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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  I waited too long - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By crawldaaad - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Power and handling great. All the toys and whistles even better.Watch out BMW.

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  My Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Rosemarie - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive always wanted a Navigator, but it was way too big for me. After test driving the Aviator, I knew this was the car for me. It is extremely comfortable, plenty of leg room and everything on the dashboard is in reach. I can fit my sons friends in comfort while they watch a DVD or listen to music. The ride is very smooth. A++

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  aviator fully loaded - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By nuno - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I havent ever been as satisfied with any vehicle ive purchased as I am with the aviator! I own a 2003 awd fully loaded edition(no other options available) and I must say I cant think of anything else this suv should/can have. The cooled seats is an option even other suvs in the higher price range dont have. Its power the same way is very difficult to compete with not to mention towing capacity!This suv has amazing handling and cornering. The gps is easy to work with, the dvd entertainment sys is self explanatory also. all and all this is the best "pound per pound" suv out there!!

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  I could have done better! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By backwards - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Interior less user friendly than earlier models. Dome lights dont shine where you need them to. Analog clock, now really...it could at least be readable. Flimsy console. Clumsy info center. Armrests gone! These are only the things that distract you from driving. Overall I think I could have presented a better design inside and outside. They took more steps backwards than they took forward.

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  Aviator Satisfaction - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Aviator - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle...Ideal size...excellent quality...sufficient power...should have dual exhausts.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Melissa - January 26 - 10:00 am

  My navigator is almost 6 years old with 125K miles. Only major repairs so far alternator (Jan 2008) and had to replace rotors twice. Tires lasted 100k+ miles. Truck still rides like new. This is my second Navigator and I would not trade it for anything.

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  Perfect fit - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By BobSR - January 26 - 8:03 am

  Perfect luxary SUV. Did not want a tank, but wanted the amenities. Strong power train, great interior, and you feel safe.

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  I love my LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Stan - January 22 - 9:33 pm

  Ive had this car since it was brand new, and I still enjoy driving it. It has a perfect weight distribution (50% front and 50% rear) and so it has an amazing amount of stability and road gripping ability. Admittedly, I baby it quite a bit ( I always keep it in the garage, always service on time, and dont put on a lot of miles), but Ive had very little trouble with this car in almost seven years of driving it. My daughter will be starting to drive soon, and she is begging me to give her the car. She loves it, but Im not sure that I want to give it up!

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  Lincoln Aviator - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Eric165 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I think this car has a very good ride. It has a very powerful engine in its class. It has a good price then most European and Jappaness conpetitors. Good handiling has a nice interior trim. After a month theres been noise in the steering wheel.

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  Nothing rides like a lincoln! - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By daniel49546 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, I always have loved Lincolns air ride. Seats are comfortable and spacious, Cup holders are an improvement. Heated seats and gps are quality.