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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  MKZ Software Update Completed - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By zbrid2013 - August 24 - 1:35 pm

  Bought my new 13 Z four months ago and its great to drive, comfortable and quiet. I have the hybrid and it offers a smoother ride than the EcoBoost version. My MPG was under 37 MPG and I just had the update done at AutoNation in Clearwater on Friday and Im now averaging 42 MPG:-) In addition, they fixed a recall item on the fuel pump (something like that) and Ive got to admit that the car rides different (better all the way around) and its pretty cool to be pushing 80 MPH and be on electric:-) Maybe it took Lincoln a bit more time to get it right, but they did.

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  I love my MKX! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By Kansas Mom - August 24 - 1:40 am

  I am very pleased with the mkx. It is fun to drive (I used to drive a full- size suv). The ride is so smooth. There is some wind noise, but not like Ive had with past vehicles. Id say its a very nice, quiet ride -- unless the stereo is on. Its a great system. My kids & I like to play the THX demo before we "take off." I like the way the car handles. Id recommend it to anyone shopping for a new vehicle. I chose this over the rdx and enclave (my top 3) and I am so so happy that I chose the Lincoln. I was worried about cargo room, but I have the space for everything Ive needed so far. The seats are real easy to fold down (and they recline!)if needed. Final words - I love my mkx!

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  Sunroof Leak in new Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By John Stevens - August 22 - 11:10 pm

  within the first week of ownership, our brand new 2005 Lincoln Aviator has a water leak from the sunroof which is dripping down through the overhead driver light switch. The dealer had the car overnight and didnt fix the problem. Ford technical support stated some Mountaineers and Aviators are having the same problem. This is a $50,000 luxury vehicle. No wonder the Aviator is in its last year of the current design and will emerge in the fall of 2006 as a downsized model. What do we do in the meantime? Our Aviator only has 282 miles on it and its going back to the shop for the same problem.

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  My favorite car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Stu - August 22 - 10:56 am

  Car is solid and fun to drive. The V8 engine provides effortless power. Ford has done a good job with this car and should advertise it more. Many of the cars features are available on other cars, but my Lincoln demonstrates a special quality, that justifies a premium price. My "LS Ultimate" is very quiet on the road and yet, you always feel secure and comfortable. Controls are convenient and easy to reach. The "LS" is not a big car, yet is good looking and commands a respect not seen in similar priced automobiles. It has all the goodies that belong on a premium automobile.

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  My Lincoln - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By Lincolnsforme - August 22 - 2:00 am

  142,000 miles and it still looks and runs as good as new. The car has been very reliable.I had a 1989 Mark VII before I got the town car,I thought I would never find a car I likked as well as the LSC,but I was wrong,the Town Car is even better.

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By RTD - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Lincoln Aviator, after having a Navigator and being so dissapointed to have to turn in following lease term ending, got the Aviator because of size and found it to be even better than the Navigator. Love my Lincoln. Bob

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  98 Lincoln Continental - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By guitar man - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 98 continental in late 99 ,as it come off lease, with 37,000 miles. Just surpassed 71,000 miles with little trouble. Today, just picked up the car at dealership after 65,000 commplete service, ($1,000). Still some popping underneath the car, that was not repaired at the dealership.

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  More Power! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Val - August 19 - 2:50 pm

  New Camry and Azera are the same size but have much more power. Six speed automatic gives the smooth ride, but when you need to accelerate it is a burden. The steering is heavy, the door takes a "slam" to close. The reading of "Average M/G" does not correspond with manual calculation, when you divide filled up gallons by driven miles. Lit Displays are barely seen

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  Better than a bmw or benz. - 2016 Lincoln MKC
  By Brian - August 19 - 2:58 am

  2016 lincoln mkc reserve 2.3 awd. The car is great. My sticker price was $47,446. I got some rebates and 1.9 financing. I could have bought a bmw, benz or audio for this price with less options. Bmw has no touch screens. Just a stupid knob. The car gets 5mpg better than what it says, after break in. I own a business and have a fleet of 16 vehicles and I have driven all of them. The fords hold up much better than other brands. I drive this car myself. 3 weeks old and 6,234 miles already. I even have used it a few times to drive passengers around for uber!! Great ride, no road noise. Seat is so compy its crazy good. Buy the car! No complaints at all! And Im very picky.

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  Love it! - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By mikross - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has a VERY quiet ride for its size. Air suspension is wonderful MPG is comparable to the 1989 Mitsubishi Montero that we replaced. Pretty good, considering the difference on engine and overall vehicle size!