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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  Another step downward - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By longtime Nav owner - May 17 - 8:16 pm

  As a previous 2004 Nav owner and a 2001 Nav owner and a 1998 Nav owner, I certainly have a solid perspective on trends in the Navs design. I am sorely disappointed by changes to the 2007 model. All of the reviews talk about the spaciousness of the interior. They have definitely downsized the interior, lowering the height of the headliner. All of the exterior chrome certainly went past tacky. I was also positively spoiled by the huge sideview mirrors in the 2004 model. Im sorry to see those downsized too. Probably the only positive changes are the redesigned power running boards.

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  Has any one else got stories like this to share? - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Jerry - May 14 - 1:08 pm

  I have a 2010 MKZ. The seat won’t stay in automatic adjustment. We Found that when the battery goes bad, the seat loses it’s setting. We have had 4 replacement batteries in 4 years. The drivers side seat broke once. The lumbar on the passenger is now broken. The passenger side fender is loose. It came loose from where it is attached. The rims carode and cause the tires to leak via the rim. Tail light recall, repaired by dealer. Rear breaks done at 71,051 miles. AC line leak at 71051 miles Replaced at 71617 miles. Replace inner driver side door handle. A wire on the rear defroster grid got broken, rubbed. Right chrome mirror cover fell off, I was charged for the replacement. The AC is now not working properly again. Are other MKZ’s as troubled as this one? [contact info removed]

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  lin MKS - 2014 Lincoln MKS
  By reallyoldman - May 12 - 8:55 pm

  hard riding, hard steering. driver seat needs to be able to tilt more down. legs get numb on short trips of 100 miles. hard riding may be from tires. this type tire tends to ride hard. steering wheel needs to be open at bottom. would be better driving on longer trip

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  "Warning" Prospective Lincoln Owner - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Rosie - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Lincoln new. 3 months after the manufacturers warranty expired and only 46,500 miles driven, I started experiencing problems; first the ignition coils($600 aftermarket), the air conditioner($400), parking brakes, brake rotors, pvc tube, etc. I wrote Ford-Lincoln numerous times, but they have refused to take responsibility. Dont be deceived, after more research, Others have experienced the same problems. These are common problems with the Lincoln models, I dont understand why there have not been a recall?

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  Review - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By MB1 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable and attractive, but with build quality that Ford should be ashamed of. Have owned Lexus in the past and BMW currently, dealer has no clue how to sell or treat the customer base that they are trying to attract. Dealer does not live up to any commitments made during the sales process.

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  DONT BUY AN LINCOLN LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By jen0 - March 14 - 7:17 am

  Worst car I HAVE EVER OWNED - If I got into all the details and probs Id be here ALL DAY. Put it this way, check engine light was on so many times in the 6 years I owned I cant even recall how many times. Check charging alert - replaced the $200 alternator and $130 battery and STILL ON. This car is an ELECTRONIC NIGHTMARE - I wish I had got rid of this MONEY PIT before I found out my rear A-frame was rotted out beyond fixing, wont pass inspection and isnt safe. Oh and lets not forget its 17" tires get CHEWED through like nothing I have ever seen before- cant even find a decent tire with decent tread rating all below 500. OMG I get hives just thinking about that hunk of crap 02 LS V8

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  Vroom - PUTT PUTT -Cough - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Phillie Dee - February 28 - 2:00 am

  European Sedan handling but road noise is too intrusive. Gas mileage is disappointing and one major problem with the Engine, when pushed at a high rpm range for normal passing,the engine breaks up and misses. Ford claimed that its normal, but I did not buy that line of bunk, especially for a performance sedan. The Dealer is arguing with Ford about it now. We have a loaner, but Once fixed and the warranty is close to expiration, this car is history. I will go back to my full size Mercurys which offer much better value in room, comfort and reliability.

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  Disappointed - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By lincolnnewby - February 19 - 10:38 am

  Wth all the hype about Ford comeback I find the Lincoln MKX very disappointing when comparing even to the Chevy Traverse LTZ. Lacks a lot of the finesse in features and even the "Premier" package cannot compare.....Lincoln is Higher priced but not worth it. No folding side mirrors, second seat not adjustable, no key memory for seat positions, lots less cargo space, electric seats lack adjustable features as GM has, lackluster engine and poor gas mileage.......Lots of other bad comparisons....Guess Ill go back to GM.

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  OK - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Ray in NH - February 11 - 7:36 pm

  Looking for a lot of features packed into one vehicle that you can buy for $36,000, (with elite and ultimate packages), this vehicle is a good value. We have driven BMW and Mercedes brands for the past 20 years. This vehicle is no match. Buying a two year old ML320 is a better value. Especially when the Lincoln gets 17.5 MPG highway. My wife would drive just about anything. If I dont have to drive this car more than once per week, thats plenty.

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  2013 Lincoln Hybrid (Lemon) - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By zbrid2013 - January 31 - 7:06 pm

  Purchased this car in 2013 and it received only 36 MPG and I was sold on 45 MPG combined. Instead of Ford offering me a new car that actually worked, I had to file a complaint under the Lemon Law. The case has been settled and they have purchased back the car.