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:

• 

  Could Be Better... - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Roger2Texas - August 9 - 6:00 am

  Car rides smooth in city, absorbs bumps very well. Have had problems with A/C vacuum valve that controls recirculation of air. Had replaced twice, seems to be messing up again. A/C vacuum makes weird noises when car first started. On highway, car seems to sway a lot. This being the 3rd Town Car Ive owned, this has the worst handling quality on highway (especially with full load of 6 people). Bumpers quality is not as good as previous models, maybe should consider purchasing a Crown Victoria or Grand Marquis for a cheaper price (cuz they are off the same assembly line!!) Dont let the Lincoln logo fool you.

• 

  Supremely refined, but boring to drive. - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ethan Hawksley - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Its comfortable, quiet, and very refined, but it also has some aggravating flaws. My biggest gripe is that the OHC 4.6 engines torque output is barely adequate. As a result, the car is devoid of any spirit whatsoever and downright BORING to drive. Second, Ive had a tie rod end and upper ball joint both fail within the last two months because Ford used "sealed for death" parts in the steering linkage. Lastly, the rear end feels light at high speeds, like its going to break loose any second. I dont horse my Lincoln around like its a Corvette, but a luxury car SHOULD handle in a reasonably controlled manner when pressed a little harder than normal.

• 

  Sweet ride for long drives - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By irish35 - July 22 - 10:32 pm

  Have had the car for about two years, and it has been a pleasure to drive. I drive long distances on the highway and no car would compared to MKS. AWD (and 19+ tires) gives you excellent traction on the road and in the snow. Comfortable seats, nice features, smooth handling, plenty of power. This car is not built for racing, correct. But it would not disappoint, and indeed makes you proud, when you punch it to pass foreign competitors up the hill. Not 100% pleased with the interior design. Major issue for us (coffee drinkers) is that you cannot fit two coffee cups in this car; it has got space for 1-and-a-half!

• 

  My Little Lincoln - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By kinsellj - July 21 - 3:20 am

  This car met these criteria when I shopped: Under $30K, reg gas, leather, good gas mileage, bluetooth, American. There is no perfect car, but this one is really good. If the tranmission allowed it to be more responsive at highway speeds (acceleration), it would be darn close. It does not have the rock solid handling of my 2004 Accord Coupe, but actually gets around turns at the same speeds. At $26.5K it was the right choice. Sync is great, the standard stereo is good (I wish I got the THX). It is the best looking car I have owned.

• 

  Solid American Luxury - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By NCK - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Owned it since 95. Currently 78000 miles. Brakes were a problem until I got a Goodyear unlimited warranty on them...now OK. Had to have the trans rebuilt at 70000 but other than that NO problems and average 22 mpg. Solid and comfortable!

• 

  3 Year Cartier L Evaluation - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By noelbush - July 20 - 10:00 am

  A great road car for comfort. Wind noise is unbearable from around front windows where door meets windshield pillar. Excellent gasoling mileage for a car of this stature. Ride is unduly rough on other than smooth pavement.

• 

  Good, solid, comfortable car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bob - July 17 - 2:53 pm

  This is our second Town Car. The full- frame Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns are the absolute best ride on the road. We have two Jaguar XJs, both are fun to drive, but the quietness and comfort dont even come close to our Lincoln. The trunk space is unbelievable too. Last trip we drove the newer Jag. Thought Id need a crowbar and a stick of Dynamite to get our luggage out of the trunk. Highway mileage is good (24 MPG) for the size of the car.

• 

  Very nice - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Abe - July 17 - 2:10 pm

  I thoroughly enjoy the vehicle. Performance and mileage are very good considering the type of vehicle. My only real criticism is the level of finish under the seats...too many wires and cables visible. I would recommend an MKX!

• 

  Replaced SHO - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Scott - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 1998 SHO on the LS. Had 87,500 miles on the SHO. While I miss the SHO this is a fun car drive. Neighbor with a 99 BMW 525 was impressed with the LS. I prefer to compare to the SHO. Love it so far hope it is a good car. Considered the Lexus ES 300. Choose the LS based on additional power and handling.

• 

  Tall - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Mike3 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Much better lines then past models. Many nice "luxury" features inside.