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:

• 

  Fantastic MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By HELEN - August 2 - 5:16 pm

  This car is A head turner!, whether driving or parked it attracts attention. Its sleek fun to Drive drop dead gorgeous. Lincoln has outdone themselves. I have own Lincolns since 1993.

• 

  Finally. - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By jdgmint - August 2 - 5:20 am

  This MKT is head and shoulders above any other "Crossover". The quality, comfort and technology is equal, and probably higher, then anything the Germans or Japanese have to offer. Nice going Ford!! Were finally back on top!

• 

  2003 Base 6 Cyl - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By StanG - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Best Sedan of any type that I have driven. Very good power from a small 6 cylinder. Handling is better than my race ready 65 Mustang. Gas milage is really good, ~ 27mpg on the hiway.

• 

  Lincoln Town Car Evaluation - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By John Dear - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car was ready to drive out of the dealership. The Hiway road feel and quiet operation is matched by its economic operation. 22 mpg during the first 350 mile round trip is good for this heavy comfortable vehicle while driving at very high speeds.

• 

  Helpful review - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mark Reinke - July 30 - 4:56 pm

  Great car for a great price with alot of options. I really like the ride and comfort. Fuel mileage is ok for a V6.

• 

  fun, fun, fun - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By randysgram - July 24 - 10:00 am

  It handles well even on wet roads and has good visibility. My passengers and I love the smooth & quiet ride. I open the trunk, fold down the two back seats, lay a blanket down, and my dog rides to the vet in style. Took him a minute to figure out he had to enter from the trunk but he loves it now.

• 

  Everyone should drive this! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By eyerly - July 21 - 8:34 pm

  This is truly an amazing car! I have yet to discover a flaw. My LS V8 has everything I could ask for and so much more. Its never given me problems and always gets me plenty of compliments. The look of the car is so classy and elegant. This car is a blast to drive, its so quick and feels very sporty and luxurious. Why anyone would drive anything else baffles me. This car is perfect. Ive driven many luxury cars and nothing compares! This car impresses everyone that sees it. Since Ive had mine I have had at least 10 friends buy them because they envied mine. The Joness wish they could keep up with me!

• 

  Awesome! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Esmerelda - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Fabulous SUV! I have love it since I first test drove it. Drove many other luxury SUVs, but went back to this one.

• 

  4 wheel perfection - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Bilbo - July 20 - 10:26 pm

  Amazingly smooth, faster than the CTS I drove, better materials than the Mercedes 430S, better road tests/handling than a 540i and a LOT more reliable than my neighbors Lexus. (ZERO repairs in 100K miles and just did my first tune up and sealed coolant change as designed) AND for $36K off the lot! What an amazing car! (At track days we hit 139 mph on the 17 inch Michelins - do not tell me insurance agent plz!) and other than adding an upgraded ceramic brake pad the car performs like the Jaguar S type (engine/trans and chassis/brakes are the same) but is a sleeper in subtle but classy style. Beat Lexus for JD Powers delivery awards in 2005. PLEASE keep building them like this!

• 

  Aviator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Big Al - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Lincolns got it right, better than BMW, MBZ and lexus amazing performance