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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  Many of Compliments - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Adam - September 9 - 9:13 pm

  Since I picked up my Mark LT I have received nothing but great comments. It handles better than most cars with the security of a truck. I love all the options but it is not gaudy like some of the other luxury vehicles. I highly recomend.

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  Great Car and Great Value - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By AKR - September 9 - 12:50 am

  Love this car. Get lots of compliments on its appearance. My "fully loaded" sangi red, ultimate package model has lots of useful extra features. Important to me, it is an American brand and, with sales incentives, also costs several thousand dollars less than comparable Japanese and German entry-level luxury vehicles. Our other car is an Acura RSX Type S, a sporty performance coupe that I enjoy driving. I am equally pleased with the handling of the MKZ, given that it is a quite different type of automobile. Absolutely no problems with car at 1,500 miles.

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  The 1995 Towncar - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By jos - September 6 - 5:26 am

  I like used cars. The 1995 Town Car is great. I only replaced the usual wear items like tires,oil etc. This year of Lincoln has the newer dash and interior. I bought this car two years ago for $5200 and it may be the best used car I ever purchased. 90,000 miles and no leaks under the car. If you can get the Signature or Cartier. I am 62 and do not need to put the seat all the way back. Lots of room.

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  Good Used Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By HipHop - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I was between the LS and the Lexus ES300, got a better deal on the LS so went for it - Decent power and awesome handling - There were a bunch of problems with the 00 LSs so I would recommend a newer one if funds allow, otherwise buy the extended warranty and you should be ok - I also think the car is very safe

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  Our Second Navigator - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By our2ndnavigator - September 6 - 2:00 am

  We have happily owned a White 1999 model. My mother loved my Navigator so much, she got a 2000 White Navigator. But we thought we would seriously look at other 2004 competitors to purchase. They CAN NOT hold a candle to the Navigator. Everyone we know who are very recent owners of new SUVs and has seen our 2004 Navi, they are kicking themselves for not looking at a Navigator. We get so many OOOOHHS and AAAAHHS. After being years as a Mercedes family, we are thrilled to now be a Navigator SUV family. A 1999 White Navigator and a 2004 Black Navigator grace our garage, and our beautiful 1999 Sedan 320 Mercedes must now sit in the driveway.

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  HOT ROD LINCOLN - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By DUANE ASHMORE - September 5 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR MAKES DRIVING FUN AGAIN.THE PEOPLE WHO CAME UP WITH THE PHRASE 4DSC {FOUR DOOR SPORTS COUPE }DO NOT HAVE A CLUE UNTIL THEY HAVE DRIVEN A LINCOLN CONTINENTAL.THIS CAR GETS EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE ,ABOUT 19 OR 20 IN THE CITYAND UP TO 29 ON THE HIGHWAY. NOT BAD FOR A 2 1/2 TON V8.

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  I love my Lincoln - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By RioPride - September 5 - 10:00 am

  My 1997 Lincoln Towncar has always been and still is the most comfortable car I have ever had the pleasure of driving. It is a quiet and smooth today as it was when new and it has been totally trouble-free. No major repairs have been necessary in the almost 5 years Ive owned it. I drive faster than I should because it hardly seems that I am moving with such a smooth ride. I cant believe a car has been so reliable for comfortable for so long.

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  Town Car the executives choice - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Dr. Ellsworth - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, roomy, and styled for the executive appearance. Great curb appeal. A sound, solid car, with an unmatched ride. Quiet too.

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  Incredible - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By jw - September 5 - 12:43 am

  We never thought we would have a Lincoln in our drive until maybe when we retired, but once we took the MKZ for an overnight test drive we changed our minds fast! This car is simply amazing for the money. I really thought it would just be a Fusion with window dressing, but boy was I wrong. Our MKZ has incredible power and handling characteristics and the interior makes you never want to get out. Little things like real wood trim and a real clock (not digital) really make a big difference.

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  i love my lincoln - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By jlvmk - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Since Ive had this car, I have absolutely loved it! The ride and the feel of it is great!