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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  Our 2nd Navigator - 2011 Lincoln Navigator
  By Tim Scholz - June 2 - 10:00 am

  We love the feel and drive of the car. We had a 2000 Navigator and that is why we purchased the 2011. I really like that the 3rd seat folds down flat for great room to haul stuff. We are having trouble with keeping the driver seat position with the 2 key fobs. Is any one else having this problem>

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  I just love my MKS - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By Skip - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been a long time client to FOMOCO - starting with my 88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. I traded in my 2008 MKZ for a 2011 MKS and cannot be happier. This car is HOT and loads of fun to drive. I am so happy I decided to upgrade!

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  Great Entry Luxury Car - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Felix Runners - May 29 - 8:56 pm

  This is a great entry-level luxury car. Lots of features for a low price. The engine has plenty of power, the SYNC system is user friendly, and the seats (back seats too) are comfortable for traveling. Thumbs up from the whole family.

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  Great quiet ride - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By Larry reed - May 28 - 8:07 pm

  Based on previous luxury SUVs this MKX IS quiet and the seats are a lot more comfortable. A pleasure to drive and easy to get used to control functions. Why cant all cruise controls be on same side of steering wheel. Love interior lights and outside lights. Cargo area spacious and easy to access with multiple features. Handling and mileage are equal to previous SUV or maybe a little better. It remains to be seen how dealership compares to other luxury dealership. Love the trim package and available off lot, always had to order our cars in in the past to get colors and options we required.

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  Great Car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Anthony - May 27 - 5:56 am

  I have had this since December 2005 and now have 28K miles. Beautiful car, quiet, smooth. Everyone who sees it comments, cant wait for my next one in 2008 when I pay this off!!!!

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  Shame Ill never own another one! - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By macadoches - May 26 - 11:00 am

  Best car Ive ever had, get 30mpg on highway if I keep speed about 65-68. Its quick manuevering has gotten me out of several bad spots, which surprised me due to its size. And Ive always felt safe in it. Am starting to have a few problems now, but nothing big, and thats due to age. Would have liked sturdier bumpers. And the airflow in the front windows is somewhat odd. But I plan to drive it until it falls apart on the road and then Ill walk away from it. Breaks my heart Ill never be able to afford another one! Wish Id gotten two when I had the money, and put one up!

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  FINALLY A GREAT SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By GTMA - May 24 - 10:56 pm

  I DROVE A EXPEDITION AND MY WIFE DROVE A BMW X 5 WE ALWAYS WANTED THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS IN ONE CAR AND WE GOT IT IN OUR AVAITOR. THE TOUGHNESS OF A TRUCK AND THE LUXURY OF A LINCOLN THANKS

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  A fantastic Automobile - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By don38 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Best Car I have owned to date. Lots of power for merging after rest stops on the interstate.

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  Great Car - No Reliability Issues - Fast - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By pharaohfitz - May 19 - 1:34 am

  I dont understand the other reviews concerning reliability or performance. I bought the 09 Lincoln MKS for my wife then she opted for the 2014 MKZ so I inherited the MKS. Very quick acceleration, I use engine and oil treatments. 84K miles with no issues or any maintenance needed other than scheduled service. I have photos of 30 mpg while driving @70 mph - so mileage is great, usually 26-28 but 30.5 is most I have observed highway but 17-19 stop and go. Handles like it is on rails while driving through the mountains at @70+. While not a sports car (79 RX7, 64 Stingray), it is a fast great handling car. Driven at -35 up to 105, snow no problem

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  Wouldnt Trade For Nothing - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Road Angel - May 17 - 5:40 am

  This is my dream car. The ride is smooth, the performance beyond expectation, the feeling of grandeur as you weave in and out of traffic. The sound quality, the look of the vehicle itself also tend to relax the mood when driving under stressful conditions. This baby has definitely become mamas new toy.