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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  WOW - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By 06zephyr - November 24 - 7:16 pm

  Simply an awesome vehicle...well worth the money incredible ride quality, comfortable and quiet Ford has really done this right, the foreign segments now have some decent competition

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  I Love This Car - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Deann - November 23 - 1:13 am

  We have had it for almost a year now and its ran great. We had a problem with the steering wheel locking up. The car itself is very comfortable but the leather gets dirty very easily. We have had Lincolns for 13 years and they take care and own up on their warranties. We would have gotten the Navigator but it was just to big for us. Overall this car is the best Lincoln weve had.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By ANDREW - November 19 - 9:00 am

  The wife and I purchased our MKX about three months ago and love it. We also test drove Lexus, Infiniti, Acura and others, and found all of them to be over priced with no more features then the MKX. I was at first skeptical to buy a Ford product, but now I am glad I did. The MKX has met our needs with room, comfort, excellent ride and price. My wife loves the Sync system, NAV system and THX sound system.

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  Josies LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By josieb - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2000 Lincoln LS V8, Ivory Parchment color with taupe interior. After driving this car for 3 years, the performance is still excellent. I get great gas mileage and have had no mechanical problems. This is a "classy" vehicle & it has proven to be very durable. I found three negative aspects about this vehicle. One, the "blind spot" between the front and rear windows; two, the cup holders will only fit a regular sized container; three, the front passenger seat does not adjust beneath the knees. I love MY LS, this is a lease vehicle and my lease. I have not found another vehicle that I like more and will either purchase this one or lease a new one.

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  Owner - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By W. Wotan - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Lincoln Towncar has been a pleasure to own and drive. Only two repairs required since purchase, both minor, and fixed at no cost by dealer promptly.

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  No better entry level luxury car. - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bob - November 16 - 10:00 am

  My Lincoln MKZ replaced a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria. I thought that the smaller size of the Lincoln MKZ would be disappointing, but it is not at all. The MKZ weighs only 200 lbs less than the 1999 Crown Victoria and the ride is great.

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  Big, Comfortable, Luxury Ride with outstanding Reliability - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By jrodd1 - November 10 - 8:55 pm

  Lincoln has done a wonderful job with this automobile. Bought the car in 2010 with 100,000 miles. Now August of 2011 has 130,000, and the only trips to the mechanic were for brakes and oil changes. Car ride tremendously, especially with the air bag suspension. The 4.6l V8 to this day doesnt burn or leak anything!!! Love the leather seats, and all the power amenities. Only issue I have had with the car was putting a driver said regulator in. Great car, cranks every single time, rides great, can put 5 big adults in car. I get around 19-20mpg average with a 20 mile commute, but last year i got 28mpg hwy on a trip to NC!!! Love this car, and will definitely buy another Towncar!

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  60000 Miles and going strong!! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By BROKERNOK - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive not had any problems with my LS, love the ride and looks. The stereo could be a little better and come on Lincoln, put it together better. I cant wait for the LSE, 360HP and a 6 speed!!

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  The best - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By melflomemo99 - November 10 - 8:13 am

  This car is better then I expected.The ride is great and quite.This car has everything you want for the money.The power is great and smooth riding.

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  A Fun Ride - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By tcm - November 8 - 4:13 am

  I researched the MKX and the Edge to death and decided on the MKX because of all the "bells and whistles". This car is so much fun to drive. Coming from an Expedition, this car still has a lot of room to transport two kids and all their sport equipment. I love the quiet ride and being wrapped in luxury. The Bluetooth capability is awesome.