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:

• 

  2004 LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Jersey Guy - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Have had our LS appearance package 6 cyl for just about a month. Got an excellent deal and so far the car is performing up to expectations. Build quality appears to be first rate, paint is flawless(vivid red). My first experience with Lincoln (or Ford for that matter). Been driving Audis for 2 decades and most recently a Cadillac. If the LS holds up over time it will have been a good decision. Already looking at the 06 Zeypher as a possibility for me as the LS is my wifes car.

• 

  nice car !! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Daniel Castillo - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is a good compeition for BMW,Mercedes Benz, Lexus, etc. and is more afordable than most luxury cars.

• 

  Luv It - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By Laura - April 18 - 2:26 am

  Love it! This is the most comfortable car I have ever been in. When my friends and I go out their Hondas and BMWs stay home and we take my Navigator becuase its the most comfortable of all of our cars. I love that it never goes back to the dealership. My old Mercedes G500 spent more time at the dealer than with me so this is a wonderful improvement. My husband tells me that my Navigator is based on the same vehicle as his Expedition and he puts over 150,000 miles on them with no problems. I look forward to keeping my car for a long time.

• 

  Buyer Beware - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Buyer Beware - April 17 - 3:26 pm

  We were stupid when we traded in our 2005 Toyota Sequoia for this car. We wanted to get better gas mileage which it seems like it is getting about 2 to 3 mpg better. Seats are hard and very uncomfortable. If you are over 510" be sure to check out the leg room on both the passenger side as well as the drives side. My wife doesnt like the idea of not having a handle on the passenger side to assist her getting out of the car. I wouldnt buy this car again.

• 

  Awsome ride - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Alex H Smith - April 17 - 1:53 pm

  I just purchased the Lincoln MKX and took it on a 5000 mile road trip. At the very beginning we ran into a snow storm the highway was poorly plowed and the MKX with AWD did not miss a beat I saw numerous vehicles off the road 18 wheelers, cars and trucks. The MKX was awesome, it was hard to see the shoulder and I drove on it several times it just did not miss a beat. The best driving car I every drove.

• 

  2008 - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Matt - April 14 - 4:30 pm

  Beautiful looking car. Needs more interior head room for anyone taller then 6. Trunk lid should be easier to operate. Powerful, comfortable. No mechanical failures 2400 miles. Good buy for the money so far. This is my 3rd Ford product.

• 

  My Pleasure - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By gtex - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Pleasure to drive. Comfort plus performance,

• 

  2001 Gator - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By leg-lkg - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding quality and reliability. A joy to drive and the best towing vehicle ever. I cant wait to get my next one.

• 

  Lincoln Navigator Rocks - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By t time - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The new Lincoln Navigator is not only beautiful, particularly on the inside, but it is unbelievably comfortable and powerful. Plus, they thought of everything. The navigation system is easy to use, easy to read, and hard to believe how accurate it is. The power folding split rear seat makes it so versatile. Kids love the power retracting side steps. The new oversized side mirrors make terrific visualization. The heated and cooled front seats are ultra-comfortable. Plus, the interior is so cool looking!

• 

  nice - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By donny190 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  looke at the caddy and the mercedes to much for mercedes and cadillac was nice but the ride wasnt as good. this vehicle has the best ride in its class plenty of room and great feature have owned a lincoln before and liked it but i found somethign better and this time nothign bet it. fun to drive for such a large car and will enjoy this car for many years.