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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  Last Car - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Ricverde - June 15 - 7:56 am

  Im getting on in years so this will probably be my last car purchased. I absolutely love the vehicle! The ride is smooth, visibility great, and handling precise. The gas mileage isnt too hot, but I knew it wouldnt be before I bought the Aviator. The black beauty has drawn admiring looks and positive comments from passers-by in parking lots, which sure helps me feel good about spending the money for a vehicle I probably really didnt need.

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  Neds Review - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Ned - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the fifth cosecutive Continental I have leased. I am upset that Ford is discontinuing the model.

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  Nice Job Lincoln - good Riddance Benz - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By vegasboys - June 13 - 5:23 am

  I traded in a Mercedes Benz ML-320 Disel on this car and could not be happier! The Benz was nothing but trouble and they could not get the transmission to work right after at least 20 visits to the garage. It was the 3rd Mercedes I owned and NO MORE. Lincoln has done a great job with the MKX. Its comfortable, smooth and fits me perfectly! I appreciate a comfortable car that does what its supose to do. The MKX fits the bill. Not to mention the fact that an oil change doesnt cost 250.00 a whack. Im very satisfied and so glad to get the Mercedes monkey off my back. The MKX is a perfect fit for someone looking for a smaller car than the Navigator (had that before the Benz)

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  Great Improvement over 2001 - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By drcaveman - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my V8 premium sport so realiabilty is more based on the safety recall for imporperly heat treated wheels, and transmission that wont shift smootly into third after 1500 miles. To sum this car up in one easy statement. It Rides like a Lincoln and Handles like a BMW. There are still a few points that remind me that I am in an American, which is not a bad thing. For example, Great low end torgue, a super smooth ride, and lots of neat features, that dont overwhelm IE BMWs I drive.

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  2001 LS V6 Auto - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Peter - June 7 - 9:30 pm

  The LS is a great car, I have very few complaints other that the V6 with auto is a bit underpowered. I just dont feel a real punch from it. Also the steering is a little too overassisted for my tastes, I prefer a little better road feel. Starting the car presents another problem not just with mine either, all LSs almost never start on the first try in a cold start. It takes some cranking. Cornering ablilty is top notch however and everything else about the car is wonderful.

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  Excellent car, love the syle but.... - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By BBernstein - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my 1999 Lincoln Continental, however, I have had an annoying transmission alert from the computer indicating a problem and then obvious lurching at 30-40 mph. Dealer checked it out a half dozen times at least and it is still going on. It is under warranty and we are dealing now on a new transmission to correct the problem.

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  A Lemon named Christine - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Sue - June 4 - 10:00 am

  It has been in the shop 5 times in a year for the same thing and they havent found the problem yet. I have had to put off our vacation this year while it is in the shop. It floats all over the road, has a mind of its own. When a car or truck passes it pushes it off the road and when you try to compensate with the steering, it pulls back across the line..you never know where you are going. This is all at a speed of above 60 mph. At 59 or below it drives good

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  LINCOLN NAVIGATOR better than escalade - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By the man - June 4 - 10:00 am

  the lincoln navigator is the best car on theis planet.the intrior is on of the best and the extrior is the most beautiful i have ever seen.

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  Supprise to own - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By lwalker - June 3 - 4:46 pm

  Bought the car after selling my 02 Corvette. So far I have been impressed with the ride, power, and comfort. The car is larger than most others, but handling is easy and responsive. I have owned BMW and Caddy. I was supprised with the overall satisfaction of owning this car. This car will really win you over when you drive it, not just around the block, really try it out for several hours and see for yourself.

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  Switch from an Avalon - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By John Hanna - June 1 - 3:43 am

  We have owned the Zephyr for a month. Handling is better than an Avalon. We traded an Avalon for the Zephyr. The ride is quiet. The style is one that people notice. The sound system and navigation system are fine additions. My wife, who drives it more than I do, and I are happy we purchased the Zephyr.