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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  A Great SUV - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By rm - June 3 - 3:10 pm

  This is a great truck for a reasonable price. Our family loves this truck for its comfort and performance. This truck will easily seat 5 people comfortably and 6 with a little discomfort for the third row passengers. Gas mileage is not great. We get 11.8 in ours and our 2007 H2 gets 13. Actually, I thought the Navigator got ok milage until we got our H2. Navigator is a wonderful "on road" vehicle.

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  Great all around SUV - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jackson Brown - June 2 - 9:43 pm

  Size makes it very versatile, performs more like a luxury car than a truck. Great in snow, yet quite on highway. STONG pulling power.

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  Very satisfied with the Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By MF - June 2 - 3:43 pm

  We use this car for trips and Church mostly, no problems since weve had it. The pick and power are a joy from start to finish of the trip. One knock is the cheep center console Linciln used which cries every time you lean on it with your elbow. Other than that no complaints at all.

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  05 LS V6 Update - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By 2005ls1 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I now have 179,000 kms on this POS and its still "nickel and diming" me to death. The front end is rattling again after it had front struts, sway bar links, and tie rod ends installed at 145,000 Kms. The E-brake light is on and beeping. I dont use it so I dont understand why it would need service. The traction control switch fell through the hole in the console for no apparent reason. I had to replace the power steering pump because it was leaking badly. The oil pan is leaking again, at least I think its the oil pan. The coil packs (5th set) are due to be changed again because the car stutters at times and that lets me know the coil packs will need changing soon. FORD - you suck!!!

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  Gordons Review - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Gordon Converse - June 1 - 10:00 am

  The Dealer network service for this car is wonderful. Have yet to have a problem. The car is wind tight, rides wonderfully and is very quiet. The fit and finish on the exterior is perfect. Believe me, Ive been over this car with a fine tooth comb.

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  They need to get it right - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Fred Flint - May 29 - 9:03 pm

  Ford needs to develop vehicles that can compete with off shore product. The MKX is own has had the head lamps replaced - the rear license plate light due to rust - the radio and NAV system replaced - the auto trunk opening motor and struts, a panel that had started to rust after only 19 months of service and roof moldings that wouldnt stay locked. The tires needed to be replaced due to cupping attributed to a balance issue. The dealer provided the warranty service but didnt check alignment so I bought new tires. This is(was) my 10th and last Ford product. Just a heads up to future Ford/Lincoln Edge and MKX buyers - beware !

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  Great vehicle but - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Jim - May 29 - 12:23 pm

  This car is a pleasure to drive and especially to look at. I have never had a vehicle get as many admiring looks and compliments. Heres the "but" from the title. Ford is having a tremendous problem with the PTU in the Edge and MKX. Mine has been back 4 times with leaking seals. Ford has no idea how to correct the problem. I am very disappointed with the company. The car is absolutely wonderful but the experience is being ruined by the mechanical problem that Ford cannot fix. If they finally get it right the car will be wonderful. Take a look at the Edge forum on Fords site and see just what I am talking about.

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  blackwood - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By phil manuell - May 29 - 10:00 am

  none other like it anywhere. elegant style and grace. terrific performance which is better than cadillac ext.a real converesation piece. may become an exciting collectible.

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  Glad I bought this hot MKX - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Bud Andrews - May 28 - 2:40 am

  This is a great car and I truly enjoy driving it. Had a major road trip from mid south up to Niagara Falls and back this past summer. The MKX really shines on road trips, with plenty of power and quiet comfort. (Amazing - no road noise! No sqeaks or rattles!) Its a V6 but it has all the zip of a V8. The satellite radio, sound system, MS Sync, power and USB ports are all terrific. Couldnt do without them now.

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  navigating navigator - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By ed stanley - May 26 - 6:53 pm

  This vehicle comes equipped with the best factory seats I have ever experienced. Although the fuel economy is nothing to shout about and considering the weight and being a v8 truck advertised as an suv I am not disappointed in the mileage. Good sound system. Great ac and the quiet ride is a tremendous asset.