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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  Amazing beautiful car! - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By BJR - August 27 - 9:21 am

  Currently have less than 1,000 miles on the car and couldnt be happier with it. Initially got lousy gas mileage the first week but the dealer assured me it would get better and was stunned to get 32.6 mpg driving down I95. Usually runs about 20 to 24 mpg around town which I am pleased with. The car is extremely comfortable riding and people fight over who will sit in the front seat to get massaged. Still trying to figure out all the gadgets and functions. Love that people stop and walk around the car and always comment on it. I have the white gold color and it is stunning. Did 6 months of research on about 10 different cars, luxury, sporty, muscle cars, etc. and am very pleased with our choice.

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  Aviator review - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Aptos - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The Aviator is a powerful SUV, and handles better them my 2000 Navigator. The interior space is less then deired, but overall the Aviator is Ok.

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  Continetal Divide - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By wjpolte - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I Test drove every make and model for the last 4 months and nothing compares to the Continetal. Acura, Lexus, BMW, Audi, Volvo etc are all the same. Same interior, Same box exterior, might as well build a generic sedan just change the nameplate. The Continetal is different. It has room, luxury, driviablity, sportablity and an American style of its own. Its a shame some maketing genius doesnt capitalize on the uniqueness of the Continetal.

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  Luv my Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By ThadRN - August 18 - 10:16 pm

  Lincoln did a wonderful job when developing the LS. It is a shame it will be discontinued by the end of 2006.

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  Excellent Ride! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By JNE - August 16 - 10:20 pm

  I purchased this car used 2 yrs. ago with 34000 miles on it, it now has 62000 miles on it and I have never had a single problem with it. I have a V8 that is so fast and smooth whenever I need it to be, I love it. I wish they were still making them so I could get a newer version.

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  Good ride - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Socalteddy - August 11 - 10:43 am

  This is a good car for the money. I enjoy the ride and overall comfort. My next car will be the BMW 525. I will spend the extra money to get the higher level of quality found and performance in the BMW products. The LS was purchased because of the price point and ride quality.

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  Lincoln LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Mrs C - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have throughly enjoyed driving this car for the past year... I was looking at the Mercedes and the BMW when I decided to get the LS.. It is such a comfortable cruising car and around town it performs so well. It handles like a charm. Just all around awesome car for the money. I WILL buy another one!

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  COOL CAR! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Karen - August 5 - 5:00 am

  I traded a Chrysler 300M which was my favorite car that I ever owned, but think Im going to like this one more. Handling & acceleration are great, interior is exceptional, and the exterior turns heads everywhere, especially with really fancy chrome wheels. Love the Merlot color with beige interior. Im mid 50s, sell real estate to high end buyers, and this is a great car for someone who needs a sedan, but not an "old persons car". I looked at Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima and a few others, but very glad that I picked this one. Priced well below the competition. And it indeed seems to have "learned" how I drive after a crash course in fast acceleration and curvy roads.

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  Just gets better - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By nvbanker - August 4 - 9:46 pm

  The 05 has a new engine and transmission that make the truck even better, more responsive, and useful. The 6 speed transmission shifts like butter, and gives the truck some real spunk off the line. I dont think any other truck in this class can touch it.

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  power at the drop of a hat - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By HEB - August 3 - 10:00 am

  nice riding car with just the right amount of class. sound system is fitting for this car.I had a 2001 and now i love the 2003 even more.