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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  nice car - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By wa blevins - January 2 - 10:00 am

  the interior needs some work, when all the seats are laid down there are several gaps in the floor. this is not good.it needs to be perfectly flat all over with no holes. it would hard to sleep in this car if you had to.

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  3 Great Years - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Mark L - January 1 - 3:43 pm

  Our Navigator is 3 years old with 45,000 miles and has had no issues. The maintenance is very inexpensive but definitely is not fuel efficient, averaging around 13 miles per gallon. Very pleased with this purchase will likely keep this one for at least another 45k miles.

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  lacks power - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By andyI - December 30 - 3:23 pm

  I had a 2003 LS which had much more power than the MKZ. I bought this car with every option, love everything about this car but it definitely seems underpowered.

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  Front License Plate Frame - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bette Carr - December 27 - 3:29 pm

  You do not get a front plate frame when you buy a 2017 Lincoln mkZ Reserve if you live in a one plate state. So what do you do with your vanity plate? Or move? UPDATE: The dealer has installed a front license plate frame. I am a happy camper. Thank you Mr. dealer

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  Nicest car ive ever owned - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By DAN KANE - December 24 - 6:33 pm

  Spectacular handling, very comfortable, fun to drive, a ton of horsepower, very well redesigned from the 06 zephyr. Nicer riding than the 5 series and the avalon. I am coming out of a maxima, and it does not compare to the ride and quality of a ride than the mkz. If you are looking for a car with all of these specs you have to look at this vehicle. One of a kind.

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  Luxury without Wealth - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Teach - December 21 - 6:05 am

  The Continental rides beautifully. It handles the road, pot holes, like a Trojan horse. Its cool, calm, heavy, and stately. I have driven the Mercedes S class and have found this car to exhibit the same feel, and road manners as its Bavarian neighbor with out the big excessive money down, or astronomically high monthly note. Compared to my 2013 MKZ this car drinks gas, but for the power, acceleration and poise which it exudes, I smile everytime I stand next to it. This car is a Beast, and I mean that in a great way. From some angles it looks like a Bentley. I am more than pleased, I am humbled to have such an awesome ride. The interior space is a dream come true. My family fits without the adjustment of the front seats. It offers the best seat in the house while on the road.

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  My Gator - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By Marty - December 19 - 11:13 am

  After all these years (7), the Navigator still gives me a feeling of fun and excitement to drive. The doors shut with a confident sound, and the massiveness and muscle make me feel in charge. It can pull stumps and deliver me to the Ball in the same day. I love this truck.

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  goodness - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By car salesmen - December 13 - 10:00 am

  this is a very finely built vehicle.

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  Best SUV EVER - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Nils Muralles - December 8 - 11:56 am

  This is a big truck and I love every inch of it ! Lincoln nailed it when they came up with this body style . Once inside the cabin you are treated to the Lincoln comfort that I remember as a kid . It definitely rules the road , and knowing that it is the "most powerful SUV on the planet " only adds to the experience . I only hope when Ford changes the truck in 06 or 07 , it doesnt ruin the appeal this one has .

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  Ive always wanted a Lincoln - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By bill powell - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I looked at every American and import but Ive always wanted a luxury car. I got my 95 Town Car from a dealership and probably paid too much, but alot less than any new car. My Towncar was imaculate with 62k original miles garaged.. exterior/interior like new..Preformance white outside gorogeous red leather interior..rides and drives like a dream... Oh Yeah,I read a review from EDMUNDS.COM before i bought mine..Right after we got it we did a road trip to New Mexico.. we averaged 28mpg for a V-8 real good specialy driving 85-95mph