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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  Major upgrade from previous Navigators - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By Lanis - September 23 - 9:56 am

  When the lease on our 2002 Navigator was up, we decided to get a 2007 since the 02 had been such a reliable vehicle. Now that we have put 10,000 miles on the 2007, I can definitely say that Lincoln has moved the vehicle more upscale in terms of refinement and interior appointments. The THX audio system is unbelievable and the heated/cooled seats have come in very handy. Overall, the vehicle handles much better than the 2002 with less roll. So far, the vehicle has had no problems and is a joy to drive.

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  Georges - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Oscar O. - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This was a program car when I purched it. 21,900 miles have had it 19 months now 38,800 nothing wrong with the car, just to big wife does not like to drive it and it is not front wheel drive

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  the navve - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By mca - September 15 - 10:00 am

  its really fun to drive the nav except for the gas part. its like siphoning all the gas in the tank whenever you fill up

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  Decent Luxury SUV - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By TVGiant - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I like the Navigator but having an 04 Escalade also lets me compare easily. The Navigator is tighter and steers better than Escalade but Escalade rides smoother and has more power.

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  Love this car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By ecnjd96 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  What an engine!! Nice looking car and fun to driv

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  LINCOLN TOWN CAR - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By MDEHART - September 12 - 10:00 am

  THE ONLY BETTER CAR I HAVE OWNED IS A LEXUS LS400

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  First LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By MSWheel - September 7 - 8:23 am

  This is my first luxury sedan. Ive owned many sports cars and had trucks as my daily drivers. The latest sedan that I have owned is a 2006 Grand Prix, so my comparison will be based on that car. The LS is a very fun car and as it is used, it only has 4500 miles on it. The power level from the small V8 pushing 4K pounds is very substantial and smooth. The ride quality is very good and allows quick response during any situation and speed. As far as the interior goes I will have to agree that there should have been more effort from the designers in allowing more/better adjustments for the drivers seat, it just seems a little flat compared to the other vehicles I have had, inc the trucks.

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  Shocked - 2015 Lincoln MKC
  By olekiller - August 30 - 3:44 pm

  This is my 1st cross over. I also own a 2014 volvo s60 t6 awd that I love dearly. But this car got me in the sweet spot and im a 27 year old. If youre looking for 0-60 times or engaging performance looks elsewhere. But if you want a car that can carry some bags and make driving after a long day the easiest thing in the world. This is your one of the best option. Sometimes during hwy driving I purposely take the longer route so I wont have to get out(no lie) its so easy to drive. I wouldve never looked at lincoln before. The only thing I hate is the placement of the gear change please give me a stick back.

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  solid,safe,&roomy - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By madman4.6 - August 30 - 3:26 am

  this car has plenty of room for six folks(try that in your camry/accord,etc)and plenty luggage.xtra smooth ride,good mpg(up to 26 hwy),very reliable powerplant, never failed to start. just hit 100k and just had air suspension blow out. (MUST turn OFF air bag switch in trunk before jacking it up!). converted it to a standard coil spring setup for approx 1/2 the price. couple sets of brakes and tires and thats about it in nearly 10 yrs. So far its given us less $$trouble than relatives foreign made supposed reliable cars like accord and maxima. They are in the process of replacing them and well just keep riding in safety and roomy comfort.RWD American luxurycars are unbeatable for reliability

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  An opportunity Ford/Lincoln screwed up! Dont buy! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By totaljett - August 29 - 2:47 pm

  I purchased my Lincoln LS V6 with 67,000 Miles in 2003. I still have it today with 228,000 miles. The LS is like a beautiful lady, high maintenance and unpredictable. I will admit I cringe when looking at past repair bills but hey, whats done is done. My LS is still gorgeous and I intended to get my money back out of it. Yet Ive warned people who admire it that they had better not get one. Ive repaired things on this Ive never had to deal with before. My other car is a 2000 Infiniti Q45. Ive replaced the struts on it and egr valve.......thats it.