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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  2003 plus and minus - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By BrianH - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Lincoln improved on a lot of little things on the 2003s, but the steering is a bit of a let down. The steering is more stiff due to the rack and pinion steering, plus riding on the interstate you feel a lot of wind resistance underneeth your feet. Car is more responsive and feels a little more sporty. All of the standard quality is still there, but the steering and different ride may turn off a lot of traditional Town Car owners. I also own an Aviator, no complaints at all about that one except the gas mileage. Its awesome! Town Car beats it only on ride comfort, but not by much.

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  Love My Crossover! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By 3dsnmj - May 31 - 7:10 pm

  I researched and test drove several crossovers over the past year. We chose the Lincoln MKX. It had the best features at a great price! Its truly an attractive crossover.

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  Fantastic ride! - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By cliff30 - May 29 - 10:20 pm

  Really a sweet ride! My MKS with Ecoboot is an amazing car. It was great in the winter, going uphill on a road with 4 to 7 inches of snow--even with 20 inch wheels and tires! The only other vehicle that didnt get stuck was my neighbors Tahoe. I was really impressed. There is a ton of room and I really like the leather they use. It feels really soft but has held up well (20,000 miles)

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  Love it! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By gd9704 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I leased my ivory parchment 02 LS in January of 2002. 24,000 miles later, I am still in love. This car is comfortable, quick, nimble and nice to look at. Pricey? Well, yes. But I believe that the LS is a better value than a comparable Lexus or BMW. Plus, I like the fact that its American Made and has had no problems since new!

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  Love my Navigator - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By W. Melgin - May 27 - 12:03 am

  I was going to buy an Infiniti QX56 but it was too tall for our garage. I love this Lincoln in all respects. It has almost everything I need and the comfort and drivability is unmatched.

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  2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is a great ride! - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By Arthur - May 26 - 4:42 pm

  Fit and finish is excellent. Infotainment is a little complicated and counter intuitive but manageable. Nearly 50,000 on original Michelins. GREAT car overall. Getting a 2016 tomorrow with even more technology - SWEET!

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  Hats off to Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Rod S. - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I had examined and researched this vehicle prior to purchase. In the past four months I have had nothing but satisfaction and pleasure in driving this vehicle. It is as comfortable as a luxury sedan, pull my boat with ease, and is an overall pleasure to own. Lincoln has excelled in creating a new model that has all of the features of its bigger brother, the Navigator, without the overpowering size.

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  I love it - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Norman A - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I dont like to drive SUVS. Im a "stick" sporty car driver. My wife has driven two Jeep grand Cherokees and a Lexus rx300. I only drove those when I had to, but now I cant wait for an oportunity to drive this SUV. It handles well, fast and sooo comfortable. My 22 year old son leaves his Musrang covertable in the driveway if he gets a chance to drive the Aviator. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By rider4387 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the greatest suv you will ever drive or even ride in. Its got class, style, and outstanding monoverability. If you buy this suv driving will actually be fun.

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  very good car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By abzz - May 20 - 10:00 am

  lincon is one of the best cars in US