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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  nice car - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Leonard Delarue - April 5 - 10:00 am

  this car has a great ride and handles somewhat like a sport car. i love the looks of the car (its the option white that cost an additional $400) and other people must also like the looks also because it turns a lot of heads. there is some slight road noise inside the cabin.

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  Second time around - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By nvbanker - April 5 - 10:00 am

  My first Navigator was a 99. After 5 totally trouble free years and 65,000 miles, I had to have the new 03 with the schnazzy interior. This truck is a much nicer design, with the 4 wheel independent suspension, the power folding flat 3rd row seats, and the unique interior. Its not as bulletproof as the 99 was for total trouble free ownership, but all the little glitches are minor, not functional. The 04s are a bit better I hear. I am very satisfied still, and havent seen anything Id rather have for the money, or size, yet.

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  the ride of your life - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By linconman - April 5 - 10:00 am

  for a smooth ride there is only one car that comes to mind town car

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  MKS great car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By mjc - April 3 - 5:23 am

  I can not understand why the "experts" say that this car is pricey. I challenge anyone to find a luxury car with all the electronics and features that the MKS come with for this cheap. My last two cars were Mercedes and BMW and the MKS hands down is more sporty, more comfortable, nicer looking, and better value by far. The 20 inch wheels is a must. Navigation and Audio sys. is second to none. Seats are the most comfortable seats Ive ever sat in. rear camera is nice. Another thing the so called experts bash, is the acceleration. This car has plenty of power, I agree its not a dragster by any means but it has plenty of acceleration. Get more power they will complain about MPG!!!!!!

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  Love It!!!!!!! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Deb - April 2 - 11:03 pm

  I love everything about my Aviator. I got a great deal from an excellent dealership.

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  Design for cold? No - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Roger C - April 1 - 3:46 pm

  Four months of driving and I still have problems with knocked knee caps on the dash. I took it in hoping that there was a recall on the tail gate lifting cylinders as any time below 32 degrees it only lifts 3/4 open. Slow learner took me two head knocks to remember to push up to load, so I have to open back gate before taking things out of the house. My Town and Country does not have this problem. Dealer said it works when in the shop and would do nothing to fix the problem. As a new stock holder I hate to write this but as a tax payer I more understand why some companies should go out of business.

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  The Antithesis of my BMW... in a good way! - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By 1speedbike - April 1 - 9:08 am

  I currently own a modified turbo BMW but I wanted a classy, comfortable and reliable car that I can just drive without attracting (the wrong) attention. The TC delivers because its just the opposite of my BMW. Relaxed (not lazy) large V8 vs high strung turbo 6. Soft comfy suspension vs stiff "feel every bump" coil-overs. Easy to work on, cheap parts vs convoluted (genius though it may be) design with expensive parts. While my 2-door BMW is truly a great sports car, and I love everything about it, sometimes I just want to CHILL OUT while driving. The trunk easily swallows a mini-fridge and more, and RWD is always a win for me. 160K w only minor issues. I love both cars for different reasons

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  Steves Navigator review - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Steven Merrell - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Navigator and it is the best I have had. The ride is better than ever with independent supention in the rear. Style is better this year. It could use more power though.

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  Great car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Paul - March 30 - 2:16 pm

  this is the best car i have ever had. its fast hot and all the girls love it.

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  Better than 2000 - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Steve LSE - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000LS V8 and the 2002LSE V8 is much improved. None of the little mechanical annoyances from the pevious model. The driving experience is why I got another one (Along with the great incentives!) Unfortunately the fit and finish still leave something to be desired. Lincoln does seem to take this stuff seriously and are taking care of all issues no matter how insignificant they may seem anybody but me.