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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  Town Car to Avaitor SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By mrvsr - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Extremely pleased with vehicle. My wife & I both have some health issues and the entry and exit are easy for us both. Wife has driven Lincoln Town cars for years, but this unit has quickly become her favorite. Fits well in the garage, handles great, plenty of power, and its more comfortable than the 2000 Town car we traded for this SUV. We havent taken any trips yet, but are looking forward to doing a 500 mile trip soon. I had wanted a Navigator, but the size was too large for us. Without a doubt, this is the best vehicle we have owned.

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  No More American Cars for Me! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Never again - August 14 - 4:00 pm

  I swore after a nightmare with 1 other American car I would never own another - should have stuck with that! After having the car for 3 mos. (bought used at 2 yrs.) and 60,000 had to replace the rear axle = $1250.00. Hub bearings at 65,000 miles = $600.00. Automatic trunk mechanism at 70,000 miles = $400 to repair. Getting rid of this car....PRICELESS. The electrical system is failing, all the "fancy" gizmos either dont work anymore at all, or work only intermittently, and this is the biggest piece of junk Ive ever owned. Good riddance to the Lincoln Towncar. Goodbye, Ford, Hello Honda! At least our other car, a Honda is still going strong at 265,000 miles with very little $$ spent!

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  NICE CAR - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By TIM - August 14 - 10:00 am

  PLENTY OF HORSE POWER IN THIS V-8 270 HP. PLUS MORE IMPORTANT ITS FRONT WELL DRIVE WHICH IS A NECISSITY FOR CHICAGO WINTERS. VERY COMFORTABLE ON LONG TRIPS.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Mex-I--CAN - August 13 - 9:20 am

  I got this vehicle in October, My first impression was the interior quality which is very good, the interior design is very appealing and has a lot of tech features which I found very useful. Performance is above-average for a large sedan of this size. Fuel economy has been average or better.

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  62 Car owned - "this is very best" - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Barry - August 11 - 5:30 pm

  this is the quietest car with great ride. the thx radio is one the best made. after 500 miles we went on a trip and averaged 32.2 miles to the gallon. they talk about lack power, we were driving 65 and to pass a truck, we passed with ease, at 85 mph who needs more power at $3.00 per Gallon this a great car

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  awesome car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By dan - August 10 - 12:13 pm

  This is a great car. Theres absolutely nothing not to like about it, and what a value. The interior is so well laid out, and the performance is excellent. This is my favorite car.

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  Tired of Fighting - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By tired owner - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I do alot of driving-23,000 miles in 8 months!I owned a Navigator before this Aviator and loved it. Since 2000 miles, it shimmies at 75mph.Theyve replaced tires, rotored brakes and cant seem to fix it. The drivers seat moves and they say its normal after replacing the seat and track! Im tired of fighting to get a quality SUV for my money! I have not gotten anyone to help - even at Customer Relations Headquarters!

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  New LS Fan... - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By jldjd - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have driven a BMW 5 Series for the last 15 years. Tried the LS and it is the best car I have driven. Traded in my 5 Series for the LS and I am a happy man. Beautiful car ... great driving... the best.

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  I love it - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By mariomick - August 10 - 2:00 am

  My Mercedes ML 500 was stolen, and my 2003 Lincoln LS was a lemon so I had the chance to get into the Aviator. I am so so happy!!!! It is the coolest SUV ever and not to big either. Mine has everything and it just rocks!!!

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  First Lincoln!!!!!!! Heaven on wheels. - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By anthonyc92 - August 8 - 9:30 pm

  Seats are so comfortable, not even a Cadillac compares to its seats that you soak right into, doesnt even come close to comfort. has lots of room in it, LOVE the deep trunk, nothing comes close. Always wanted a Lincoln. MPG is unbelievable for a car like that, 26-29 MPG going 70 MPH. If you think their gas hogs, think twice. Will definitely buy another Lincoln again. Driving this car is a huge delight. I highly recommend this car, you wont be sorry.