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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  Best used car buy - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By roadrunner - November 15 - 6:56 pm

  Bought this car with 47,000 miles on it about 5 or so years ago. Replaced tires and shocks with Biltstine shocks and drove it to death in my business. This car owes me nothing and only recently had to replace all four ball joints and brakes and a switch in the transmission. The last set of tires took me 70,000 miles. This is probably the best car purchase I have ever made and Im 67 years old.

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  Designers need 101 design help - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By TopGun - November 12 - 7:43 pm

  Nice car,good handling however noise insulation could use improvment.Front suspension could be a bit softer.Interior controls are so small they are hard to find and operate.White lighting on instrument panel wash out during daylight operation.In some cases cannot be seen at all.Average MPG on hwy.26

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  I am very happy - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By beachgoer - November 10 - 4:13 pm

  I like the way the car rides on the open freeway. It rides smoothly and provides enough power when I need it.

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  What a Deal - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Geo A - November 7 - 2:03 pm

  My deal was zero percent financing, 9 grand off the sticker and its off the lot. Its turn radius is the best, the 18 inch tires eat bumps, and with all gadgets included it beats the Escalade. Mileage stinks: it averages 13 mpg

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  outrages repairs!! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By sweetpea18 - November 6 - 2:31 am

  I bought this car in 2009 i have put already a new transmission new selinoid new power control module my healight to replace 75.00 3 new coils and now I need to replace the other 3 the spark plugs ac line and it has a oil leak gasket this total cost has benn over $3,000.

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  New MKX - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By lakegirl4 - November 5 - 9:07 am

  Just bought a 2013 MKX. After owning Subaru Outbacks for years, I couldnt stomach the new ugly models with useless cargo racks. I was looking for cargo space, kayak carrying capability, comfortable seats, a color other than gray, black or white, and gas efficiency. The MKX beat out the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, the Cadillac, the VW Toureg, and the Lexus. Most of the others had very ugly silver consoles. The MKX has everything I was looking for and is beautiful inside. The seats and finish are wonderful. I love the steering wheel controls. Only thing Im not crazy about is the front end - low and massive. First American branded car Ive owned in over 30 years! Good Job Ford!

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  REAR SEAT DESIGN - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By SUASN BROWN - November 1 - 2:00 am

  DO PEOPLE WITHOUT CHILDREN EVER GET INVOLVED IN YOUR DESIGN PROCESS? SOME OF US ACTUALLY DO HAVE LIVES THAT INVOLVE THE USE OF A COMFORTABLE 4WD SUV WITH OUT CHILDREN. I NEED A LOT OF HEATED OPEN SPACE INSIDE MY VEHICLE. WE DO NOT HAUL CHILDREN OR REAR SEAT PASSERGERS,EVER!! IM A LADY TAAT WEARS SKIRTS AND DRESSES AND WANTS THE SAFTEY AND CONVENIENCE OF A 4WD SUV. I WILL NEVER OWN A MINI VAN. AND PICK UP TRUCKS ARE FOR HAULING HAY AND PULLING TRAILERS.

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  She Made the Choice - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By gardnpc - October 31 - 10:56 pm

  My wife did all the research and selected this over the Mazda CX-9 and Highlander. Its her car! We got the Creme Brulee with Camel interior and she just loves it. The sticker was just over $39,000 and we did the deal for $35,000 even. We went to dealer equipped with the Edmunds TMV analysis and it saved us quite a bit of haggling. We drove the Edge as well, but the Lincoln suspension and interior quality is a big upgrade. Doesnt feel like the same vehicle. We really like the Vista roof and heated/cooled seats. She thinks its nearly like a convertible. Reliability has been excellent. We like the fact it burns regular gas. All in all, a very nice package.

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  Nice car, not without its little flaws. - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By JulesH - October 31 - 9:43 pm

  Very comfortable inside, a joy to drive, handles so well, lots of power, 3rd row seat. Very poor gas mileage. More rear seat room needed. The only problems Ive had since ownership are a piece of plastic near the side back window that became partially unglued and flapped as I drove, and the steering has a squeaky feel to it when parking/driving slow in parking lots. One other thing is that in hot weather, the car often refuses to lock itself and behaves as if a door is open when it is not. I also frequently have to slam the rear gate or the vehicle light will stay on and I get a "liftgate open" message.

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  Lovin It - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By Rich - October 30 - 5:06 pm

  Have enjoyed owning this SUV, even though gas prices sometimes make it hurt. Its always performed superbly and reliably.