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:

• 

  Happy purchaser - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By obee - October 5 - 2:11 pm

  We traded our A6 Audi for the MKZ hybrid and couldnt be happier. We took delivery in Arizona and after about 300 miles drove it to Minnesota. We find the seating more comfortable than the Audi but we did get the messaging seats because of my wifes back trouble. We averaged 40.2 on the trip and now at 3000 miles it is at 41. We have had two shorter trip gas fills with one at 48 and one at 44, but I have to say that we live in a rural area with a lot of 55 mph roads and we have paid close attention to acceleration and braking. I appreciate the lack of a shifter since they only connect to wires anyway. The interior is very attractive and close to the Audis quality.

• 

  I love my LS! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By I LOVE MY LS! - October 5 - 2:56 am

  Bought my LS about 5 years ago and have had absolutely NO problems at all and I love it..Handles well, excellent gas mileage (24-27 MPG) and is very comfortable and fun to drive. Would recommend it! Have had several FORD/LINCOLN products and they have all been excellent cars/trucks! No Problems!

• 

  One Sweet Ride - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bill T. - October 3 - 7:46 pm

  After the first test drive, I knew this was my car. Now that Ive owned it for about 8 months, I can only say that I am extremely pleased with the car. On long trips, theres nothing like cruising down the interstate, feeling like Im driving my leather couch down the road, only without my big-screen tv in front of me. Ive had absolutely no problems with the car. I average 18 mpg around town and a very respectable 25 mpg on the highway. Another big plus with the TC is the safety aspect of having that amount of metal and airbags around you. The car simply looks impressive and is a treat to drive. It may not have stellar performance, but the two ton luxury road yacht makes me happy anyway.

• 

  Good car overall, but not great. - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By bobh - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The radio is not as good (sensitive) as my 2000 TC. The engine is noisy, not throaty as some describe. Transmission doesnt shift as smooth as my 2000. Handling is much improved. I like the car overall, but wish some things were as good as my 2000.

• 

  Best car I ever owned - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By thiscarsamazing!!!!! - October 1 - 3:43 pm

  This car is amazing. Even in FWD model it seems to grip the road on curves. On acceleration it gives a powerful purr and takes off like a rocket. By far this is the best luxury sedan I ever owned and Ive owned lots of luxury sedans.

• 

  Oil LeakI - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By hughege - September 28 - 9:20 pm

  I took my LS to dealership regarding an oil leak problem on driveway at my home. I have 44500 miles now and still covered by warranty. The service advisor determined a recall item (hose) need replacement. Before driving off the lot, I saw a oil leak again. returned to service advisor pointing it out. He described it as a run off,after other fluids levels had been topped. I was not convinced and told him. He said drive it a few days if oil continues to leak to dealership. One week later oil puddle still on my driveway.

• 

  excellent american luxury - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By AL SALAZAR - September 27 - 4:56 am

  the cartier has been the best american car I have owned. Excellent ride and comfort. Would like for car to have more horsepower.

• 

  Under rated Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By My Lincoln - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Lincoln LSE Sport is one of the most fun to drive automatic transmissions Ive come across. The car hugs the road and increases speed without any hesitation whatsoever. This Lincoln performs like a sports car. I love it. You can keep those overpriced over hyped German cars. Give me a Lincoln and an open road any day.

• 

  Great car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Lincolnmcluke - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, I love most everything about it. Great handling, smooth ride. Better than european buys.

• 

  handles great at 125mph - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By fast1990 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  my 1998 lincoln towncar doesnt have what most would say a sporty look, but what i have found out is that it handles excellant at 125mph.