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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  What a step up - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bellefe - May 12 - 2:10 am

  After spending a month driving my mother in law Mercedes E class and then my my sister in law Accura, We were sick of the small car noise, cramped head room and low to the road feel. We call a cab to take us out to Dulles for the trip back west, we got in to the Limo and had the ride of our lives. I asked the driver what this incredible smooth beautiful car was and he said a Lincoln town car made in 2005. We went shopping for a Town car after selling the Suburban and think it is the best Luxury car Ive owned. Ive owned Mercedes, Accura, Sterling, Lexus and this is heads above them all. Thank God for the hordes loving the foreign car these car are just a great price for the ride

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  I LOVE IT BUT I WILL HAVE TO MOVE ON - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By KELLYMC - May 2 - 2:06 am

  I must say that I love love love my car. It is stunning to look at and comming from a background of sports cars it is a super fun car to drive. Heads turn when people see this car comming down the road. There is a huge "but" in the midst of all of the things I love about this car! I have had to replace the window motor on the drivers side twice and the passenger side once. I have had gaskets replaced, coils 1,3,5 & 8 replaced and still have 4 more to go but can only get them replaced as they go out. The sun roof leaks but the crazy twist is that it fills up the pocket on the passenger door! I truly hate to get rid of the car but the repair costs are killing me!!!!!

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  Nuther satisified owner - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By stevenwglauser - April 26 - 4:36 pm

  Its not a BMW. It doesnt cost what I BMW does. I didnt want a BMW. I did want an American car that follows the formula - good size, great handling, decent acceleration, etc. etc. I got it. One of the best cars Ive owned (12 in the last 16 years.)

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  02 LS Ohio - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By craig - April 23 - 6:06 am

  Ive been pretty happy with this car. One problem that worries me is the transmission, however. We had problems at approx. 20k miles with it, and the dealer rebuilt it (warranty). We now have 44K miles and the tranny is acting funny again. It "clunks" when you shift from park to drive (occasionally, maybe once every other day). There is no tranny dipstick to verify fluid level or color. Changing fluid looks like an ordeal, requiring special tools (read, costly). Other than the tranny, the car has been good, and fun to drive. This is the sport edition with V8.

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  2004 LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Jersey Guy - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Have had our LS appearance package 6 cyl for just about a month. Got an excellent deal and so far the car is performing up to expectations. Build quality appears to be first rate, paint is flawless(vivid red). My first experience with Lincoln (or Ford for that matter). Been driving Audis for 2 decades and most recently a Cadillac. If the LS holds up over time it will have been a good decision. Already looking at the 06 Zeypher as a possibility for me as the LS is my wifes car.

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  nice car !! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Daniel Castillo - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is a good compeition for BMW,Mercedes Benz, Lexus, etc. and is more afordable than most luxury cars.

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  2001 Gator - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By leg-lkg - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding quality and reliability. A joy to drive and the best towing vehicle ever. I cant wait to get my next one.

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  ls - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By chin man - April 10 - 2:00 am

  the buying experiance was excellent. the most friendly people i have run into, and i have bought 4 new cars in 8 years. the veh handles excellent and is tighter than i thought possible with a sedan. driving at 90mph feels like 50. could use low end oomph. overall i like it.

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  Lincoln Lemon? Check It Out. - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lincoln Lemon - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has way to many bugs. For example: 1.Car turns off at a stop for no reason. 2.A/C makes a grinding noise and vibrates when turned on. 3.Front drivers seat shifts when exilerating from stop. 4.Rusty seat frames. 5.Heat distribution inside not balanced.

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  LS - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Pen - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car because JD Power had given it excellent reviews but my experience with the quality was poor. It was in the shop a lot. Now I am look at having to buy a new car because my warranty is up and I do not want to take any chances on having a major repair like in the past.