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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  Great Value - good luxury - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By DFW - July 3 - 8:53 am

  Have had the Zephyr nearly 3 months and have enjoyed it. I did have to replace the steering whell due to the leather wrap starting to peel off. Turning radius is average. The car does have some pep if you get on it. The steering wheel controls are excellent and allow more freedom to switch radio stations, media, a/c etc. than many competitors. Its hot in the south, thus the a/c in the seats are awesome.

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  Nice! - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Dragon - June 29 - 7:16 pm

  This vehicle drives like a dream. There is plenty of room for all and setable seat positions for two. I will keep this car till the wheels fall off.

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  Best Experience Ever - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By PINKDOGRAFIX17 - June 28 - 5:32 pm

  Was looking to replace 1995 Mercedes S320 that was on its last leg. From the moment we walked onto the showroom floor to the final signing of our purchase used Lincoln MKS. Every bit of this purchase was above and beyond expectations!! This car is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great Car!!!! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Joni - June 25 - 1:43 am

  I love this car!!! I bought it back in November 2005 when they first came out. It is a beautiful car that gets looks everywhere I go. It has wonderful feature for an affordable price. I love driving this car and actually enjoy driving to work everyday. I dont know if I would ever own anything other than a Lincoln now.

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  More than a Luxury SUV - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jimmy - June 20 - 11:36 pm

  !For anyone looking for a powerful towing vehicle with the ability to have the luxury to go along with it, this is it. I pull a 30ft. camper with a weight of 7500lbs and let me tell you that this SUV is a beast. My first trip was about 12 hours one way and the return trip I was caught in a bad storm and the Navigator handled like I champ. I love bragging about what a awesome vehicle I own. The family and I have been to 3 camping sites and people cant believe how I came to choosing the Navagator. Typically the norm was large pick ups, Chevy Suburbans and the Tahoe. I can say I pushed this SUV to the max, including towing uphill in the mountains. This is not a Ford Expedition by any means!

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  I Love This Car!!! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By malcep - June 18 - 12:33 am

  I just traded in a 2004 Acura TL and cant begin to tell you how much more I enjoy driving my new MKZ. The MKZ is built much better than the TL. I suffered through rattles and a buzzy stereo speaker with the Acura. The MKZ is solid as a rock. In fact, I would compare it favorably to the 2001 Saab 95 I used to own which was vault like. Dont listen to all of the magazine reviews. This car is outstanding! The ride is comfortable but still has a European feel. There is no torque steer, which is something I disliked about my TL. The car is appointed beautifully. You owe it to yourself to at least test drive the MKZ. Its a lot a car for the money.

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  Great Car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By dwl - June 15 - 3:00 pm

  I purchased my 98Lincoln Towncar Executive from my father at 117000 miles a year ago. He bought it at 50,000 miles from a dealership, it had been a corporate program car. No problems with it. Excellent car. Rides nice, no engine sound in the cab, no problems. My father replaced the upper and lower ball joints before I bought it and did some exhaust work. I put new spark plugs on at 100,000 miles. Otherwise nothing has been done to it. I get 24.5 mpg at 65 mph down the interstate. Ill get almost 30 if I drive 55 down the interstate. Trouble free and comfortable. My only complaint is it is horrible on snow-packed roads so I no longer drive it in the winter.

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  Awesome! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Marsha - June 13 - 12:13 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. I currently am leasing,but I intend on buying the vehicle. It is comfortable, drives great. Has great pickup. Love the ride. I have 43,000 miles. I like the way the car looks too. I like the warranty that comes with the vehicle.

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  won out over other test drives - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By justgotanaviator - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I drove the Expedition, Montero, Navigator, Sequouia and Tahoe, all with the decked out packages. The Aviator was a hands down winner. Quieter, more luxurious and more powerful (responsive to the quick spurts of acceleration). AND, the steering is awesome, European comporable for sure. Expensive on the gas but we only put 12k per year on our vehicle. For that, the luxury ride is unbeatable. There is no other vehicle for this price and this total package.

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  What a great Luxury Utility Vehicle - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By smith barney assoc. - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The smoothest most comfortable suv on the road. I traded my 2002 Cadillac for the 2004 Navigator and what a difference! A more solid, well put together vehicle. Its quite and a pleasure to drive. The navigation system is all touch screen and voice controlled with one dvd covers the entire USA. The power fold seats and power fold side mirrors are great, as well as the automatic liftgate.