États-Unis
Lincoln
Lincoln is the prestige division of American automaker Ford Motor Company. The company was founded in August 1917 in Detroit, Michigan, by Henry Leland and his son Wilfred. Leland, who had previously co-founded Cadillac before selling it to General Motors, named the company in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the first president he had ever voted for. Originally, Lincoln built Liberty V12 aircraft engines for the war effort, then converted its plants to luxury car production after World War I. Facing financial difficulties in the postwar economic climate, the company was sold to Ford in a receivership sale in February 1922. Edsel Ford, Henry Ford's only son, took over as president and steered the brand toward a recognized aesthetic refinement. Over the decades, Lincoln established itself as one of the great American luxury brands, with iconic models such as the Continental, including the version used by the President of the United States, and the Town Car sedan, long associated with limousines and prestige transportation. In the 2000s, the brand went through a period of repositioning, for a time using the "MK" nomenclature (MKZ, MKX, MKC, MKS) before returning to more evocative proper names. Since the mid-2010s, Lincoln has refocused its lineup almost exclusively on sport utility vehicles (SUVs), following the demand of the North American market. The brand draws on Ford's industrial and technological network while cultivating a distinct identity built around comfort, quiet ride and a clean design it calls "Quiet Flight." Lincoln remains primarily present in North America, where it is designed and largely assembled, while developing a growing presence in China, which has become a key market for the brand.
ActiveLuxePerformanceÉlectrique / hybrideAméricaines
History
History of Lincoln
Lincoln is the prestige division of American automaker Ford Motor Company. The company was founded in August 1917 in Detroit, Michigan, by Henry Leland and his son Wilfred. Leland, who had previously co-founded Cadillac before selling it to General Motors, named the company in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the first president he had ever voted for. Originally, Lincoln built Liberty V12 aircraft engines for the war effort, then converted its plants to luxury car production after World War I. Facing financial difficulties in the postwar economic climate, the company was sold to Ford in a receivership sale in February 1922. Edsel Ford, Henry Ford's only son, took over as president and steered the brand toward a recognized aesthetic refinement. Over the decades, Lincoln established itself as one of the great American luxury brands, with iconic models such as the Continental, including the version used by the President of the United States, and the Town Car sedan, long associated with limousines and prestige transportation. In the 2000s, the brand went through a period of repositioning, for a time using the "MK" nomenclature (MKZ, MKX, MKC, MKS) before returning to more evocative proper names. Since the mid-2010s, Lincoln has refocused its lineup almost exclusively on sport utility vehicles (SUVs), following the demand of the North American market. The brand draws on Ford's industrial and technological network while cultivating a distinct identity built around comfort, quiet ride and a clean design it calls "Quiet Flight." Lincoln remains primarily present in North America, where it is designed and largely assembled, while developing a growing presence in China, which has become a key market for the brand.
Public founding or origin of Lincoln.
Aviator: launch or first listed period.
Continental: launch or first listed period.
Corsair: launch or first listed period.
Navigator: launch or first listed period.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
Lincoln shares Ford's platforms and powertrains while adding a layer of sound insulation, comfort and finish. The lineup relies mainly on turbocharged EcoBoost four- and six-cylinder engines, with multi-speed automatic transmissions and available all-wheel drive. Electrification comes in the form of plug-in hybrid versions (Corsair Grand Touring) and hybrids (Nautilus), with electric driving modes and regenerative braking. The vehicles integrate driver-assistance suites (Lincoln Co-Pilot360), BlueCruise hands-free driving on compatible highways, adaptive damping suspensions and road pre-scanning systems. The cabin emphasizes large screens, connected infotainment, multi-adjustable Perfect Position seats and signature sound and lighting ambiances.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
An American luxury brand from Ford, focused on comfortable, quiet and refined SUVs for the North American market.
Reputation
Lincoln is perceived as a comfortable and quiet luxury brand with a polished design, but its reliability remains a debated point. In 2025, the brand improved in the J.D. Power dependability study (19th place), while still remaining below average in the Consumer Reports reliability survey. Average annual maintenance costs are higher than the industry average. Some models, such as the Navigator and the Aviator, earn good durability ratings, while recent hybrid versions show more mixed results. Resale value is decent without being exceptional, as the luxury segment is subject to marked depreciation.
Strengths
Lincoln stands out for its ride comfort, cabin quietness and plush interiors with highly adjustable seats. The "Quiet Flight" design is consistent and distinctive. The brand benefits from Ford's network, industrial reliability and technologies, while offering polished customer service and advanced driver-assistance features such as BlueCruise.
Points to watch
Reliability remains uneven across models and below average in several surveys, with high maintenance costs. The lineup, almost entirely made up of SUVs, lacks diversity since the discontinuation of sedans. Resale value is average, and the brand remains less prestigious than its German rivals in terms of image and dynamic refinement.
Models
Lincoln models
Current or active models by market
Aviator 2002/2019 - actif VUS luxe Corsair 2019 - actif VUS compact luxe Navigator 1997 - actif grand VUS luxe
Notable past models
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
Lincoln is deeply rooted in North America for its production. The full-size Navigator is assembled at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky. The compact Corsair is produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant, also in Kentucky. The mid-size Aviator is built at the Chicago Assembly Plant in Illinois. The Nautilus, formerly assembled at the Oakville plant in Ontario, Canada, has since the 2024 model year been produced in China by the Changan Ford joint venture. This distribution illustrates the brand's American roots for its flagship SUVs, as well as its industrial development in China, a market that has become strategic for Lincoln.
Tires and wheels
Current Lincolns are SUVs fitted with large wheels: generally 18 to 20 inches on the compact Corsair, 19 to 21 inches on the Aviator, and up to 22 inches on the full-size Navigator. The bolt pattern varies according to size (often 5x114.3 mm on mid-size models, 6x135 mm on the Navigator). In Quebec, dedicated winter tires are essential and strongly recommended: opting for a winter set with a smaller wheel diameter (for example, going from a 21- or 22-inch wheel down to a 19- or 20-inch wheel, with higher-sidewall tires) improves comfort, reduces the risk of pothole damage and lowers the cost. Always check dimensions, load and speed ratings, and TPMS sensor compatibility.