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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  LS Sport V8 - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By mwsouth - March 31 - 6:00 pm

  The Lincon LS is a car that has been overlooked by the public thanks to Lincolns poor job of advertising and promoting car. I have been stopped numerous times ith people asking me what car is that . It is understated, extremely comfortable and fun to drive. Lincoln has called me three times so far to see how I like the car.

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  Typical Car -- Audi A6 better! - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Nirvana - March 8 - 11:40 pm

  The Lincoln LS is for the basic transportation, not luxurious as a Cadillac CTS or Audi A6. I had this car for a for a year, and gave me alot of problems. First off it rattled a lot, poor mileage, weak performance. Seats started to rip and tear off, typical Lincoln, you know? Very unreliable, if you think this car is cool, I dare you to test drive a 2005 Audi A6 3.2 Quattro and tell me you didnt enjoy it. I personally wouldnt recommend it, Its your money. Keep on reading.

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  Just not sure yet???? - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By LisaB - March 2 - 11:16 am

  I just traded in my 2000 Infiniti I30 which I just loved and unfortunately miss after purchasing the Zephyr. I dont think the Zephyr is as sporty as I would like, but it is classy. I enjoy the heated seats and the sound system. I enjoy the smooth ride, but miss the sporty look and feel of the I30. I have no desire to go out and joy ride with this car. Ive only owned it a week and think Im still going through withdrawal of giving up my I30, so time will tell.

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  Happy customer - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By KEN - February 24 - 2:56 pm

  Top of the line is all i have to say, the best looking suv on the road. Great ride lots of room and power. Just a little sluggish. Wish it was a little quicker but we cant have everything

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  Overall - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Red - February 16 - 12:20 am

  The air conditiong fan creates deafening noises at most speeds. Seats are uncomfortable...passengers bottom out at every bump. every road anomally, bumps, cracks, patches etc can be felt thru the floor boards, steering wheel and the seats. I was a recent owner of a 2002 Cadillac and without a doubt, the Lincoln, by comparison, is not a Luxury Car. The suspension was probably designed by an ex jeep designer... The gas pedal frequenly causes the vehicle to jump from a start position. Lacks the smoothness of previously owned cars.

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  An American Success - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By reporter7 - February 2 - 2:26 pm

  Although Ive always been partial to european sports sedans, aside from a lack of "snob appeal" the LS V8 offers as much fun and more value than most of the offerings from across the pond. The drive train is faultless -- excellent power, silky smooth, and trouble-free. The ride/handling trade-off is well judged, and the balance possible with rear-wheel drive will be a revelation to those who have become accustomed to front-drivers.

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  Instr. Panel - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By John C - February 1 - 8:06 am

  I at times find that the speedodometer is very hard to see. It is subject not being bright enough to be seen with out a lot of strain. Other than this it is fine. You should not take your eyes off the road to read odometer.

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  World Class Sports Sedan - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By mr.t - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy driving this car. The engine is powerful yet the ride is very smooth. You really appreciate the effort that was placed in making the ride quiet. The LS handles like a fine tuned sports car. I like the exterior appearance. It is very nice without being overdone.... or "fadish."

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  World Class Sports Sedan - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Mr.T - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy driving this car. The engine is powerful yet the ride is very smooth. You really appreciate the effort that was placed in making the ride quiet. The LS handles like a fine tuned sports car. I like the exterior appearance. It is very nice without being overdone.... or "fadish."

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  Love it! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Rosi - January 23 - 8:43 am

  I bought this car in 2005 with 62k mls on it and since then it is really a good purchase. Never left me stranded or alone. Pleasure to drive, but tranny could be quicker to downshift. I had to change so far: sway bar bushings, brakes (75k mls), spark plugs, water pump hose, tranny fluid. Problem with fueling (still pending; evap hose broken or flap valve sticking). Otherwise regular maintenance, would buy again.