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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  Best Used Value On the Market - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By Steve - April 23 - 1:27 pm

  I bought the car six months ago with 30,000 miles on it, still under warranty. I had a new, long commute and wanted something comfy that wouldnt use a ton of fuel. It was obviously very well cared for, and equipped with every available option, including the dealer added remote start. The ride is quiet, and very solid, not as luxurious as the MKS I had a few years ago, but very nice for its size. BTW-this is not a big car. I drove the 2016 MKZ as a loaner car and is noticeably larger. I changed out the original Michelins for Continentals due to a road hazard problem; the Contis have been great. Its enjoyable to drive, but if you get aggressive on a curve youre reminded that this car was built for cruising. Not a problem, just a characteristic. Couple annoyances : the drivers seat has required constant adjustment trying to find a comfortable seating position, but Ive finally found it. Headroom is at a premium due to the sunroof. Thats about it for limitations. It runs smooth as can be, looks good and delivers outstanding mileage. SYNC is just fine when you learn to use it.; I had an MB and the COMAND system wasnt better, just different. While I wouldnt have bought this new at $40++, as a used car this was a great choice. Update after 18 months: : headroom issue didnt change Otherwise this has been a great car. Over 41 mpg in warm weather, minus 10% in winter.

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  Wasted Dollars! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By CT - April 22 - 9:40 pm

  My first 2000 LS was horrible! The car went in the shop 13 times in less than nine months. I got a 2001 LS and it has been one problem after the other also. I have always been afraid to take a long trip in it for fear of being stranded beside the road- which has happened several times. As of now, there is no air conditioning and it doesnt want to go in reverse. The repairs are numerous and very expensive! Wish I had never bought the first one and despise the fact that I got rid of the first one for a second headache! I have paid dearly to put all the miles that I have on this car.

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  American Elegance - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By BarryP - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my car. It looks great, is sporty and fun to drive but still classy and elegant. To me, its the perfect combination of luxury and sporty. Read all the reviews of the entry level and mid-level luxory cars. Then look at the quality, features, and test drive them. Youll see that the Lincoln comes out on top and will save you thousands of dollars over similarly equipped and sized foreign luxory cars. A great value!

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  Pimpin in my Navi - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By TACruiser - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I owned the older model before switching to the new model, and must I say there is a huge imporvment!! Its very quiet and luxurious. The power could be boosted up a bit, But the fuel economy is bad enough. The front chrome rims get dirty real fast, and are tough to clean, especially over Winter!! But the rest of the car is extremely positive!!! Its deffanitly worth it!!! All in all I am very pleased with my Navi!!!

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  Fabulous Vehice Inside Out - But something to be aware of - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By jsanthanam - April 20 - 10:24 am

  I bought one with Panaromic roof. Yesterday, a good friend of mine saw this car for the first time and he was in awe with that car. With that note, he was about to get off from the front passenger seat. Since the car has a lower seating and the door was far from him to hold on to, he held on to the top frame of the car with his right hand fingers over the roof that I had just opened to display. With rain coming, I decided to close it with his fingers still on. The glass roof rolled over his fingers just as tight as one can imagine. His 3 fingers are now fractured. Owners of the car with this roof, please be aware that this could happen to you or someone with you.

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  FishingJoe - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Hubert Van Goeye - April 20 - 7:46 am

  The main feature I appreciate is the advancetrac. Ive made several trips from WA to MT in the winter and it has kept me on the road upright when other 4WD vehicles were in the ditches. It definitely goes in ice & snow. The ABS system is great and Ive never had a problem with control when I had to swerve to miss other drivers or animals that wanted in my lane.

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  love my car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By laurenm - April 19 - 4:46 pm

  With 2 kids in private school and money not flowing like it did in the olden days, I thought I was going to be depressed having to "step down" into a vehicle other then the jaguars,bmws and mercedes that have spoiled me for years. All I can say is that i absolutely LOVE this car. Its more comfortable, has a smoother ride and has more bells and whistles then any car Ive ever owned. The sound system is awesome, the dash is sexy, the pick- up is amazing and I can literally fall asleep in the comfortable seats if Im not careful. The navigation system is brilliant and there is more room in the backseat then I originally thought. Color choices go on and on too.

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  Love to Drive - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By NormC - April 19 - 10:00 am

  In the 1st month it had an oil leak which was a major repair (engineering defect). Since then no problems. It is very comfortable and love to drive. It is a V6 but plenty of get up and go. I have a 3 year lease but am going to lease another year.

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  In Love with my Town Car - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By olejamesw - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I would be amiss if I didnt say I have a love affair with the big Lincoln for over 35 yrs. This is my 1st one. I am not dis appointed in the least. The ride is close to Heaven; The handling for a car this size is unthinkable; The little 4.6 liter engine is remarkablly fun too to punch it when necessry. The room is more than adequate. The service is free during the entire time of you warranty. Tis an awesome vehicle and just when you think you have found a flaw, you get a solid 20 mpg in the city. The one trip I did take up to the Panhandle of out State of Tx. you can get over 25mpg if you keep you foot out of it

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  This car has guts - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Razbo - April 18 - 7:00 pm

  Love this vehicle. Its a muscle car disguised as a sedan. Quiet, comfortable ride. The luxury youd expect from a Lincoln but this car moves. No major problems/repairs. Im passing this car down to my daughter soon and Im going to miss it.