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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  Love it! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By the best! - April 12 - 7:23 am

  Great car, just had it for about a month. Love the interior and the sync system, even though at first it was a little hard to understand. I love the gas mileage of this car. Traded in my Navigator for this car. That car which averaged about 14 mpg, while Im getting about 23.4 in my 2008 mkz awd.

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  navigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By peaches playa - April 12 - 2:00 am

  its really a good car, an the entertainment package rocks!!

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  This is as wicked a car as it gets! - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Paula Sidoti - April 5 - 3:04 pm

  Devoted Lincoln MKZ owner - 6 so far (between the Mark VIII, the Zephyr and the MKZs) but this is, BY FAR, the best one yet. Strong, sure-footed and wicked to drive. Feels like a fighter jet when you sit in it; the climate control / remote start is the best improvement Ive found (so far). I have NO complaints and everyone whos seen/ridden in the car are blown away. Quiet - luxurious fit & finish. VERY happy with my purchase - GOOD LUCK!

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  Dream Car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By Cigar Lover - April 5 - 12:26 pm

  Great car. Love the interior room and trunkspace. Also love that its an american made rear wheel drive car. Handles well, great exterior styling looks like a mafia car. Built like a tank, I feel safe and ride in luxury. There is a little lack of power, but that can be taken care of (I put dual exhaust on mine!) and performance heads would make a big difference too. Gas milage isnt great, but is good for a car this big.

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  2002 LS SPORT - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Ringmaster - April 5 - 8:16 am

  We purchased our LS Sport in October after looking at BMWs etc. We are totally happy about the decision to do the LS. It is the best handeling highway/back road automobile I have ever driven. I really feel the LS is a sleeper, a BMW on steriods at a $15K -$20K savings. Maybe more considering it has the wheelbase of a 7 series. Ill give up that last 10th of performance and luxury and with the savings get off the road on weekends and go sailing with the money I saved.

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  A great ride at a great price! - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By dennis - April 5 - 6:20 am

  I now have about 12,000 miles on my Lincoln. Traded in my E320 Benz to get it. Lincoln is superior in all respects. More comfortable, better price, better handling, no electrical problems (lots in Mercedes), burns regular fuel, two windshield wipers (one on the Benx) and so forth. Lower resale value, that is true. But who would want to sell it? This is the best car Ive ever owned and I got it for a steal (internet deal). Why was I driving that stupid status symbol that kills my rear after a few hours? Wish I had bought this car years ago. The car is great--the problem is that Ford is too stupid to know how to market it.

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  2006 LS-last on the lot - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By J. Pasquale - April 3 - 6:20 pm

  I looked at a number of large sedans-- ES & GS Lexus-BMW 5 -M45 Infiniti--- even a Toyota Avalon-- I drove this one last and bought it the same day- silver w/a black leather interior-The LS was by far the best value for the dollar (by thousands): rear wheel drive and balanced suspension and almost 300hp for plenty of pickup-It has a premium interior design--plenty of headroom- hip and leg comfort for a over 6 foot frame--- options include air & heated seats-- moonroof, smart keys, etc..a complete package with the exception of navigation--but this was the last one on the lot.

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  High Quality and Value - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Mike - April 1 - 10:56 pm

  Purchae from Ford Executive coming off 2 yr. lease. Front wheel drive with traction control is better than on the Saab 9-5 I owned before. 24 mpg highway, 19-20 mpg in town...not bad for a big V-8. Comfortable in town or on the expressway. Maintained by a local Ford dealer with no surprises. Love the electronic ride control, too. Better than a Caddy at a lower price! Too bad they quit making them.

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  BLING - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Kerri Post - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I love the look and feel of the vehicle. It rides smooth and the third seat is great for the kids.

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  Great Highway Car ... - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Fred McClaren - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Really pleased with the 2003 Town Car ... the only thing that would make me give it up is if they introduce a V10.