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:

• 

  Simply Marvelous - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mr. Carkin - August 17 - 6:40 am

  Although I have owned the 2006 Signature Limited Town Car for only five days, I feel that I should speak. I traded in a 2002 Town Car which I loved. As much as I loved the old car, the new car is firmer in handling, the ride is significantly improved, absorbing bumps with grace, and the car is as firm as can be on the road. It is a beautiful car to drive and to look at. Improvements? Thicker visors, like the 2002, richer leather on the dash and other trim, real wood instead of plastic for the "wood" trim on the dash. The back seat could have a bit more standard leg room. These are small issues for a car that is very pleasing to travel in and effortless to drive.

• 

  Better Than Expected - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By David - August 15 - 2:56 pm

  This is our 2nd version of the Navigator. Our previous was a 2004 and this model is definitely improved. We have a 2007 Escalade as well and except for the larger rear view camera and more powerful engine on the Escalade, the Navigator beats it in all other areas.

• 

  Too Many Quirks in MKS - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By patty radvansky - August 4 - 8:46 pm

  I have owned the MKS for 6 months & have had it in the shop 4 times. The week after I purchased car the radio would not come on unless I cut the car on & off several times, plus there is a very loud popping sound from the speakers when I first start car. There are constant rattles in dash. These problems have been going on since I purchased car. They are not certain of cause. Now I have a new rattle in the sunroof.The rattles are so annoying you have to cut radio up to drown out, since the radio does not work half the time this is a problem. Also cup holders are entirely too small. I have been in a rental 3 times since i purchased & currently in one now. Not Happy with purchase at all!

• 

  Impressed with MKX - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By ok_native - July 20 - 4:35 am

  We purchased the MKX to replace 2012 Infiniti FX 35 we had for 2 years. Although we loved the FX35, we both decided that we needed more interior space for travel. The FX 35 is not as roomy and accommodating. So far this has been a joy to own. Smooth and noise free driving. I am surprised to see that others have not had this same experience. We had a 2010 VW Toureg prior to the Infiniti and it was built rugged as well as luxurious. So, the MKX has a nice feel in the middle. I think it will hold well to taking the dogs to the vet as well as transporting the grandchildren to activities. I will come back and update after owning for a year, any negative issues.

• 

  dual climate control - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By thomas - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2010 Lincoln MKX and am dissatisfied with the dual climate control air conditioning system. The system in the automatic mode does not cool the vehicle as stated in the manual. This was witnessed by service manager at the Ganley dealership in cleveland as well as a regional rep. They state the system is working within fords parameters. Flaw is that if the temperature outside is above 80 degrees the inside temp of the system is set at 70 or 72, when the temp inside the vehicle hits 80 the fan speed will reduce, and the vehicle will not cool in a reasonable amount of time (20 minutes? )as the manual states.I cannot safely drive and dial in the manual a/c.

• 

  I would recommend the MKX - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Lizardgizzard - July 7 - 9:00 am

  The wife and I liked the 08 MKX we had(a lease) so much that we purchased the 10 model. The MKX has been a great vehicle for traveling. The vehicle is comfortable, roomy, performs well in all weather conditions, and for the size has good performance. The gas mileage is the only down side. We took the vehicle on a 4000 mile trip and 19-21mpg on the highway is the best we could get. Overall I would recommend this vehicle, over Lexus or the others.

• 

  Comfort Over Performance - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By BillyBobJoe - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive. Exceptional interior and trunk room. Exceptional gas mileage for large car with V8. Handles well for large car. Well built with no rattles. Engine runs well, but have had starting problems on occassion that cant be explained.

• 

  The one to buy. - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By keith foster - July 2 - 2:13 pm

  My second. Put well over 100K miles on my 99 Nav. It would be nice to have a few more ponies and mileage, but that could be said of most all vehicles. Interior is on mine is black, exterior is silver. Best looking and best finished of any SUV as far as I am concerned. Handling in wet and around sweeping turns above 70mph is very good even though mine is 2wd. Braking is excellent, but with stock pads dust is horrible. You wont be disappointed with the luxury. Service at local dealer is biggest complaint. One small problem becomes many problems after they get done. Selling dealer did a great job, but to far to take it to them for service. I would buy it.

• 

  Luxury SUV - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Dre G - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I truly enjoy driving my Navigator. It is more classic than the ghetto looking Escalade. The controls are easily accessible. The ride is very smooth, handles well for a vehicle that size.

• 

  Disappointed Owner - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By FormerLincolnLover - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Almost every item listed in tech bulletins applies to this vehicle. Frequent chimes with no read out, automatic windshield washer functions according to the mood of the car, sometimes comes on on a bright sunny day for a couple of swipes, frequently needs a boost to begin operation in the rain. Engine light, check Advance Trac and Cabin Filter lights often show, moisture in headlights. Re-setting a computer seems to be the standard answer. Steering column assembly had to be replaced because of worn bearings. One sway bar broken, other replaced because of excessive wear of bolts. Trunk lid and left rear door were out of line. Because of this auto has only 18000 miles.