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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  An Excellent Luxury Mid Size Sedan - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bill - May 1 - 8:46 pm

  Purchased the MKZ after two months of research. Looked at all of the luxury models, domestic and import. The MKZ offers the best value for the dollar. Recently drove a 2010 as a loaner from the dealer; was not pleased with the recent changes, although cosmetic in most cases. The only feature worth noting on the 2010 is the dash lighting. It is exceptional. But overall, not the vehicle the 2008 is. Also; fuel economy is excellent. I am able to achieve 33 mpg on the Interstates at speeds up to 70 mph. City driving is in the 18-21 range, but that is just about average for any mid size V-6.

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  Zippy - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By don smith - April 30 - 5:01 am

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  My Lincoln Is Better Than Your Review - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By Larry Haley - April 30 - 1:26 am

  All of you Lincoln MKS Nay-Sayers. Immediately retract your statements of discontent. I recently came off lease of a Mercedes GL 450 and was quite apprehensive about the MKS due to the lack-luster reviews it got from non- consumers whos testomony to Lincoln are memories of their grand parents Continental. I have the Eco-Boost MKS in candy red and loaded to the tilt with amenities. The interior spacial accomodations rival that of the; BMW-750, Audi-A8, Lexus-LS460 as well as the S550. At the cost of the; BMW-5 Series, A6 and or the E-Class. The only thing that I miss about my Mercedes is the thing that most of you cant see past. A LOGO MKS VS Genesis: Youre Joking Right

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  cps ls - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By cpkish - April 25 - 11:53 pm

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. I wanted to own this car since they first came out in 2000 but held off until now. With zero tolerances, now refined for the 280 hp v-8 it acts like a 350 hp car of the 60s. Very suprised that mpg delivers as advertised with such a powerful v-8. Every feature/option works as expected...no return yet to the dealer for any defect.

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  Licoln way to go! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Kevin Winter - April 24 - 7:53 am

  I purchased my lincoln LS right before Christmas last year...I love it! It is fun to drive and has many electrical ports for all you gadgets...I have not had any major problems with this car...I few steering concerns...easy fix...If you plan to buy one...do it! Lost of fun...great look...cool auto wipers, auto heat/cool seats, wood trim, and very sporty...

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  Lincoln LS is sleeper - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Eric A. - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The Lincoln LS Sport is a tremendous automobile for the money. The performance of a Euro at a much more affordable cost.

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  nice car - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By 1 van go - April 19 - 2:00 am

  great style,powerful engine,lots of room. nice to have those side airbags just in case.I still have my 1994 cont. The 2000 model is even better but I like the air shocks all around on the 1994 until I had to replace the rear ones at 130,000 miles.

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  Best truck Ive ever owned - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By ghost-flame - April 17 - 3:46 pm

  True Lincoln. I have had many Fords and Chevy trucks. This is my 1st Lincoln. An accidental purchase. I was in the market for an F-150 Lariat. By the time I added the options I wanted this truck was $3,000 cheaper and it was on the dealers floor. I have about 33,000 miles on it now and it is still like brand new. Comfort is as good as my bros 75k Mercedes. The fit and finish- cut above the F-150. I have had no problems. My only beef, but a big vehicle, is the gas mileage. I get 12mpg ave. What can I expect? With gas at $4.20 a gallon its no fun. Perfoms great, love on long trips. Step on the gas and let the horses loose! I would buy again. I will keep this truck till it dies!

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  Best Vehicle on the Planet - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jack Williams - April 16 - 5:33 am

  We bought the Navigator off the showroom floor. After wanting one for several years we finally were able to buy one--a white one. It has been everything we expected it to be. It was built in the United States by American workers at Ford Motor Company. Its quality and workmanship are reflected in the outstanding performance we get from owning it. We buy American as much as possible. Our family has driven only Fords since the early 1900s. Product loyalty is an important factor Well continue to buy Ford products and support Ford Motor Company. The Navigator is great.

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  Best value for a used luxury car & FAST - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Chris - April 14 - 5:20 pm

  I do quite a bit of driving, and sometimes, unfortunately, some quick driving on 2 lane roads when Im running late to the courthouse (Im a lawyer.) This car is prestigious, inexpensive and an absolute blast to drive. I was just rear ended the other day and Im hopeful that my car isnt totalled--I really enjoy it. I suppose if it is, Ill look for another V8 LS.