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:

• 

  Best car I ever owned - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By thiscarsamazing!!!!! - October 1 - 3:43 pm

  This car is amazing. Even in FWD model it seems to grip the road on curves. On acceleration it gives a powerful purr and takes off like a rocket. By far this is the best luxury sedan I ever owned and Ive owned lots of luxury sedans.

• 

  excellent american luxury - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By AL SALAZAR - September 27 - 4:56 am

  the cartier has been the best american car I have owned. Excellent ride and comfort. Would like for car to have more horsepower.

• 

  Under rated Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By My Lincoln - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Lincoln LSE Sport is one of the most fun to drive automatic transmissions Ive come across. The car hugs the road and increases speed without any hesitation whatsoever. This Lincoln performs like a sports car. I love it. You can keep those overpriced over hyped German cars. Give me a Lincoln and an open road any day.

• 

  Great car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Lincolnmcluke - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, I love most everything about it. Great handling, smooth ride. Better than european buys.

• 

  Fun and powerful - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Happycamper - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This not a Ford, the whole drivetrain is superior! The power and drive are fantastic.It looks great too this is one fun SUV to dive.I recomend this vehicle if you want a Truck and not a jacked up car! Youll love it.

• 

  Second mkx - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By Scrowman - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got 2011 model after 48,500 miles on the 2009. New one has more power, is quieter, and technology is improved. Love the comfortable ride since I drive 600-700 miles/week. New model has better materials-not as much plastic. Nice new look all around. Have had Lexus RX, Highlander and Grand Cherokee in the past- MKX blows them all away. The 2009 did great in bad weather-no reason to think 2011 is any different in that regard. Highly recommended.

• 

  Love my NAV but it loves GAS - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By john79 - September 15 - 3:26 pm

  Did a ton of research before buying and its one thing to read specs/view pics online and another to actually get into a vehicle. I was a little on the fence about front grill styling, didnt seem to have the "wow factor". When you actually sit and drive this SUV you will see how it simply beats out all others. I really love this truck in all aspects. If youÂ’re concerned about gas - you should be. I average 12 city/16 freeway. HOWEVER....I live in Central Texas and the weather is usually fair. If you drive with the windows down 1/4 way, with no HVAC, gas mileage shoots up to 15-16 City and 18-19 highway!! Not bad for such a large SUV.

• 

  sweet navigator! - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By kooldad550 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have had in years. i am so happy with it and ive had it for about 7 months now. there were no problems at all yet. the ride is so smooth and the air suspension filters out every bump in the road, there is almost no wind noise, the v8 produces more than enough power, the interior is simply gorgeous with the finest and most supple leather. overall, i am very happy with my purchase and will gladly take it over the escalade and hummer.

• 

  The best car I ever bought - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By Kenneth Smith - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all. Beautiful ride and design. The cartier has all the styling that you could ever want in a car. I paid $4000 cash for mine. Its the best deal I ever made. From the moon roof to the powerful 4.6L engine,with 22 mpg city, you cant ask for more. I will always be a Lincoln owner.

• 

  Fantastic Driving Experience - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By kiki816 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my new 2004 Lincoln Aviator for one month now. I love the new comfort,ease of driving and all the great features.The interior looks very classy with its burl walnut accents and satin nickel chrome.My new Aviator is wider and longer than my previous Mountaineer and also has the advance trac and roll stability control, along with side impact airbags and speed sensitive front airbags.The only drawback is that it does take premium gas and the milage is not as good as a small car. However, with the Lincoln Name and Luxury I am getting a Fantastic SUV that is a pleasure to drive and a pleasure to look at.