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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  Drives like a luxury car - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Stacy - October 23 - 12:40 pm

  I have owned my Aviator for 3 months now and Im in heaven. I love the truck more and more everyday. It drives like a luxury car. It does very poor on gas but I knew that when I purchased it. I would recommend this truck to everyone. The DVD system and sound system are great.

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  Great buy, nice car - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By michaelait - October 16 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased this LS more or less blind. I went to the dealership looking at Fusions. The salesman showed this to me. I drove it and was impressed. A doctor had owned it, it is loaded, he left it very clean. I love the power of the v8 and the rear drive. The tranny is very smooth as is the acceleration. Seats, although flat, are comfortable. They are heated and cooled which is nice. The handling is exceptional, it has a very tight turning radius. It cruises very well at 85 and 90. I averaged 25.5 miles on a trip to Texas, which I thought was darned good for a v8. I have two complaints: the AM radio reception is weak, and I do experience some valve chatter during hard acceleration.

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  lincoln towncar - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By gerald compton - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this car is wonderful to drive. not great on gas, looks real good. the only thing is the paint fades on this model and ford will not make it good. its $3500.00 to repaint. only fades on the passenger side doors. be careful of the paint job. that is my only complaint about this car. thanks,

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  a sleeper - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By William - October 11 - 7:40 pm

  Bought this Town Car recently for a little under seven grand and cant believe what a fine car it is. Had only 61,000 miles on it, was a one owner, and been carefully maintained. Gets great gas mileage, has tons of room and the ride is fantastic. Paid property taxes on it of only $117 annually. Gas mileage on the interstate is in the 23-24 range. Cant imagine a better overall value. Much better vehicle than the more bubble-shaped newer Town Cars. All my friends thought I was nuts when I bought it, but once they rode in it they were green with envy.

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  What a Bargin ! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By SandyBoy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I was between the new Infiniti M45 & the new mid-year Town Car, the Limited Edition Cartier. The Infiniti had more optional toys and what I thought was exterior styling more to my taste. I thought the M45 was beautiful from any angle. I drove both. The T.C. was the winner for smoothness and comfort. The M45 was tight inside, especially in the rear and legroom in front. Price was the clincher! Both listed just dollars apart. Infiniti dealer would give just $1,300 off MSRLP and there was no factory rebate. The TC had $4,000 rebate & $3,500 off MSRLP & $1,000 owner loyality bonus, for $8,500 of MSRLP. That closed the deal.

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  Good car overall, but not great. - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By bobh - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The radio is not as good (sensitive) as my 2000 TC. The engine is noisy, not throaty as some describe. Transmission doesnt shift as smooth as my 2000. Handling is much improved. I like the car overall, but wish some things were as good as my 2000.

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  Oil LeakI - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By hughege - September 28 - 9:20 pm

  I took my LS to dealership regarding an oil leak problem on driveway at my home. I have 44500 miles now and still covered by warranty. The service advisor determined a recall item (hose) need replacement. Before driving off the lot, I saw a oil leak again. returned to service advisor pointing it out. He described it as a run off,after other fluids levels had been topped. I was not convinced and told him. He said drive it a few days if oil continues to leak to dealership. One week later oil puddle still on my driveway.

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  handles great at 125mph - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By fast1990 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  my 1998 lincoln towncar doesnt have what most would say a sporty look, but what i have found out is that it handles excellant at 125mph.

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  Buy One if You Dont Mind Being Gased - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Shqipo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This large SUV is plain gorgeous. The seats are roomy, visibility is excellent, the ride is almost car-like, the third row seating is gracious. I would have appreciated a nicer material to be used on the inside door panels.

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  Nav 03To Be or Not To Be... a lemon... - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jarule - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle on 9/29/03 due to Fords 72 months/0% financing. I always wanted to own a Navigator. I have been back to the dealership three times. Excessive wind noise on the passenger door (due to a latch), replaced windshield fluid reservoir (sensor kept coming on),and replaced driver side mirror motor (cracking noise). I dont have a good feeling about this SUV. Any new prospective buyers... DONT DO IT. I was happier with my Tahoe. Dont get sucked in with end of the year deals. Ill keep you posted.