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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  New Lincoln Buying Mistake - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Merck - September 29 - 6:16 pm

  The car is sluggish and transmission hesitates when pushed down to pass or when needed to come up hills. It does the same when using the Remote Control. The car seems to be in a wind tunnel after 30 miles per hour. The hissing sound coming from the drivers side is very annoying and together with the Michelin tires whining noise makes a long drive not too appealing. As you can see mileage is very low (4200). I use my wifes 95 Chevrolet Corsica more often than the Lincoln! Another thing is that the car sways everytime wind hits it on its side. Im planning trading this car in for another make. Im totally unhappy with my 2004 Lincoln. Should have leased instead of buying.

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  Third, Worst and Last - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Last Lincoln - September 28 - 9:20 pm

  This is my third and last Lincoln. The quality is just plain overrated, mediocre at best. The wind noise around the front windows/doors will drive you crazy, not to mention the engine noise. Not enough power for this size car and lousy gas mileage. A/C will not keep occupants cool if outside temp is over 80.

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  Satisfied Comsumer - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By louis stoecklin - September 27 - 6:00 am

  This Lincoln has been a true pleasure to own and operate. I have owned this car since it was brand new from the Dealer to me. No major problems and no warranty issues at all. I went and had this car serviced as required and its performance was indeed a pleasure. Just before 100,000 miles I had services preformed and the dealer found items to replace under warranty and all were done at no cost to me, they even provided a loaner while work was done. This car again drives as new and all I had to do was replace the front tires. Rear tires have 100000 miles on them and are still going. Great investment and great car to own, to bad Ford discontinued the platform, its a great car.

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  Lincoln - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By hass - September 25 - 1:10 pm

  High quality of materials and great ride. Plenty of power when needed. Great hwy SUV. Love the interior design and air condition seats.

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  Outstanding - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By Wallace,J.E - September 24 - 2:26 am

  The best car Ive ever owned. The red color and paint are like new. Gas, oil,shocks,tires and battery are the only parts that have been replaced. Average overall gas mileage has been excellent. Highway - 24 to 26mpg. Town - 21 to 23mpg. with 4.6L, V8. An excellent automobile.

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  M. C. Thompson - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Lincoln - September 22 - 10:16 pm

  This vehicle has been the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. It is the first vehicle that I have put 234,000 miles. The only major problem I had was a blown out spark plug at 210,000 miles,which was probably my fault because I did not torgue it. Was able to find a used engine for about the same price has a new head. The car could use more power. However for traveling you cant beat it. Repair cost have been a lot less than for Cadillac owners Ive known. You cant beat the ride comfort. Will buy another one next time.

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  Great car to drive - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By SLincoln - September 21 - 10:00 am

  The strong points of this car are its performance. Acceleration and handling are both excellent. This adds up to a very safe high performing car. If you drive freeway this car allows you to get on and through spaces in traffic without any effort. The car tracks very stable and predictably at all speeds through varying tightness and undulating turns. The interior is clean and logically laid out, good rear seat room nice view with theater seating, very good stereo and easy to use NAV system. 7000 miles and no issues. Dealer has performed oil change no charge, the 3 year 36000 mi free maintenance is a great bargain.

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  45,563 miles, new transmission - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By lz 2006 - September 18 - 6:10 pm

  Bought the car 3/2006, use it to drive the 20 miles back and forth to work - today, 4/30/2010 found out I need a new transmission with only 45,563 miles.

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  not good - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By jax not satisfied - September 16 - 11:36 am

  Although I love the looks and feel of this vehicle it has been nothing but a headache. Always in the shop. It is wonderful to drive when it is running! Service department seems to have no clue on what is wrong. Can anyone say lemon? it is unfortunate that I have had this experience because I had my eye on a Lincoln for a long time before I decided to buy one. Now it seems I made a huge mistake. I am thinking about getting a more reliable vehichle and just giving up on my pretty Lincoln. I need a car that is dependable because I have an infant and I dont want to be stranded on the side of the road again. So sad

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  a very safe and comfortable car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By arthur allen - September 16 - 7:16 am

  this lincoln towncar signature limited is one of the safest auto I have owned the back up alarm is worth having above all other extras. it drive like a boat is as comfortable as dream I love every thing about it please dont change the looks of the car because you just got there in 2005. best looks in a long time keep it a while . I rate this car as excellent. ala