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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  Aviator Review - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By skibum 35474 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I Have had the Aviator for one month now and I have been pleasantly surprised. The vehicle is very spacious and the functions are very easy to use which is great with two children ages 6 & 7 who are into sports. I looked at the Aviator on a whim and was glad I did. The build quality has been very good and the interior appearance is very nice. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a full third row seating.

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  Highly recommend LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By gtoma - March 4 - 1:06 am

  I have had the car for 4 months now and not a single problem. This car is great on the highways and even better on twisty roads. Very comfortable, decent sound system and lots of fun. I highly recommend it.

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  Best car I ever drove. - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By Talis - March 3 - 6:10 pm

  I know, the Town Car is an "old mans car" so how can a 23 year old kid like one so much? Simple. My parents bought a 94 Town Car Signature new at the end of 93. Since that time it was a family hauler, took trips to Colorado and back (several times) and even moved a college kid and all his stuff; (at the risk of sounding bad) it has a trunk that can hold 5 bodies. My father sold the car at around 200K miles, and the person who bought it drove it to FL. The only other car that lasted so long and was so versatile was my fathers 95 Camaro (but thats for another day).

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  Steering Box - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Dave J - March 3 - 5:16 pm

  Just purchased, had front end ball joints replaced and car still feels like it does not have power steering. Mechanic thinks it is in the steering box. Can this be adjusted or must it be replaced? Mechanic quotes the price to start at $500. Appreciate any input. Thanks Dave

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  Love Mine - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By alphanstein - March 1 - 4:46 am

  Have had one year of trouble free service so far and even done a couple of Autocross events in this baby. Turned some heads at the autocross saying, thats a Lincoln...

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  2014 Lincoln MKZ 3.7L AWD - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By TrevorP - February 28 - 4:47 pm

  This is my second winter owning the car. Last winter I had few issues with the power decklid not opening and closing automatically. It would still pop the trunk but my auto closing switches didnt work so i had to open and close it manually. No big deal. This winter, it wont even pop the trunk. I am locked out of the trunk of my vehicle unless I fold down the back seats and pull the emergency release. Then I had a dead battery....Once I got the vehicle started, it displayed several warnings (Service TPS, hill start not available, Service steering system) but the car was running. I realized i had a problem when I was unable to turn the steering wheel. If you live in cold climates, this is a terrible car. Everything is electric. Other than this issue, its a great car to spend time in and drive. I absolutely love it during the summer when everything works.

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  Awesome Car 99 Town Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jiggs Casey - February 27 - 6:20 pm

  This car is great. I bought it with 75000 miles and it has been perfect since the day I bought it. Great mileage for a big car. Rides so good I cant wait to get in it every day and go to work. I will surely by another one when I am done with this one.

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  Not Your Typical Lincoln - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By Jim B. - February 26 - 2:13 pm

  I have had my MKS for almost a year now and love it. The ride is the best. Love the 20" rims and the Navigation system rocks...very easy to use and its all voice activated..you do not have to stop to put in the address can just use the voice activation button..also the voice controls the cabin temp..radio...love the juke box (cd player can record up to 10gigs of music. Love the auto highbeams (just need to get use to them). 2 thumbs up.

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  mkx rocks - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By silver markx - February 23 - 1:23 pm

  Love this car! I have had it since April and took it on a 1000 mile roadtrip. Excellent in every way.

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  Great Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ross - February 23 - 10:36 am

  This is a fantastic car. The hiway mileage is 25 or miles per gallon. UNBELIEVABLE, but true. City mileage is less. The ride is superior to Caddy.