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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  Great Car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Happy LS owner - December 23 - 12:50 pm

  im on my second LS and consider it one of the best all-around cars ive owned which include BMWs and do not hesitate recommending it to others. ive had only minor defects on the two ive owned both not requiring special trips into dealership. highly recommend both as new or buying as used.

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  Makes Driving Fun Again - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By ver2us - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Lincoln product I have ever purchased. (wont be the last) It is so much fun to drive, I find myself looking for excuses to do so. The car is absolutely beautiful, I have had lots of admiring looks. Nice, quiet interior, comfy seats. I feel very safe in this car. Oh, and did I mention it is fun to drive?

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  Very good but not great - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By brxv - December 22 - 10:00 am

  A BIG car ride and drive. A truly excellent dollar value, lots of toys, driver select system is quite good. Driver information center is very easy to operate and love the compass. Gas mileage for the 275 HP Intech is quite good. And...the Continental is smooth and powerful on take off. Front-wheel drive leads to slight oversteer. Thus you dont have the feel of a great American luxo-cruiser. Good....not great. Much, much better value than Audi A6, Acura any model, Volvo, Jaguar, Lexus or any of the other mid luxury cars. THE VERY BEST CLIMATE CONTROL AND AC of any vehicle I have experienced.

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  Great car - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Charles-Martin - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 LS as a used former Hertz rental car. It is by far the best car I have ever owned. Faster and more powerful than a BMW, styled like a Mercedes, comfort like a Lincoln! I love it.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By LawRev - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The Lincoln LS is an excellent alternative to the foreign sport sedan models. The car has an excellent value quotient, both new and used. The vehicle I own has been quite reliable and the dealer takes care of it as needed.

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  Easy to Love and Easy to Drive - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By CommanderRR - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Great Ride compared to 02 Towny, THIS IS the AUTO to be Ridin the Freeway/Tollway or anyway. Yes, Yes,Yes rear drive American luxury is the best!! Auto wipers, lights, radar, sonar, compass, nav system, and lots of ROOMMMMMMMM. And...while inside the weather is so delightful!! Everything operates with ease (I programmed the home-link). The T Car is so easy to drive. Great brakes, acceleration and nimble handling. Outside is, well...outside and Im inside chillin or warmin and cruisin. Love when the radar/sonar shuts off my audio system!!

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  Pleasantly Pleased - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By gardnercha - December 22 - 4:03 am

  Have had this car for 3800 miles and waited to write this review until I had some experience and a long trip before doing so. At first I was not happy with navigation maps not being up to date, but since have used it and love it. The ride is OK compared to my 2004 DHS Caddy that it replaced. The seats are more comfortable and fit my body so well I was less tired on long trips. I just drove it 2000 miles and got nearly 27 MPG overall. Very pleased with all the technology and would recommend this car to anyone in this price range.

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  Great Road Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By jimbo - December 20 - 5:56 pm

  Wifes car: Great road car 27-28mpg. have had to rebuild differential $1000 in 09, This year new rack and pinion & ball joints $1000, 07 two new coils and valve gaskets $900. We plan to keep this car although future repairs may change out decision. Car is a joy to drive we do many road trips. Ford recommends prem. we use regular no problems re reg at all over the years

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  best suv in the world - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By e welch - December 17 - 3:40 am

  I drove them all, the Navigator for the money was the best. The dealer was also a big reason....one price easy atmosphere and a great owner. Lincoln really did a great job with this vehicle very smooth ride and very quiet. love my navigator! e

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  Drivers Seat poor quality Leather - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By wrudge - December 16 - 2:41 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Zephyr via an auction in 2009. Sharp, sporty looking car! Mine is dark gray & has the light gray interior. The car had a slight worn spot in what appeared to be a seam on the left hand side of the upper drivers seat. In time the worn spot appeared to stretch & you could see fibers & then the dye in the leather started to come off in just that one small section. I paid $400 to have the upper seat leather replaced. It happened again & they took the cover back and gave me another. Now, less than 6 mos. later it is doing the same thing. The same location on all 3. Time for a meeting with a Factory Rep.