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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  It will leave you high and dry! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By heather - January 15 - 6:13 pm

  Cheap car for a not so cheap price. Air suspension problems, hood hinges go bad, vehicle wont start on certain days (dealer cant find the problem) back up sensors dont work on certain days, electrical system is not right, climate control buttons pop off. Very cheaply built! Car only has 78,000 miles and its junk. Resale value is horrible. Only worth $7,000 (after only 5 years!) Requires premium gas. Door molding coming apart. AC burps when you turn it on.(all of this even with an extended warranty and constant service.

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  one of the biggest pieces of junk MADE - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By MACATXFL - January 15 - 11:43 am

  I have Owned around 40 Cars/Trucks/SUVs and this 2003 Lincoln Navigator is one of the biggest pieces of junki have ever owned . all started with the dealer selling it and 2 days later started having Electrical problems . i have had with this truck i will never own another FORD/LINCOLN ever again and i have owned 6 fords i can see why all the USA car makers are failing and going out of business they make junk plain and simple and can see why Toyota and Honda rule the auto INDUSTRY TODAY

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  Not Your Fathers Lincoln! - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Jim G. Verges - January 15 - 5:53 am

  I have ridden in Lincolns before; my father currently owns a 2004 Lincoln Town Car, and it is an excellent car which does what it is designed to do- transport its occupants in luxury with every conceivable convenience at your finger tips. The vehicle is solid, well-built auto with a velvet-smooth ride. The only draw back is that it does not exude the image of a performace sedan. So when I had the opportunity to rent a Lincoln LS a few months ago, I was pleasantly surprised by a Lincoln that is not only luxurious, but also a pleasure to drive. The acceleration is brisk, yet refined enough to not spill your passengerschampange. The build quality is excellent, and the design is very sexy.

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  Real Head Turner - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Kristy H - January 15 - 2:23 am

  What can I say about this car but unbelievable! This car is a real head turner. I been driving this car since mid January and I get compliments weekly. The interior is excellent and has a luxury feel. Love the MP3 plug in for my ipod. Very roomy car and the dual seat settings are a plus as my husband has been taking my car everywhere and it is so much easier now that all I have to do is push a button and my seat is back where I want it. The car is absolutely beautiful exterior. When I am parked in a parking lot nothing compares to the beauty. The ride is smooth on the highway and very controllable on the back roads. I travel both to work. Both feels great. Love It!

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  I love this car. - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By A.L. Johnson - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I am so pleased with everything about this car. It is quite, fast, smooth. Even though the V8 premium sport seemed a bit pricy I now feel it was worth every penny for the upgrade for all of the little nice features.

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  Electrical Problems - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By bill - January 13 - 8:30 am

  Not one thing electrical on this vehicle has not broken down. Sound system, Reverse warning system, Navigation System, Heat, Air, Windows have all malfunctioned. Currently looking to bring in again for another heating problem. Also, vehicle is very loud. Vehicle also takes forever to heat up or cool down inside. Seat warmers take at least 10 minutes to start working. SUV also has leaking problems in the back due to poor craftmanship.

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  Love my SUVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Ken Anzules - January 12 - 4:10 am

  We love our 2005 Lincoln Aviator. The mileage could be better,but we knew we were getting into a V8 performance. We searched for over a year for the perfect SUV for our family. We are so glad we found this one.

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  not as good as it looks - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By john - January 11 - 9:43 am

  the lincoln mark lt looks like a winner, but it is covering just an average truck. the quality control from the factory needs improvements. Many thing were not correct on the delivery of the vehicle and has taken a lot of personal time to try and correct unfinished items on the truck. I would not recommend this truct to any of my friends.

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  The American Import - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By cdphillips - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. Styling, performance, etc. The new 280 HP V8 is great. The Advance Trac has been improved. The heated & cooled seats have been very useful so far. Adjustable pedals add to an already great interior. The cabin is so unbelievably quiet. The ride is smooth and yet responsive. Gas mileage has been improved. I could go on and on but Im sure you get the picture.

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  No Problems - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By TennesseeLS - January 8 - 12:16 pm

  I waited for the second year (2001) to buy my V-8 model, and it has zero problems. My wife likes the attactive body and interior while I like the power and handling. I systematically test drove competing cars over the same test loop (yes, I am an engineer) and the LS was far superior to all but the much more expensive BMW 5-series in power and handling. America can compete.