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:

• 

  Died already - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By mricha02 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for about 6 months and its been GREAT!! Until....all of the sudden I was riding down the street, the dash lights went dim and the truck died. Its been in the shop for a week and they still dont know whats wrong. Some sort of electrical problem. Theyve already replaced the battery and alternator. Not what I expected from a 50K vehicle! Thinking about going with Nissans new fullsize SUV when it comes out.

• 

  2nd Lincoln MKX in ten days - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By 2ND LINCOLN MKX - November 24 - 3:00 am

  Aggressive, yet very inviting, approachable appearance of the car. My wife now has a black MKX and I chose the White Chocolate for keeping the car clean looking. Im a Buick owner (3 Regals) for the quiet and comforting cars they build. My wife wanted the Lincoln MKX. On the drive home, I instantly fell for the new levels of quiet in this Ford product - didnt believe it at first. No creaks, no sounds, and all the way around well functionally constructed design. Whether finding a comfortable seat, accessing the cargo bay or opening up the Vista roof, all are a pleasure.

• 

  Beware!!! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Gerald Stratos - November 24 - 2:06 am

  I bought my beautiful LS V8 sprt pkg. In March 05 and been having trans problems, (it likes to shift to neutral when coming to a stop while still in drive!!! at cold startup) Also, the rack and pinion seeps fluid, the alignment is shaky, and the motor misfires horribly. Its not over yet! My door handle wont open the drivers door from the inside. I have to roll my window and open it from the outside. This is not pleasant during the winter... I still owe 12,500 on the darn thing... Im looking to trade it off. Oh and the chrome wheels are peeling terribly near the centercaps. Not to mention the weather stripping is coming loose as well. yours truely, Helpessly suckered in Mogodore

• 

  Navigator Dud - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Derrick Soo - November 20 - 2:20 pm

  Since taking delivery, this DUD is now approaching 3 weeks worth of repair time. Had to contact Lincoln CEO & DM to get this last service done. Customer service is non-existent and rude. This was my second Navigator, and will be the last. SUV has been in for two major repairs and replacements. First was total front drive system and steering, now Tranny. Had side panels fall off on the freeway and the HID headlights didnt work upon delivery. Lincoln has not been helpful at all. No loaners at Hayward Lincoln.

• 

  2000 Lincoln Continental - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By rbandy - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Ford holds America alive in the vehicle market with Lincoln.

• 

  Moved over to Lincoln - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By jbfalaska - November 13 - 6:23 pm

  Always a Buick owner. Quiet, rubber soft quiet tires, yet with power are my likes. Hated Ford products due to the incessant noise. No longer. I bought a black MKX for my wife and on the drive home, turned around and bought another 5 days later. Incredibly roomy, well thought out access to all seats, great sync features, good sound system, and the leather seats look tight yet flexible for seating.

• 

  Love the Lincoln Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Lorna LV, NV - November 11 - 1:23 am

  I Love my Jaguar, but this car is nice! So quiet and elegant. People look at it all the time as if to say "What is that car?!" We were very happy with the standard options found on this car. We looked, drove, bought. That simple! Nice, too, that it is an American manufacturer. Way to go!

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By vinny - November 8 - 10:53 pm

  I bought my 2003 Aviator new. The truck is quick and beautiful looking. I got it in the pearl white with the white leather. Not the best choice with kids but still looks good after 6 years. I did have two problems which the dealer fixed under the warranty .The idler pulley was giving off a whining noise. They replaced it and it fixed the problem . The second problem was a rough idle and it would come close to stalling. It was a vacuum leak that the dealer fixed with the warranty. I have 61,000 on it now and it has started to idle rough again but Im sure it is a simple fix . People who complain about the interior of this truck are crazy. It is very luxurious and comfortable.

• 

  The best car I have owned - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By Lee W. - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I have to say my Lincoln is the best car I have owned. There is nothing like a big luxury car. Ride and performance are exceptional. The black paint is decent for the 110,000 miles on it. I have recently had the rear- view mirror problem everyone else is experiencing. Also, the front passenger door has a bad connection which causes the door to show ajar when it is not. This is not a big deal except the interior lights come on when stopped. If anyone can tell me how to economically replace the rear-view mirror, I would appreciate it. I would defineately buy another, though. Great car!

• 

  Climate Control Issues - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By TooBad - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Really like the vehicle, but the 2004 seems to have a fundamental design flaw in the climate control that allows frigid air to flow from the side window demisters. Temperature difference from demisters to floor exceeds 60 degrees, causing the vehicle to be unable to control thermal comfort for the passengers and driver. Really a shame as it is a great truck in all other respects. Factory denies the issue, but it has been verified as a problem in cold climates on all 2004 vehicles tested by the dealer.