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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  great styling, well equipped, Im satisfied - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By Leland - February 6 - 6:59 am

  i upgraded to the MKZ recently after having a ford fusion. i could not be happier. the styling and looks are fantastic. the car is quiet and rides smooth on the roads. the information system works fine after you learn to use it. this is my first hybrid and im very happy with the gas mileage.

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  Great Buy - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Art Stauber - February 5 - 10:00 am

  surprised at the lower price of such a fine luxury car just a few years old.Also the fuel economy for such a performer is outstanding.On trips average about 29 mpg,in town about 22mpg.Great ride and great dealer support.Lots of electronics and appointments.I would highly recommend this car...

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  love the style - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By jeffb136 - February 1 - 3:15 pm

  ride levels,one of a kind looks lincoln did an awesome job not to use any ford sheet metal on the outside or interior trim,just love the car,..the my Lincoln touch is easy to use and not complicated like the radio in the xts,too bad people dont know what they are missing,love the ability to set the mood lighting for the surround of the cabin ,when the doors are open the light on the end of the door turns red for greater vissability at night quiet lincoln ride,,test drove a caddy xts before this too loud,dont want people to here me rolling in,if I was in europe i would consider the xts but with the speed limits in the usa who needs all that rumble,the lincoln is just perfect for what I need

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  Very Satisfied - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By NaXXX - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle was purchased for my wife. She loves the car and I know that she is safe in it. It is spacious even at the third row. Design is gorgeous. Only drawback is the fuel economy due to weight but I can live with it.

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  Green Godess of Greatness - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By Doug Oswald - January 28 - 5:44 pm

  I have owned this 1999 Town Car Since June 1999 and only repair and replacement has been a blower fan, fuel pump, break pads,and rotors. Regular maintainance has been carefully performed. The passenger comfort is beyond outstanding.

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  One Sweet Ride - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By jakebank - January 25 - 12:20 am

  Just bought this car new and we absolutely love it. It has every single option that is available and it is a well designed vehicle. The interior cannot be beat. Compared to the Escalade and the Infiniti QX56 the interior if far superior. Good performance and adequate gas mileage for a vehicle this big. Everyone takes a second look at you when youre driving this thing. We got the white chocolate paint and its beautiful. Excellent car and I would reccomend it to anyone.

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  last of a breed - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By Joseph - January 24 - 7:53 pm

  If you want a traditional American luxury sedan this is the only one left. This vehicle has been a pleasure to own. Last of a breed.

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  One Of The Best! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Sphil-1 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best if not THE best car Ive ever driven. I traded my 2000 LS and cannot believe what I got. In every aspect this car excels. Dont be fooled by the low cost (arount 48,000) as compared to many similarly equiped luxury cars. It doesnt look cheap, drive cheap or handle cheap! Try one, Im sure youll agree!

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  An American Icon. - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By CDP - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Lincolns have been a part of my family for many years but none are what this car is. It is truly a beautiful car inside and out. Its funny, people are always asking me what kind of car this is. When I take it to get washed, I get special treatment because this car really stands out. But it acts the part. I feel safe with the stability control ABS Brakes and powerful engine. It just goes to show that you dont have to spend lots of money and still get a truly great luxury car. This car is truly a legend!

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  Simply The Best - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Donna Hines - January 14 - 2:03 am

  I bought my Ultimate 2004 Navigator, loaded with everything you can get on one....I love it. I also own a 1999 navigator....The new is wonderful, its all Ill every drive.