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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  A Headache So Far - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Rudy C. - June 20 - 8:03 pm

  I am financing my 2005 Lincoln Aviator and have had it since August 2008 and I have to say that I am experiencing a major problem with my power windows not working (they are now rolled down), the stereo doesnt work, and my AC lights do not work either. I have checked all the fuses both underneathe the dash on under the hood and all checks good, but still I am unable to close my windows or use my radio. This is a very luxury and beautiful vehicle, but I hate the fact that no one seems to know what has caused this problem. Please help!

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  can build it better than a rover - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By luis - June 19 - 12:53 am

  this suv is very nice, neat design but it lacks power and the inside rattles at times. security system for this vehicle should be improved also key should have a more distinctive look, rear middle seat should be as practicle as other seats, finally its time to make as big in room as the escalade ext. engine knocks at times when starting it shouldnt at any time just like the competitors dont

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  1st SUV - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Robert - June 12 - 8:13 pm

  The Lincoln Aviator is the first SUV that Ive owned. I am generally pleased with it, except that it gets terrible gas mileage. The interior is a little cramped when fully loaded with 7 passengers but it is much better than a traditional car. I bought it used with 20,000 miles on it and have had no problems except for the brakes. I may not keep it as long as I expected but that remains to be seen. By the way, the gas mileage improves significantly on the highway.

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  navigator - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By USERMRBIGl - June 12 - 2:00 am

  IT IS ONE OF THE BEST LARGE SUVS OUT ON THE MARKET ALOT OF LUXURY FEATURES COMPARED TO THE ESCALADE NOT SO BAD TO INSURE ALLSTATE HAS THE BEST RATE GAS IT IS AGUZZLER BUT IT IS A TRADE OFF WITH ALL THE SNOW THIS WINTER IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY

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  A nice SUV, but not perfect. - 2015 Lincoln MKC
  By skirk51 - June 6 - 8:42 pm

  Front seats are extremely comfortable.The leather wrapped steering wheel feels superb. It is a good height for getting in and out of easily. Gas mileage seems to be as advertised. But after driving it for three months, I have regretted my decision to buy. The ride seems harsh and jarring. I wish I had not let the dealer talk me out of waiting for one with the CCD. And why would a luxury vehicle (Select trim) not have a power adjusting steering wheel connected to the memory settings! Even worse, the lever for manually adjusting the steering wheel is very difficult to engage. Cargo space proved to be too limited for a trip with four adults.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Carolyn - June 4 - 10:56 am

  This Lincoln is a wonder. I have been accustomed to smaller Ford products and find that I lost nothing in economy and gained a lot in comfort and safety with this unit. On lengthy trips this Signature Lincoln will get about twenty-eight mpg. Its size and standard safety features give a good level of confidence. Fine vehicle, never in the shop for repair of any kind to date.

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  Comfortable and classy - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Cody Marten - May 28 - 1:16 pm

  For a 15 year old car, she still gets around quite well. I bought mine with a salvage title with 42k miles. Have put over 15k on it so far and have had no mechanical problems other than one instance of a mysterious loss of power. Despite this hiccup, the only problems Ive had so far are cosmetic damage associated with having a 10+ year old car. My only complaints would be poor fuel economy and turning dynamics. Its a big car with a big engine, so I expect to pay a lot for gas though. Due to its size, it doesnt take turns well. Your rear passengers may go for a ride if you take them too sharply. Overall, its been a great car and Ive enjoyed owning it.

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  Still Fun to Drive - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By markl - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the V8 LS in the first model year. Other than a couple of minor (i.e. < 1/2 day) warranty repairs, its been a great vehicle to own and maintain. Ive put 56,000 miles on it so far and Im having as much fun driving it today as I did the day I bought it. The handling is just superb and the ride is great.

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  Wasnt too bad until the 5.4 "death rattle" - 2010 Lincoln Navigator
  By brian selai - May 19 - 12:14 pm

  Bought the vehicle certified used in 2012. Wife happy with vehicle until last month. 140,000 miles and engine dropped a cylinder. Apparently the 5.4 triton has a bad reputation for this. After several hundred dollars in palliative attempts, it was recommended by a Ford garage to just replace the engine due to its reputation. Only other issues were the running boards needed serviced at about 80,000 miles, the air blender occasionally makes the rattle related to plastic teeth failure. Headlamps are pricey to replace also plan on several hundred when they fail. Another issue should be the limited illumination of the high beams. Really no better than regular headlamps. Not convinced we would buy another.

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  The Good and Bad of It - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Disappointed - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned car for 4 years. I purchased it brand new at top dollar. It has the Lincoln ride. Yea! I have had a few problems with it that the dealership has not been able to fix. I have had to replace the battery already. The plastic seat support broke and had to be replaced but still catches when I get out. The left front automatic window is scraping and the dealership only lubricates it. It makes a noise and leaves marks when raised and lowered. Big problem since new: delayed AC activation...Lincoln said this is the way it was made. The AC does not activate for 30-45 seconds. I understand it should activate in 8-10 seconds. Lincoln hasnt been able to determine how to fix this!