grand vitara which spun like a top everytime I encountered a patch of ice. Outstanding handling in all terrain. Optional DVD package with wireless headset keeps my teenage children occupied during the ride to/from school. Third row seat is roomy and comfortable, unlike many other vehicles third row seats in this class

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  Six years and still going strong - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By tjh - November 27 - 4:20 pm

  This has been a great car. Recently rolled 90k. Only significant non- routine maintenance has been recent replacement of a coil. I dont even think about it being 6 years old. Its always been fun to drive - comfortable, quiet, quick, and nimble. My wife is always trying to take it away from me. I dont know what else to say. Originally bought it over a Jag X-type which was smaller and pricier for comparable features. My LS is loaded with everything but heated seats (not needed in the South). Everything (but CD - see below) works like the day I drove it off the lot.

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  New MKS - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By gary - November 27 - 3:26 am

  Have owned MKS now for almost 2 months and overall I like the car. One very annoying thing is the steering wheel cruise control WITH NO CANCEL button (must hit brake pedal)? For a luxury car this is ridiculous when most lesser cars today include this feature. Ride is a little hard compared to 06 Cadi DTS it replaced. The economy on this car, though, is great ... havent gotten less than 22 mi/gal yet! Also have not been impressed with the transmission which is not real smooth