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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  My dream car turned nightmare - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Shadigga - February 9 - 1:16 am

  I havent had this car(00 v8) 4 more than a yr and its a nightmare.ive spent almost 2000 with repairs.thermostat, 2 window regs, ball joint,upper control arm, tire rod, gaskets, tires, brakes, with repairs left to be made. this was my dream car and i wish i had never bought it.

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  Nice to buy American again ! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By english - February 8 - 2:00 am

  A great vehicle to drive.Terrific engine and transmission.Be sure to include when test driving your next SUV

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Robert Redeker - February 7 - 1:36 am

  This is the finest car I have ever owned. I have owned the car for almost 2 months now and just love it. The performance from the motor and trans are execptional. The ride is awesome, tight but smooth and refined. Unbelievable all the looks you get on the road with this car. Im not sure its because people are trying to figure out what it is or because there really is not that many out there and they are curious. The cool factor is definitly a part of it Im sure. The gas mileage is not bad on this car either. I have gotten consistently above 25 and in a recent mostly hwy trip received 29.6 mpg. Thats not bad from the second tank of gas on the car. So far I have nothing but good to report.

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  An undiscovered gem. - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Dapper - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Own a 2004 sport V8. Previous Lincolns (3) were Continentals. This car is as different as night and day. I liked my Continentals but this car is much more FUN to drive. I think that Lincoln should be pushing this car more than it does. I think it could hold its own against any family car on the road.You dont have to be young to enjoy this car I am over 60.

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  condition of car - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By robert wulff - February 2 - 2:00 am

  very good riding and handling car

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  Excellkent Buy - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Just4God - February 1 - 4:40 am

  Quallity car. Very comfortable. Drove taxi with this car for a year and was really supprised with how comfortable it was. exspessally for long periods of time. Also get supprisingly good gas mileage for this size car.

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  Bound to be a Classic - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By rwd - January 31 - 3:40 am

  When it comes to collectability, a vehicles: styling, quality, performance, and enjoyability are paramount. Lincolns LS, which had a relatively short production life, certainly is stylish inside and out, and is extremely reliable. Reliability alone can make owning a car enjoyable, but ones appreciation for the LS is found in its sporty ride and excellent handling.

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  06 Town Car Sig LTD. - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Alnatl - January 29 - 2:40 am

  I have owned my 06 Town Car for approximately 14 months now and can safely say that it is one of the better Lincolns I have owned (and I have owned many since the 1982 model year). The new styling, introduced in 2003, is one of the best Ive seen on the road, and the ride is like no other vehicle in its class. Two thumbs up to the 2006 Lincoln Town Car!

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  fair - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By jack2468 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I found this car to have major shifting problems similar to bucking when pressing on the gas. It drives good on the highway but when i stop and go the vehicle throws me, Also, my transmission was replaced in the first 7 months but the problem still exists as far as i am concerned drive it for your self to see if you experiencesomething different i am not completely happy but see for yourself

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  Solid performer, no gimmicks - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By LS_lover - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Flawless handling, excellent thrust, solid braking, decent ride. Rigid, composed chasis. Drove it back to back against a 5 series, E-class, expecting not to be impressed. But found a more assured chassis than M-B, handling as aggressive as the BMW, and less road noise than either. This is a stealth premium car. Everything a BMW 5 series or an E-class has in terms of engineering and competence with none of their BS fake prestige, psuedo- snobbery, and overpriced pretense.