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 All Around - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By hobbles - January 20 - 9:32 am

  Being 19 I have a weirder taste than others my age but I love the nice large luxury sedans. Before this car I had a 1990 Dodge Dynasty which I loved but the air stopped working, the suspension was in need of some attention and the transmission went, it would cost more to fix than I paid for it so I needed to move on reluctantly. I love the look of this one over the rest being a gold (like my dynasty) and the soft top and that reflective band across the bottom sides. The inside is great has room for friends, is really quite inside and out, is smooth, and has some power when you need it. There seems to be no problems so far except for the soft top is kinda deteriorating due to neglect.

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  LS 2003 NEEDS WORK - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By HOWARD ROTHMAN - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have two major problems with my LS. 1. Car listed at 20/26 gas consumption. I get 15/26. Since most of my driving is city driving this is a problem. 2. I cannot see the dash in bright sun. Having a black dash is pretty but not a a smart thing. I spoke to the Lincoln consumer affairs people they made note of this and told me I wasnt the only one to complain. I consider this a safety problem.

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  Want my towncar back - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By diva50 - January 2 - 1:16 am

  I have driven Lincoln town cars since 1984 and have owned a total of 6. The Lincoln MKz cannot be compared to the ride and comfort of the towncar and the mileage per gallon is horrible. It Lincoln does not improve on this vehicle or bring back the town car, this will be my last purchase.

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  Why I like the Town Car - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By David Stewart - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a great car. Its my first Lincoln. It get great gas mileage 24.4 mpg, great for a car this size. The only complaint that I have is that there are no beverage holder except in the front ashtray, and they are very small. All in all this has been a great car. I have 160000 plus miles on it and it is still very dependable.

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  Like our Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By SHC - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Very roomy, comfortable. Drives good for a large car.

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  Aviator Review - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By SD MAN - December 22 - 2:36 am

  Outside mirrors tend to shake at higher speeds

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  Solid. - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By t328 - December 15 - 4:31 pm

  This was my first car, and overall, its been outstanding. The timeless exterior and interior design are, in my opinion, more attractive than the latest generation. I havent had trouble with rattles or squeaks, and all of the trim pieces have been extremely durable. Its been very reliable, just a couple of minor fixes here and there. The driving dynamics are reminiscent of a much smaller car, and the acceleration is impressive. The air ride suspension makes Texas dirt roads feel like the Nurburgring. Naturally, fuel economy is a pain; I usually get around 14 mixed. However, I drive pretty assertively and use regular gas. Overall, fantastic vehicle, I just wish I could afford the gas.

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  "Close " - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By chris culotta - December 14 - 1:53 am

  This is my second LS. I bought a 2000 new and the 2006 new. I call this review, "close" because just like Ford they almost get it and then drop the ball. Example, the front of the vehicle is spectacular, so is the side of the vehicle. The backend....boring. The back lights look like the were formed by the Keebler elves with a cookie cutter. Engine, wonderful. Transmission, has a mind of its own. Fit and finish ,more rattles than a maternity ward...Great comfort. The cas is a overall fun car that was overpriced by 10k.

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  Excellent - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By shoppingnurse57 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Navigator for not quite 1 year. I love driving it - I feel safe - it is a luxurious ride!

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  sydney - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By lenz - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Has been very reliable. Had to replacemanifold, air suspension boots in rear,one ball joint, wiring to wndshield wipers,