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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  2002 LS Sport - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By LOBSENZA - June 25 - 9:10 am

  This is the best handling vehicle I have ever owned. I test drove over 5 competing models and the LS was clearly superior (especially when price is put into the equation). The seats are increadibly comfortable. The drivetrain is very smooth.

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  Lincoln LS V8 - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Frank M. - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Compared to the Infiniti G35 sedan, the Lexus 300 ES or the Saab 9-5 this car rocks. Its a great car. Fun, performance, comfort, features.

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  Personal Safety Rating Testimonial - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Michael Summers - June 22 - 10:00 am

  An accident in front of our Lincoln Navigator forced us to come to a complete stop on the interstate. A girl rear ended our Navigator at 70mph. We were completely stopped and it pushed our truck forward the space of 2 parked cars. All 5 passengers in our vehicle walked away from this accident with no broken bones and only stiff necks and joints. This vehicle is more than a pretty ride. Its a steel bubble that saved my family from a potentially fatal accident. I highly reccomend the 1999 Lincoln NAVIGATOR not only for security, but as well as for style, class, and reliabilty. Two thumbs up to Lincoln on a job well built!

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  it works ! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By yogidoc - June 22 - 10:00 am

  traded my porsche 03 cayenne for aviator fully loaded. Porsche killed my back driving in the city, terrrible suspension!Aviator alot more practical and much better value, love high seating postion , handling , and 300 hp much better urban truck,however porsche blows the aviator away on highway....worth not having chronic back problems

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  Good Car - Great Value - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By GUT - June 21 - 1:06 am

  As my 2nd LS, the 2002 has been a workhorse. I have had it for seven years, now, and never had many problems with it. The electrical system has had its problems, over the years, but it has always been underr warranty and never been a severe problem. For those who bought a 5- series BMW, you could have saved your money and had a better vehicle. I would buy it again, if Ford hadnt stopped making them! In case you are wondering why the American auto manufacturers cant survive - look no further than this decision!

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  Downsize - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Southern girl - June 20 - 1:30 am

  From a Navigator to MKX, sizable change, but so far great CUV! Hoping for better gas mileage than Ive gotten so far. Lincoln could make a go cart and I would buy it. Enough about the grille, I like it better than the Ford Edge. Interior could have a little less plastic and more bling! Wish the tailgate window opened.

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  Move away from the edge - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Lanis - June 16 - 7:20 pm

  Compared the Edge to the MKX and the MKX is a better value and better looking. Bought the MKX in March with the 20" chrome wheels and black exterior. Looked at an another MKX with the 18" wheels but the 20" looks extra nice. The monochrome limited edition completes the package! Average 18 MPG in mixed driving with no problems at all. Really like the telescoping wheel since I am very tall. Lots of rear seat room as well as room behind the rear seats. Good size for a family of four. Was worried about not having AWD since I live in snow country, but the FWD MKX did extremely well in our last major snowstorm!

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  love that mks - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By wendell - June 14 - 8:10 pm

  Great looking,very sporty lux car. Good acceleration and braking.The AWD is the only way to go. Good road adhesion and very little body roll in spirited driving. Very tight turning radius for a large car. Love the radio and Sync.

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  Lincoln No. 1 - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Davion - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, I love this car

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  Really Holds Up - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By Joeyem - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Every car has a few irritations, in this case door hinges that dont latch and brakes that pull right very slightly when it rains, and an unfriendly trunk thats too deep. Rides like a cloud, very plush and relaxing and QUIET! But best of all I get over 26mpg on the expressway and average about 21 with a mix of city and expressway driving. The engine is so solid I know one