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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  Finally a car for the obese man! - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By MartinB.heart - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I have always had trouble finding a car that could handle my girth, but after 20 years of blood, sweat, and tears I have finally found a car that is ideal for the obese man. The Lincoln town car can easily handle a driver weighing up to 600lbs, and I being a few pounds short of 480, am a very fortunate man indeed. Well, need I say more?

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  classiest luxury suv - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By hollywoodsuv - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This suv is hands down the best.........all around. Drove from kentucky to California with 2 100 pd dogs, 2 kids, and a uhaul...would not have survived in any other vehicle. Love the captains chairs, tv, playstation, smoothride, complete power the whole way..felt like flying first class. The gas milege isnt the best but well worth it for all the bonuss this suv has. A++++ couldnt have chosen a classier suv

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  10 year track record with LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Old Guy - March 28 - 1:53 am

  I am about to sell my LS. It has 246,564 m. Not all perfect, but, it is the best car I owned. 3 transm. The first after 19 miles The second after 79,000. If considering an LS with an original transm and it changes hard, run away. They made a design change because the third transmission is smooth and winds out really nicely. I always used synthetic oil, had typical failures. Believe it or not it has the original spark plugs and muffler. Changed tires to Michlins. First set had 120,000. Current 101,000 m. It is good buy for a sedan with a V8. V8s cost an extra 10 grand today. I have put off buying new because I could not find something I liked as well. May buy MKS w/V6. I love V8s.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Tom - March 27 - 7:16 am

  MKX is designed with style. The exterior design is eye catching. Nice front grill, adaptive headlamps, heated mirrors, chrome 18" wheels are great to see. The interior is well done. LED lighting, wood trim, A/C and heated seats are nice. Low cabin noise is a plus. The power lift gate is excellent. Memory seats are worth every penny!! Handles nice especially on an open road. Even though the seats are hard it is a comfortable ride.

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  A Very Nice Car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By n33437 - March 26 - 2:06 am

  At 3700 miles in 4 months this car has performed to expectations. 1300 mile trip from fl to nyc was a pleasure with one exception (see below). Gas consumption very good on highway

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  2001 Lincoln Sport - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Houston resident - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the Lincoln. It has not had even one problem. The fit and finsh are perfect.

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  Love our Lincoln - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dbennett - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We have gotten many positive comments about our vehicle and we love it. Most people think it is a Navigator unless they look at the name. It is an elegant but sporty ride.

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  One Nagging Problem - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By JOHN - March 19 - 9:53 am

  Great car to drive, and reasonably trouble free except for the coil on plug ignition packs and valve cover gaskets. Ford will only replace the coil as they go bad and Ive replaced 6 or the 8 under the extended warranty at $100 a pop. Ford refuses to fix the leaking gaskets unless the owner specifically complains and even then they will only fix the side where the coil goes bad even if both sides leak. 03 and 04 models have a CSP from Ford extending warranty to 10yr./100000 mi. Owners of the 01 and 02 LSs need to start complaining to Ford. I hear that the V-6 also has this problem.

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  Lincoln LS.. worth a look. - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Kyle b - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car, nothing but positive feelings. Excelent engine, tranny.. i could go on and on, test drive one.

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  2003 Lincoln LS V8 Sport - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By AA1234AA - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Exterior is elegant Doors close solidly. Al hood has a light feel opening. Interior is in good taste, well organized. Front seats are supportive, have plenty of adjustment. Steering wheel & foot pedals are adjustable. Dash is very well laid out & logical. Controls are easily accessible. Interior storage is good. Radio has great sound, 6 speakers & in-dash CD. Ride is smooth & comfortable. Interior noise level is muted. Handling is satisfying & precise. Acceleration is brisk at all speeds. Quick lane changes & sharp turns feel secure. Driving on rough roads feels solid. Turning radius is excellent. Braking is smooth