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:

• 

  2003 Towncar-Signature - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By tuko - January 22 - 11:56 am

  I purchased my TC in early 2007 with only 29000 and have had nothing but good service from it. Yes, its old American styling and ride but I love the car anyway. Gets 20mph city and 25-26 highway if you dont abuse it. Whisper quiet ride. Huge trunk. Minimal problems after 66000 miles. Getting 200,000 miles shouldnt be problem but I may find a nice low mileage 07 to 09 at some point in time. My only complaint---lousy in the snow and ice.

• 

  My 2001LS - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By tnbldr99 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several different makes and models of luxury cars, including, Acura, BMW and Lexus. Lincoln definitley offers the Best Bang for your buck! They hit the mark with a great combination of luxury, sportiness, and performance.

• 

  Sweet Truck - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Anthony Chohonos - January 16 - 12:16 pm

  This truck is just beautiful. If you are looking for a pickup that can haul pretty much anything, this is the one. Looked at Titan and Ram first but liked this one the best. The interior is wonderful. If youre looking for a hot truck, this is the one!

• 

  Enjoyable Vehicle - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By bigk67 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This is actually my wife’s vehicle, but I have to pleasure of driving it on the weekends. The power is decent, and the ride is excellent. We rarely use the third row seat, as the dog has to ride with us everywhere. The vehicle is a little wide for most parking spaces, so it is prone to many door dings. The plastic side panels have helped on many occasions, but you cant stop all of the idiots.

• 

  Decent Car - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Mac - January 8 - 8:56 am

  I had to purchase a new car after my 89 Buick bit the dust. I shopped around and found this at a local dealer ship and they had an excellent price on it. The car was purchased with 80K on the dial and it is now up to 90K. I have had two MAJOR problems and those are as follows: 1) PATS module that tells the car that the key is in the ignition failed costing 400. 2) A bad airbag sensor in the passenger airbag costing 350. Overall it has been a pretty decent vehicle.

• 

  ALARMING SITUATION... - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By SFABB - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad car, I enjoy the ride, and looks. The major problem Ive been experiencing is the alarm goes off at any given time. Ive taken the car to the dealer on two occassions, since they cant duplicate the problem theres not much they can do. I believe the problem is in the ignition. When I shut the car off the alarm sounds.The door ajar does not go on. If anyone is aware of the cause, please e-mail me.

• 

  new 07 mark lt - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By john - January 3 - 6:56 am

  I decided on the Mark Lt after driving many trucks but always wanting more typical luxury features. I personally do not care that it is based on the 150 as that is a good truck- I view it as a luxury package on that truck. With the monochrome package and everything but rear dvd it is a great driving experience on the road, but the size, for me, makes it difficult for short shopping trips. I had an 05 tacoma that was a great truck but too basic. The looks of it are stellar, the ride height awesome, the luxury features the best available, and to me, ford is the mercedes of the truck category. Buy it if you really like the f-150 but want more luxury features, looks and exclusivity.

• 

  LS v8 - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Frank - January 2 - 12:23 pm

  Bottom line great car. Very pleased. It is comparable to ANY luxury car. This is a rare occassion since its american. But this has class and sophistication along with power. This is comparable to any bmw or mercedes. Take my word for it

• 

  2003 Lincoln Town Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By 2003Cartier - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Great new snarl that could only come from a throaty American V8 .

• 

  besides all the glamour..DONT BUY..... - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By shaw shiraz - December 14 - 6:33 pm

  Oh lordy where to begin. Ignition coil problems. Electrical problems. Lincoln dealership cant even find out why the truck would suddenly cut off at traffic lights. Cant find why the car suddenly has a jark when accelerate. Power Windows very costly to fix (450). Have a lot of spare change cause you gonna spend a lot of money fixing this thing. Already have spent over 4000 and no end in sight. And ih yeah running board has a mind of its own, and did I forget suspension problems