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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  lincoln towncar - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By gerald compton - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this car is wonderful to drive. not great on gas, looks real good. the only thing is the paint fades on this model and ford will not make it good. its $3500.00 to repaint. only fades on the passenger side doors. be careful of the paint job. that is my only complaint about this car. thanks,

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  Great Car - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By J Rowland - October 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has been one of the most pleasant, comfortable, and actually economical cars Ive owned in the past 25 years. Currently I have 168K on the car and I still average 17mpg in the city and 26mpg on highway trips. The 4.6 engine has been a jewell, and has plenty of power for a car this size. The most expensive work performed on the car has been normal oil changes. My biggest complaint would be the cost of gasoline today.

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  Magic Carpet Ride - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By RamRod - October 12 - 9:50 am

  Put your money towards the truly meaningful aspects of an automobile such as "ride" - "reliability" - "comfort" - "safety". Nothing on the market today surpasses my Lincoln Town Car in these categories. Performance, power, and gas mileage are suprisingly excellent also. Your grandfather and great-grandfather would buy this car. Flashy colors, designs & styling looses its appeal. The qualities I mentioned above last forever. They are the true componants of "buyers satisfaction". If your vehicle has these qualities, you wont have to worry about "buyers remorse". EA:Southern Gentleman - Birmingham, Alabama

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  a sleeper - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By William - October 11 - 7:40 pm

  Bought this Town Car recently for a little under seven grand and cant believe what a fine car it is. Had only 61,000 miles on it, was a one owner, and been carefully maintained. Gets great gas mileage, has tons of room and the ride is fantastic. Paid property taxes on it of only $117 annually. Gas mileage on the interstate is in the 23-24 range. Cant imagine a better overall value. Much better vehicle than the more bubble-shaped newer Town Cars. All my friends thought I was nuts when I bought it, but once they rode in it they were green with envy.

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  Love My MKZ Hybrid - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By chicagoeg - October 11 - 11:19 am

  Previous 3 new cars have been Acura TLs. Loved them but wanted better mileage and to get away from premium gas. Ive owned the MKZ for 6 months and put 7,500 Chicago miles on it. Seems winter mileage (mixed city and hiway) 38 to 40. Now, April, running about 42 MPG, Very satisfied with that , but may get even better during summer. Love the lines and ride. Tech controls a bit too sensitive and complex. So far, VERY satisfied.

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  Fun for the money! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By ioregan - October 9 - 3:13 am

  Ive owned my MKZ for about 3 months, took one 1,000 mile road trip with it. Verdict so far: Excellent. The car is beautiful inside and out, ride is very comfortable, engine can get up and go. THX sound system is the best thing Ive ever heard in a vehicle, and voice-activated music is just hilariously fun. Looked at a Buick and the Cadillac CTS, but the MKZ gave me the most bang for my buck, and Im one satisfied customer.

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  What a Bargin ! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By SandyBoy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I was between the new Infiniti M45 & the new mid-year Town Car, the Limited Edition Cartier. The Infiniti had more optional toys and what I thought was exterior styling more to my taste. I thought the M45 was beautiful from any angle. I drove both. The T.C. was the winner for smoothness and comfort. The M45 was tight inside, especially in the rear and legroom in front. Price was the clincher! Both listed just dollars apart. Infiniti dealer would give just $1,300 off MSRLP and there was no factory rebate. The TC had $4,000 rebate & $3,500 off MSRLP & $1,000 owner loyality bonus, for $8,500 of MSRLP. That closed the deal.

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  4 months with the car and it exceeds expectations - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By dano_pa - October 8 - 5:57 am

  I purchased the car with the panoramic sunroof in late July. On the road I get about 38-40 mpg depending on how fast I am going. Around town, I have gotten 47 mpg on certain trips, it all depends on my speed and the amount of hills. I love almost everything about the car, it does get a lot of comments and lookers. It is my first new American car ever and I am 55. I have owned a BMW, Saab, 2 Volvos, a Cadillac, two Nissans a Toyota, a 2 VWs and a Renault.

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  Near Perfection - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Rick - October 7 - 11:10 pm

  I bought the Designer with every option but the moonroof. What a wonderful car to travel in. On the road I get over 25MPG and all-round, Im getting 21.5MPG at about 60% highway and 40% city. That is terrific for a car this large. Comfort is unparalleled and I can spread out - no center console that Id hate. Huge trunk, great features like memory seats and pedals and voice command for the navigation and radio, Sirius, surprisingly good visibility.

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  Love it! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By angiejo - October 7 - 5:46 pm

  I did a lot of research prior to buying MKZ. I liked what I read about MKZ so I bought one. I love my MKZ. The ride is very nice. Consumer report graded it high also. Gas mileage not too bad (mid 20s). For now there isnt a luxury riding car with outstanding gas mileage. I opted for luxury. Dont have to travel that far.