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, but needs more polish - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By LIZARDGIZZARD - December 22 - 8:23 pm

  I have had the car since Dec 2008 and love it. The car has great appeal, good power, roomy, with a great nav and Sync system and overall very comfortable. However, I have to agree that the opening to the truck is small, considering the size of truck is so enormous. In addition, I have had some issues that are annoying, but do not deter me for my love of this vehicle. The transmission is a little rough around the edges and would shift harshly depending on the throttle input. In addition, this car does not like the cold. Every time the temperature is below 20F, I am unable to get sound from my radio or the media center, until the car warms up.

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  2003 aviator - 48000 miles. Nice SUV - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By msh - December 21 - 10:20 pm

  2003 Aviator owned for 2 years. Have 48,000 miles. Minimal problems (broken light wire problem prevented shifting out of park). Otherwise, a very reliable vehilce. Fun to drive, lots of power and acceleration, Plush interior, but the console plastic/finish should be higher quality. Mine is loaded with Navigation, DVD, etc. For the small amount of warranty work performed the dealer has been very helpful.

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  Princess - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By DEBM - December 21 - 7:20 am

  It has been a long time since Ive driven a car I really enjoy, but Princess was a true bargain for me at just 1,500. Ill never go back to a small car again. Economy vs luxury, sorry but Ive paid my dues and this car is my pay off. The body design cant be beat and once on the highway, I average 28 miles per gallon.

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  2013 MKZ Hybrid after 1,400 miles - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By daveswin - December 21 - 5:59 am

  As with most of the other reviewers, there are many things to love about this car. Im like a kid in a candy shop (more like a techie in a computer shop)! The style is gorgeous, the electronics incredible. There are so many well-thought-out accessories that you will find after you start using them (many will only be discovered as you get to know the car). But dont expect 45/45/45 for mileage. By the cars gauge, I have only gotten 35 - 37 MPG, and that is on both city and a trip (mostly flat; not speeding).

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By marogy - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This car reminds me of when I was a teenager. The car has great acceleration and corners like a sports car. Along with being quick it has all the luxury you would want. The only change I would like to see is an updated more euro styled dash.

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  SAFEST, MOST BEAUTIFUL RIDE - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By ROBERTA CHAPLIN - December 21 - 2:00 am

  WHEN I RIDE MY NAVIGATOR, I FEEL LIKE I AM THE QUEEN OF THE WORLD. ITS SAFE, EASY TO HANDLE EVEN THOUGH ITS THE SIZE OF A SMALL TANK. I GET A LOT OF RESPECT FROM THE OTHER DRIVERS (WHICH IS RARE THESE DAYS). BEST VEHICLE I EVER OWNED.

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  Absolutely wonderful! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Scott - December 20 - 8:16 pm

  I have only had the car for a few days now, but I am sorry that I didnt purchase it sooner. I already had an SUV and wanted to get something newer with less mileage. I can honestly say that I think I made the perfect choice. It is extremely comfortable, the V8 has more power than a lot of sports cars and SUVs, and to beat all, you cant beat the value!!! I echo the sentiments of another reviewer - it should have never been taken off the market. My suggestion: if you are looking for an SUV for comfort, reliability, and ultimate luxury, look no further than the Lincoln Aviator!

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  Aviator Owners Review - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Tim - December 17 - 12:10 pm

  This has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its reliability is outstanding. Its power and handling is on par with the BMW-X5, and its quieter. I now have 82,000 miles on the vehicle and it runs as well as it did when I bought it. The best way to describe it is its still tight. No rattles. No loose parts. No electrical gremlins. At 60,000 miles I used the Aviator to tow a small car from southern Calif. to Las Vegas. I was pulling approximately 3,600lb and it didnt break a sweat. I even averaged 17 mpg. I disagree with the comment about lacking refinement compared to European SUVs. The Aviator set a new standard for affordable luxury. I paid $10K less than a similarly equipped BMW!

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  Love It - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Brandi13 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  We love this vehicle. We use it as a family car and there is plenty of room for two children with lots of trunk space. Milage is good for a V8 at 22 miles per gallon. The vehicle handles great and runs great. Only thing that has needed to be done after 126000 miles was brakes and wheelbearings. Love the vehicle, hard to compare to others.

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  The best SUV ever!!!!! - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By soccerdad55 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS NOW AND I SIMPLY LOVE IT!!!IT PROVIDES ONE OF THE MOST SMOOTHEST RIDES OUT THERE. it HAS ALL THE LUXURY FEATURES ANYONE NEEDS.aCCELERATION IS FAST ENOUGH FOR ME.tHE BRAKES ARE ONE OF THE BEST...AND REALLY GOOD IN CONTRAST TO THE H2 AND ESCALADE. tHERE IS ALMOST NO WIND NOISE AT A STEADY 80MPH. THE LEATHER VERY,VERY SOFT. tHE AIR SUSPENSION MAKES ME FEEL AS IF I WAS RIDING ON AIR. HANDLING IS ALSO GREAT.