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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  Loving it - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Wisconsin - April 27 - 11:23 am

  So far, an excellent car. Was between this, a SAAB 9-5 and Volvo S60. This car is superior hands down, great ride and very fun to drive. Classy interior with the dash vent open.

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  MKS Is An Awesome Car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By REWInAmherst - April 26 - 2:23 am

  The 2009 Lincoln MKS is an awesome car. I have previously owned 14 Lincoln Town Cars and 1 Lincoln Aviator and rate the MKS amongst the best of those vehicles when it comes to my driving and ownership experience. I do a great deal of highway driving for my businesses and the MKS drives and handles very well and is a luxurious and comfortable experience over many hours spent on the road between destinations. My MKS has the "Ultimate Package" with all of the technological toys and conveniences which I appreciate greatly. I highly recommend the Lincoln MKS to everyone who is seriously interested in a true American luxury sedan.

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  Love it - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Ric F - April 25 - 4:53 am

  Wanted a newer vehicle for the family to enjoy and love our Navigator. Spacious, comfortable, and a joy to cruise in around town and on the highway. Highway 16-20 MPG and around town 12-15. But we bought it for the total comfort and enjoyment of a Lincoln. My wife is a teacher and therefore has plenty of room for her compliment of daily needs for the classroom. Seperate controls for audio, video, and climate gives each their own true level of comfort. Not a lick of trouble since owning look forward to its years of service for us.

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  good car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By drvd1773 - April 21 - 9:33 am

  I traded my BMW 540I for a Lincoln and it has been great I am only 31 years old so I may not be your normal limcoln driver. The only problem is at around 70 mph the steering wheel has a vibration in it not something would expect in a car like this. It has done this sence the day I drove it off the lot but I guess not everything is perfect.

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  Value for the Money - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By ahmedfunny2003@yahoo.com - April 15 - 1:00 pm

  I went shopping for a new car, i stepped in to the Lincoln dealership to test drive An MKS,so I fell in love with this car,and Lincoln giving away the car really ,almost 8000 in rebates so the total price of the car is like 27000$,cheaper than a loaded camry ,and this car alot better than any hybrid i owned before,i averaged 43 mpg mixed,i am a long time hybrid owner so i know how to get the best out of them,do yourself a favor and check this out before going to any other basic Boring car dealership ,I got the base model Premier 400A is More than enough,I don`t care about moon roof and steering assistance,The car is so comfy,no road noise at all,best car i ever owned

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  Awesome - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By mcroad - April 15 - 6:43 am

  We just received our MKZ hybrid this week after waiting 5 long months and believe me it was worth the wait. My husband was worried about being comfortable in this car because he is a big guy. He love it and fits in it just fine, cannot say anything negative about this purchase. We have not broken it in yet to get the 45mpg as said but the manual said 1000 miles to be broken in. If we do get the 45mpg then it is that much more pleasing. Love the color we got the smoked quartz and it is similar to yankee blue. Lincoln has really worked wonderfully to make us happy with the purchase and incentives for waiting. Thank you Lincoln.

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  I love it - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Lewis - April 8 - 5:36 am

  I love this car! great handling good power great sound system. I love this car best car i ever owned.i cant find 1 fault great job. keep up the good work lew

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  A great....bigger auto. - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By David M Brown - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Driven for 6 months before off-center collision @ 50-55 mph with a 2003 Ford Ranger. I walked away with no injury. This vehicle is impressive. Agile for this size: no problems parking in any parking lot or street. Road trips with family and "stuff" are very comfortable:acceleration/passing no problem, even fully loaded with a/c on.I would buy another one of these.The Aviators positive journal reviews are well deserved. One criticism:"plain" heated seats not an option:heated-and-cooled seats is a package. David M Brown kinichiwah@aol.com

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  AWESOME NAVIGATOR - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By GTURNER - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I am a Navigator fanatic.This our 3rd one.We test drove the other SUVS and kept coming back to the Navi. Comparing price and equip. hands down the Navi. is the best bang for the buck.The handeling is great.It has the power that we need if we want to tow the boat or trailer the Harley.It is sporty yet luxurious @ the same time. It is also big enough for me and the family. I would only trade this for another unless a new SUV were born

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  03 Navigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By soglear - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I looove my truck! I had an 01 Suburban with a Regency conversion package prior to this truck, VERY nice looking. I miss my Suburban, but got what I was missing as far as quickness in my Navi. What a difference in the 03 models vs. 02 & earlier. 03, you feel like you are driving a car - earlier, the vehicle is more "truck" feeling, and a little top heavy.