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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  Mediocre at best - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Mattius Maximus - October 4 - 10:36 pm

  Lincoln started sucking it up when they redesigned this car. Its got a good, reliable V8 engine but a 4 speed manual chokes the power. Its luxurious, good stock stereo, and relatively comfortable for long drives. If you are nice to it, its nice to you. Its no sports car, its your typical boat of a luxury car with a big engine. Im not shedding a tear at their discontinuation.

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  Noisy tires - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By kate - October 2 - 7:56 pm

  This was an incredibly quiet car to drive until about five months ago. I started hearing "wawawa" sound from the tires when moving and our trusted tire man rotated and aligned them saying the noise was due to "cupping." There is no uneven tread wear or any tread wear for that matter. Was told if continued, though annoying, was perfectly safe to drive on these Michelins. Not what I had in mind for a luxury car.

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  hot lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By captmo - October 1 - 10:00 am

  very enjoyable to drive. gas mileage is poor but it will go 90 miles an hour all day long on the road. the thx sound system is great

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  satisfied - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By DStorm - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This Navigator is an extremely reliable vehicle with outstanding performance in terms of speed and passenger comfort. However it also has an enormous thirst for premium fuel and is a little too much like the Ford F-150 on the inside.

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  No Competition! - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By smartlis - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 1999 Navigator for over two years now and have had absolutely no problems with it. My kids enjoy the comfort of the seats and room for all their friends when we go out. Great vehicle for people who carpool and want comfort and safety.

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  "Learning" to love my Lincoln... - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By texanson - September 14 - 8:21 am

  Traded my ML350 Benz for this little jewel in April. Drove it off showroom floor. Loaded. All options. Its my second car. The first few months, I did not like this car. I wouldnt drive it. I couldnt figure out how anything worked and was constantly having to actually pull over, and get out the owners manuals and learn how to turn on this or that option. It was very frustrating. However, in time, and after 6000 miles, I have, indeed fallen in love with this car. I find myself chosing to drive it more and more. IT has a learning curve for sure, but with some patience and teaching the old dog new tricks, its a great, fun car, that turns heads, and a real treat to drive,you will learn to love.

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  Best for the money- by far - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Tom Anderson - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned it for 10 years, and have 274,000 miles on it. Just came back from 2500 mile trip, 80 mph and 25 mpg, sailed along like it always does. Snobs can drive other things, this is the best for a car load of toys and presents and smart driving. I dont care what the others think, theyre wrong. This is a tough, solid car. Had one before totaled, t-boned by squad car, and i didnt even get a scratch. Want to live and live good? Get a towncar.

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  braking problems on ford full size cars - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By CLARENCE - September 2 - 2:00 am

  i have had 4 experiences of brake pedal travel so great that foot feed is pushed down at time of braking , this causes full engine power. i complained many times. i finally cured problem by putting 1/4 inch shims under left foot feed control at fire wall mount and 1/4 in at foot pedal mount.this moves the foot pedal away from brake and stops the problem. i this to showed to dealer.

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  Lincoln LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rick Wells - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent power and driving, however I am not impressed with the plastic bumpers, and am not impressed with how flimsy the rear quarter panel is attached - you can literally shake it wiwth your hand. However, the car is extremely light and they had to save weight.

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  2009 Lincoln MKS 4dr AWD - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Winton - August 15 - 11:03 pm

  The car glides and handles effortlessly. Lots of interior room both in the front and back. The Sync and Navigation systems are easy to use and work great. I feel its a good car for the money (despite the review from Edmunds) and would definately buy another one!