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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  Great Luxury Truck - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By kevin chittenden - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned vehicle 7 months and have driven 15000 miles with no problems whatsoever. Love all the creature comforts compared to previously owned suburban. Acceleration is adequate but could be improved. Gas mileage is 11 town and 15 - 16 highway. I trade every 2 years and would consider purchasing this vehicle again.

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  2010 MKS - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By BrianF - April 10 - 10:46 pm

  I just recently purchased the 2010 MKS with EcoBoost; and thus far I am satisfied. I highly suggest getting MKS with EcoBoost. The 3.5 liter twin turbo engine gives the MKS the power it needs. The base engine is okay, but once you test drive this car with the EcoBoost, you will not go with the base engine. Quality is excellent inside and out.

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  Driving my Beast! - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Linny - April 9 - 3:43 am

  I have had 3 Jeeps, 1 Honda Pilot and none compare to my 2005 Navi. I bought it recently 20,000 miles. Just awesome all the way around. Black in color with all the trimmings...totally loaded. I actually have gotten a little better mpg than I had imagined. Very comfy even in the third road. I am going to invest in the Catch all brand of floor mats to protect the carpet and who could ask for more??? Love it! loVe iT! LOVE IT!

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  Love my Navigator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Kathy Smith - April 7 - 3:16 am

  This vehicle is a supurb piece of equipment that is classy and comfortable. I have pulled a semi weighing 80,000lbs. that was stuck on ice, pulled a truck from a snowy ditchbank, drug a tree log that we dropped in the back yard, pulled out overgrown bushes around the house and have traveled many miles with my grankids. I cant say enough about the performance and comfort of this SUV. There isnt another vehicle that I have been more pleased and proud to own. It is a workhorse and yet is classy and comfortable.

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  Great Car, Terrible Once Things Go Wrong - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By poserscenemokid - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My first car, I bought my car for 3k with 168k miles on it. Ran fine for a week. Then things started to go, catalytic converters, the ac/heat (combined total of ~1200). The stereo went, and an aftermarket double din will not fit. All new rotors and pads; other than that, the car has been great, highway drive is amazing, my friends are jealous (they love driving it as well), sound system is great, heat is hot and the air is cold. I would buy another one, probably a Cartier with fewer miles. I did look at an 05 town car and it was nothing like the 96. Personal opinion, best year for the car.

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  My Baby - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Ken - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many cars to include muscle cars, but have never had a nicer car than my 2002 Continental. We almost made the mistake of purchasing a Towncar. The car is bullet proof, although I suppose parts will fail someday, like the air ride and air conditioning, as it continues to age. I will repair everything but the engine and will continue to drive it. Were over 122,000 miles and going strong. I admit weve looked at replacing it, but with what?? A heavy car with a beefed up V-6 that wont last for more than six years? Ford needs to bring this car back with rear wheel drive and a hefty V-8. Oh, and if you do, Henry, throw in a little more sound proofing.

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  What a mistake!! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Ouch!! - March 31 - 3:50 pm

  I bought this car after testing Jaguar, BMW and the CTS. First luxury car - hoped for 100-200K luxury trouble free miles - what a piece of junk!! Two transmission jobs, hauled twice on a flatbed to the dealer as would not start, brake problems - emergency brake sticking, headliner kept falling down around the top roof braking light - one problem after another - very, very disappointing. Dealer finally gave me an extended warranty for 70k miles - the car has been in the shop for over 7 weeks altogether - I will never buy another Ford or Lincoln product!!

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  Sports Coupe in a Sedans Body - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By RazorUte - March 31 - 9:03 am

  I recently purchased this vehicle and really have enjoyed it. I swore that I would never buy a Ford. Well....this is the best Ford I have ever sat in. It is fun and has plenty of stock power. Handling is great. The radio and cruise controls on the steering wheel dont always function properly. A few other issues but overall this a great car.

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  Long Run with the LSV8 - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Terry Gannon - March 30 - 12:16 pm

  Bought the LS Sport with V8 loaded when it was a year old from turned out to be disreputable Lincoln dealer in Gainsville,FL. After I got home noticed right front door slight different color shade than rest of car. Round and round with lying dealer, had to pay for repaint. Lincoln is the worst of dealers. In 4 times for door rattle, and never fixed. Door window failures, door lock replaced. Replaced 7 of 8 ignition coils, one at a time each visit, Lincoln would not fix all at once. Getting ready to trade it in with 97k, it has been a good friend. WILL NEVER BUY LINCOLN AGAIN. Looking at my FIRST import ever owned at age 62, Accura TL, cant fight the US made fight any longer, I surrender.

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  lincoln number one - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By TExarhos - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This SUV rides like a luxury car. I compared it to the Escalade and Toyota Sequioa and felt it was a much better ride and handled with better control