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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  Almost perfect - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Chip Nickolett - September 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am very happy with this car. The interior layout is pretty good, but there are a few buttons that are hidden by the steering wheel. The radio would be easier to use if it was angled slightly towards the driver. The biggest surprise was the little things that should have been caught in the factory. There was a small grinder mark in a corner on the hood, there is a slight amount of welding splatter under the driver door handle, and the alignment of the body side molding is not perfect on one piece. Its the little things that Lincoln could improve upon in order to better compete with the German and Japanese.

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  Not bad for a Ford - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By gswar2003 - September 9 - 10:16 am

  I was a bit skeptical to buy it since my ford Exploder days. But I must admit it has been a joy to drive. I have had no major mechanical problems except running through brake pads like water. All & all a nice vehicle. The only think is for a $50,000 vehicle the cheap plastic pieces that break off need to go. I am looking forward to buying 04 or 05 Great family vacation car!

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  Couldve had a V8!!!! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Joy - September 8 - 1:05 pm

  I bought it used. Beautiful vehicle. Took it home decided to give it a a good wax job and to my surprise the rust was eating it up. I took it back to the dealership for help with this. Nothing, it has 54,000 miles on it and they told me to contact Lincoln. No help there either. About a year later, I receive safety recalls, rust corrosion because the 2008 was not sealed properly. So check your gas tank straps and cooling system for excessive corrosion. Took it for inspection, even the covering on my shocks are ate off by rust. The entire frame is extensively rusted. Lincoln said to have it inspected. I did. Yes its extensive Ms dumbass for buying this vehicle, but no safety issues so nothing will be done. I call bullshit!! This vehicle has been nothing but a money pit. BEWARE!! I will never buy another FORD product.

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  Cheap Luxury Car - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By someone - September 7 - 9:00 pm

  This is a really nice car. They are a little expensive, but it has nearly everything a Mercedes-Benz S550 has for less than half the price. The back seat is huge in the Signature L, and very luxurious.

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  I love lincolns - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Brett - September 7 - 4:10 pm

  I have to say this is one of my favorite cars of all time. I am so happy with my decision. The only problems it has is the window regulators go out early. Lincolns often have problems with transmissions unless keenly looked after. Other than problems listed the car is fantastic, fast, comfortable, and most importantly reliable. I certainly recommend this car to anyone who likes class. Take care of it, itll take care of you.

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  Disappointed Del - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Disappointed Del - September 7 - 12:50 am

  I am so disappointed in my 2004 Lincoln Aviator. I really wanted a Lincoln Navigator and when I went on the lot and saw the Aviator, I thought I was getting a deal. My warranty ended last year, 4 years came first and 56,000 miles at this point and I have a burnt valve inside the head. $3,000 is the estimated price quote to repair this problem. I have had nice luxury cars all my life and this is my first and last Lincoln. I am so disappointed. I have a 1995 Nissan Maxima with 160,000 miles no problem, I have had a Honda with 200,000 miles and no problems. My first car was a Hyundai and I had a 100,000 + miles and no problems. I think Ill stick with foreign cars in the future.

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  Great Car! Best one I have ever driven! - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By misa786 - September 6 - 11:40 pm

  This car is great. I a historical Nissan buyer. But I chose this time around to look at american luxury based on my horrible experience with the Nissan Murano. This car has amazed me so far in terms of its features that come standard and its spectacular drive! It is really the smoothest/most flexible SUV I have driven so far. Looking forward to years of comfort in this car as long as Lincoln stays true to their recent reliability reputation.

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  Honest Review - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mark - September 5 - 2:23 pm

  This car is mainly for larger families, although it does have a fair engine; we have to keep in mind its not a performer like a Cadillac. The ride is smooth, very nice interior, large trunk for your baggage and passengers. BUT here are the problem with Lincolns; are very delicate. My dads Town Car had major problem with the power windows, needed new stereo which was like around $1,000 -- leather quality is bad, I mean what kind of leather rips & tears off? When this car starts to give you problems be very well prepared because it will be costly, and dig deep into your pockets. Also the suspension on this car is belive it or not at $600.00. Its a good car, but I would suggest a Cadillac.

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  vs. mercedes s class - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By bwnlaw - September 5 - 10:00 am

  great truck. feels solid. plenty of room in front for tall people. adequate room in back for shorter people. smooth. the navigation surpasses mercedes benz in ease of usage. also has more color and features. air condition seats work well - and do make a difference. fairly well insulated for its size. no concern in driving over damaged roads.

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  Poor experience from Lincoln - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By medic2012 - September 3 - 4:09 pm

  I had bought a 2013 MKX from Planet Lincoln. The vehicle had a lot of interior noise from the road and surroundings. I was told by the service manager that this was normal. I went back to the sales associate and explained that I was not satisfied with the noise the response I got was too bad there is nothing we can do for you. Very pricey for a sub par vehicle