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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  1998 Lincoln Continental - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Chris Garrido - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Obviously, I have well over 100k miles on this car. It has been AWESOME. Minor repairs so far, great ride, still looks great. Leather is like new. All electrics, mechanics work great...Couldnt ask for more

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  TRY IT!!! I HAVE - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By FIRST BORN - August 14 - 10:00 am

  A VERITABLE SUCCESS FROM LINCON. NOT MUCH POWER?? I DON`T THINK SO I RACED IT AGAINST AN ESCALADE AND HE COULD NOT BEAT ME!!!

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  best suv - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By charlesunchong - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Fell in love with the Navigator, and finally purchase it this year. I brought it for the safety, room, features, and the qualitly. I believe the best suv money and buy,and the great respects people treat you when driving it.

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  Ultra LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Neil Mitchell - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,handles like a Jag.Power when you need it-lots of it.Lux interior.Great sound system,easy to interpid loaded dash-everything where you need it.Sound ride,you know youre gripping the road!Id easly out performes anything in its class!

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  Incredible! - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Daddy MC - August 8 - 2:00 am

  No more cramped bone jarring rides for me! I love this car! Pearlescent Ivory with fabric roof (how do you care for that anyway?) When they demonstrated all the options I could hardly keep from giggling like a school- boy! Ive never owned a car so nice. It has an distinctive look and and elegant ride. I was amazed how affordable a used Lincoln is.

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  my personal experience - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By J Aston - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The most trouble free car I ever owned, except for my Honda Civic. A true road car; what a joy to travel in.

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  96TC current value - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Richard Welker - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Have replaced theengine at 105,000 with salvage yard motor with 70,00 miles on it. Current odometer reading 145,000. very small hail damage spots.Car is in excellent condition.Load leveler bags replaced,left door window mechanism replaced, all new shocks,ties-.006 each-Michelin.Heater gate valve replaced.

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  Does what its designed to do - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By ARicko - August 7 - 10:00 am

  One can not compare this vehicle to forgien offers. It is made by Americans for Americans. The car does what it is designed to do well. Luxury transportation within the speed limits and under 35 Grand. This is the definition of performance.

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  The epitome of perfection - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Wise Owl - August 6 - 5:20 pm

  I think the Town car is the only true luxury sedan on the market. I can find nothing wrong with the design of this car! It truly is a masterpiece. I hope it lasts forever. Ford should not touch this car, in fear of ruining it! I love it, I get 31+ MPG on the highway, how can you beat that? I do find that if you drive this car prudently the mileage is ridiculously high for a car this size. However, if you drive it like a sports car, say goodbye to economy, and rightfully so! If you want to own and drive true American craftsmanship, made with pride, buy this car! You will not find a better car for the money.

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  k gants lincoln - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By K GANT - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very comfortable to ride in - it is smooth on the road. The gas mileage has been very reasonable. I enjoy the huge trunk space. The leather seats are very enjoyable in extreme temperatures of weather. I have kept the oils changed at the suggested time that I have owned the car. Good tires on the car and the suspension was just recently repaired.