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:

• 

  Best car I have ever owned! - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By Batmobile driver - March 30 - 5:24 pm

  Dont really know where to begin to explain on the pros about this car. I found this car on the cargurus website and got an amazing deal. I have owned this car for about a year now and put on about 30k miles since purchase. Comfort and safety was important for obvious reasons and driving as much as I do. I have nicknamed this car the Batmobile because...she sure goes..and goes fast. Has great get up and go for quick navigation needs, handles very well. Even our SUV cannot live up to this car in the infamous windy, snowy weather here in Minnesota.

• 

  Looks brand new - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Stacy - March 30 - 7:46 am

  I love the way this car looks and drives. No one ever believes that the car is 5 years old now. It looks good!

• 

  a cut above - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By al & Jane - March 26 - 2:00 am

  A great vehicle in your driveway and on the road. Lincoln listened to its customers when they designed this vehicle.

• 

  Needs more Horse-Power - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jay Gowens - March 23 - 1:00 pm

  No other ride compares (speaking primarily about the suspension), and I have driven most luxury models, but I have to say more torque and horse-power is needed to eliminate that slight sense of drag during ecceleration.

• 

  Outstanding All Around - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mit - March 22 - 1:13 am

  This is a great vehicle. Horsepower is there when you need it. Interior is very quiet and comfortable. No complaints!

• 

  Lincoln LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Vaughn - March 20 - 7:03 pm

  All around its the best car Ive owned. My biggest complaint is the size and placement of the cup holders.

• 

  Love the LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Clayborn1 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have never thought I would drive a Lincoln, but when they rolled out the LS, I had to have one and I am glad I gave them the chance. I had a BMW, was a great car, but this LS has more room and appeal to me.

• 

  1999 Lincoln Town Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By James Erickson - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car in 1999, the 6th Lincoln town car I have owened and have loved them all. All have performed great with low upkeep and good gas milage. The ride is excellent and driving it is a dream.

• 

  Had BMW 7 and Lexus LS - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Mark - March 13 - 11:56 pm

  After owning a BMW & and several Lexus LSs I found those care to be very good, however I thought for the dollars spent the Lincoln was a great value for the money. I am very bid on how a car rides. And have found the Lincoln to ride very well, and the interior very quiet. Bluetooth, and technology works great, and the electric doors are very nice. Definitely best seating in any car I have owned, I have the upgraded seating. Not like a foreign car, this car is very American. I am not a bid fan of the sporty rides, and since I do not need a car that does 150 MPH, this is a pure luxury car and a better value for the money.

• 

  Best car for the money - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By texmln - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Put this cars specs up side by side with the BMW 5 Series or the MB C Class (or even the E Class) and youll find that it costs $10k less, has more engine and horsepower, AND is bigger inside and out than even the E Class. Get in and drive it and youll find an excellent riding and handling car with plenty of power. I am very happy with my choice. However, the transmission keeps this car from being a true sports car. It doesnt have a problem, it just isnt made for sporty driving. Likewise with the V8. Lots of power but no real ability to put it on the ground all at once. All around, this car beats anything on wheels in value for your dollars.