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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  A Great New Lincoln - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Werner Redel - November 7 - 8:16 pm

  This car is one of the quietest cars I have driven to date. More options than any other car in its class and most are standard. The THX sound system and Navigation system are out of this world. I was surprised there was more room inside this car then the Lincoln LS. The Workmanship on this car is the best I have seen including the imports.

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  cant beat this car !! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By pete - November 7 - 8:03 pm

  excellent luxury model, with better than average gas mileage. I tested the acura tl, and the saab 9-3, both nice cars, but the zephyr blows them away.The zephyr reminds me of the classic heavy ride i used to get with the older vehicles, such as the caddy and the bigger v8 cars, but without the gas guzzling.

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  A nice ride - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By shawn - November 7 - 7:03 pm

  I got this car in 2006. Its good on the highway and OK in the city. If you like to take long trips then this is the car for you. Great pick up too. I did a few mods to my Navigator so my horsepower and take off speed are great!

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  Impressed - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By MKZ Driver - November 7 - 6:10 pm

  This is really a remarkable car - Ive not experienced anything quite like it. Quiet, almost supernaturally so on the highway, and the mpg is reasonable - around 26-27 so far. The MKZ is tight. Currently I have 500 miles on the MKZ, and its the best car Ive ever driven, hands down. Far beyond a CTS, in my opinion, in ride, quietness, and handling, let alone features. Whats more, this car seems to be built like the rock of Gibraltar, but time will tell.

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  I would purchase this car again - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By bartalian - November 6 - 4:50 am

  I purchased my MKS in Aug, I have 12,000+ miles on it. Needless to say I spend a lot of time driving and I have been very happy with this car. I test drove Cadillac CTS (great tech,too small) STS (2008 had very few tech options, and a floating ride). I had a 2005 Chrysler 300C and loved that car, but nothing had changed in 4 years. I choose the MKS for a number of reasons. Aggressive appearance; loads of tech (Direct Ipod/Iphone support, Bluetooth, GPS, etc) Cooled seats. I avg. 23 miles in mixed driving which I am very happy with. Buying a 1st year model is always going to have issues and I have one too. The drivers side door has problems unlocking. Waiting for part to arrive.

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  Really Great Automobile - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By dhoening - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems since new. With 36,000 miles now, still a blast to drive, and my wife wont let me even think about replacing it anytime soon. Lincoln has a hit on their hands and should leave this one alone!

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  Getting better all the time! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By rwd - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Still the best touring sedan on the market, and a steal compared to others in its class. Much better dynamics, 17" wheel, R&P steering, tigher all over, 240 hp feels like more because of the 280 ft lbs of torque. Room galore, This car is much better than people think,like a FWD...but we all know RWD is in! you can buy these cars brand new with $10,000 off the sticker at the year end sales...I got mine for $34,000 and traded my 2000 TC final cost was $14,000 at 3.8% $413.00/mo for 36 months...cant beat that. Nothing like a Town Car...nothing, quiet, faster, and comfort.

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  Good to Excellent - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By George Hollowell - November 2 - 4:10 am

  New 6peed automatic trans is a great feature. Engine power is excellent. I pull an RV it has plenty of torque. Economy is excellent for its size. Handling is superb.

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  Perfect fit & finish...truly WOW - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Wayne - October 20 - 1:23 pm

  have had the car for a month...not a thing wrong yet...love the design, comfort, features and design are fantastic at a fair price. We ordered the car without seeing the color we wanted (dark blue) and love it and the interior color too (light stone). The car is really fun to drive and has plenty of power despite the reports...handles very smoothly...

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  Just Perfect - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By JE - October 20 - 9:13 am

  The MKX has performed flawlessly in every facet of driving. Dependable in cold and snow to desert heart. I tried a Navigator (which is a great vehicle) but it was a bit too big for my needs. I am a big fan of distilled water and run it in the radiator (with about 20% coolant) in all my vehicles and my tractor this has worked excellent in the MKX.