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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  if you cant afford the gas dont buy it ! - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By steve - February 24 - 7:30 am

  This SUV rides like nothing else on the road a true driving experience the thx radio is like nothing I have ever listen to comfort style lots of room I keep hearing gas mileage if you cant afford the gas then you cant afford the Navigator just dont buy it and I keep seeing comparisons to the Escalade they say it has more power there is plenty of power in the Navigator and the Navigator has more room inside and has a much more elegant look on the road.

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  Excellent Purchase - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Jorge Rodarte-Cruz - February 22 - 6:16 pm

  This is the truck to have, you can be Urbane and deal with farm roads too. What a great mix.

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  Extremely Satisfied Buyer - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By cjoanne - February 18 - 6:36 am

  I have owned 2 SUV s in the past, and this is the type vehicle I like/need for my work. I researched the MKX along with Lexux, & Enclave, and chose MKX. Im glad I did, and would do it again in a heartbeat. I love this car! The handling of the car is tops on my list, and it looks great!

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  Its all good - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By MPC - February 15 - 7:36 pm

  Not sure about the need for a digital and analog speedometer, but thats been an issue with this model since it was introduced. Cant surpass the car for comfort and reliability. Sometimes problematic small issues, but easily remedied under warranty.

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  Excellent - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By direct - February 15 - 10:13 am

  This is my 2nd LS, the first being a 2000. In 5 years, the LS has improved with an even smoother ride, satellite navigation system, heated and cooled front seats and other luxury amenities too numerous to mention. The LS is not only fun to drive as it handles like a sports car, but also very reliable.

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  Finest car on the road - 2009 Lincoln Town Car
  By Signature - February 14 - 10:36 am

  I bought this beautiful, safe and luxurious vehicle because we had owned a previous Lincoln. Because my husband is handicapped I immediately had U Haul install the strong underbody lift for his motorized wheelchair. We traveled in comfort to MN and Utah but his condition deteriorated and he can no longer use the wheelchair, therefore I hope it will be a solution to someone else who has a patient in need of this superior ride for their loved one.

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  Wow! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By RT - February 13 - 9:06 am

  What an incredible car. We had a 2006 Cadillac CTS. Had to move to something not RWD and a little bigger. Looked at the Edge, looked at GM products, as I was a GM loyalist, but nothing compared to the MKX. Great styling, superb comfort, cool features, all rolled into one little sharp CUV. I could go on and on about this vehicle. We usually change cars it seems like every couple of years. I dont see us giving up the MKX. Oh I almost forgot, zero interest as well. Now who doesnt love free money! What a super value all around. Always looking forward to the next time I get to drive it.

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  try THIS ONE & be a proud owner - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By honesto - February 13 - 2:00 am

  winter storm was so terrible on this mountainous part of new jersey where all vehicles just gave up what they are supposed to do. but THIS ONE just kept on going and going and going and going.they say its a guzzler? hey if you can afford this baby you can afford gas.

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  A leftover 2006 Navigator w/3 dings... - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Archangel - February 10 - 5:00 pm

  The 2006 Navigator is a wide body luxury experience; however, the interior does not live up to its level of classification, as many have already mentioned. My vehicle is a leftover and has hail damage (3 dings) that the dealership has agreed only to repair one at its cost. The 2007 has a cleaner and leaner interior, but the button to fold the side mirrors inward is very confusing. The drive, however, is smoother then the 2006, and you feel in control as you quickly pass on lookers, who can only look in envy.

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  97 TTown Car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By LTC97 - February 9 - 11:40 pm

  ThisTown Car has been a great car. It is my 3rd Town Car. I love them and theyre great cars to own. For the money theyre the best big car on the road and theyre very very safe. You can go well over 20,000 miles in a Town Car. They last forever .