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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  Nickel and dime repairs - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By JR - March 27 - 12:20 pm

  I received this car from my grandfather who was meticulous with it. Every issue was repaired immediately and the vehicle saw a good mix of driving so I thought it would be a great car. I was mistaken. Although the ride is fantastic and performance acceptable for a big car with a small V-8 the upkeep is murder. CD player died, followed by drivers window cable system, then drivers window motor, rear passenger window motor, electric seats quit, ball joints (2nd set), brake lines rotted out, no vent setting on heater and the big one was the transmission torque converter clutch failure (which I was told is common to these cars). With only 80K miles Im seriously considering trading it off.

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  Glacial Acceleration? Bad Mileage?? - 2011 Lincoln Town Car
  By geustis - March 27 - 7:40 am

  According to my dash mileage computer, Im averaging 26mpg highway (@70-75mph.) Thats 1mpg better than the turbocharged V6 in the MKZ which is remarkable considering the town car has the advantage in length, width and mass. 0-60 time is around 8 seconds. 8seconds! (This is not a sportscar). The car feels surprisingly nimble and light on its feet for such a large car. Cruising at eighty feels effortless and passing at 95 is easy. The suspension is designed for absorbing flaws in the road, but is adequate for swerving around a cinderblock lying on the freeway.

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  Noisy - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Andy - March 22 - 8:00 pm

  We have owned 3 other T.C.s but do not like the amount of road noise when on a concrete road. Too noisy for a luxury car. Also AC hits you in the face and is not easy to adjust. Seats are comfortable but not as good as previous models. I would definitely consider other luxury cars next time. Cant wait until our lease is over. It is not a good value.

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  zephyr comments - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By jonszephyr - March 18 - 6:20 pm

  excellant car,drives like a lincoln should. would like side mirrors to go in the down position for curb finding,would like electric trunk closure, and would like gas compartment opener.otherwise great car. one other problem with ford cars is the fact you cant get the accessories for their cars, all other car manufacturers dont have this problem

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  Nice, so far - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By lanez - March 14 - 1:04 pm

  First luxury car I have bought new and I test drove a lot before buying, being a hybrid was my selling point to my wife. Very quiet and comfortable car, could not think about not getting the big sunroof in the MKZ. My son describes the lighting on the car as "sick", led headlights better than xenon. Ambient interior lighting puts a soft glow in your choice of eight colors, the entire cabin is lighted. Could not get the 45mph in western Pennsylvania but did get 40 mpg, thinking about traveling to Ohio just to test it. Compare to the CTS and you will not believe what Ford has done. 42k for the Caddy and you cant plug in your iPhone???? MKZ is a champ, so far.

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  Bought this car used for my Mother - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Michael - March 14 - 2:03 am

  Nice car. Fuel mileage could be a bit better. Very comfortable and quiet-- much quieter than the 1999 Chrysler 300M I owned. Cooled seats are a welcome option! My mother loves her "new" car. Standard radio has much more clean and clear bass (and sounds better IMHO) than the fancy THX-II system.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By marv - March 13 - 10:00 am

  LS is one of the best cars I have had in 25 years

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  Americans seize to make crappy cars - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Alex667 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Never again will I buy an American car.

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  nightmare experience with car and dealer - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By clp5285 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought car new in June of 2001. Has been in the shop 8 times. whining noise in engine,transmission slips, stalls, Engine revs, only likes to be driven in warm weather.Stereo has been replaced and the car paasenger side window fell into the door they let mechanic take my car home for the weekend I was called by the local police to be informed that the mechanic was out in my car at 9pm doing 60 in a 40 and that he had been drinking. When I got my car back on monday 457 miles had been put on it. Owner of dealership refused my phone calls. Another dealership finally stepped in and Ford has just agreed to take my car back on the lemon law.

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  The Rock - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By Henry - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have now owned this vehicle 7 yrs. It has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. The only problems that I have had was with the air conditioner which died after about 4yrs. I had it repaired and I have never looked back. I have 2 kids and we have spent lots of time in this SUV. It has a DVD player and an awesome stereo. We have taken many trips in it on vacation and it is very comfortable. We often eat out at fast food joints and we can park and eat our food in the comfort of our navigator just like home. We have many memories in our "Gator" that we will cherish for years. If and when it dies I will probably buy another. 171,000 miles and counting.