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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  great sport sedan - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By jodyak - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I love the way this car handles. It is smalle enough to get into parking space easily but large enough to carry passengers with having the luxury of having a sports car feel. I love the way this vehicle handles curves and sticks to the road. Get for driving in the mountains or just down the highway. The interior doesnt leave a lot of leg room for taller people though.

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  Overheating issues - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By montanaboy - September 29 - 1:30 am

  We bought the car in April and generally like the car. We have had an overheating problem three times on hot days in heavy traffic. The thermostat has been replaced but the problem is still there and they cant seem to duplicate the problem when I take it to the shop. It seems like the cooling fans dont always come on. Very troubling.

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  Excellence! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Dianna - September 28 - 12:46 pm

  I love my MKZ. I gave top dollar for top car. This is an awesome ride. I only wish the trunk would raise up when button pushed. I love the THX system navigation and the maple trim in my model. This is just great. Cant wait till the MKR is out.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By chris rodriquez - September 27 - 9:36 pm

  I have had nothing but good experience with my Aviator. For an SUV it handles like a sports car around curves, feels solid and planted to the road. Smooth on most road surfaces with little wind or engine noise. The interior design is one of the best for SUVs. Like all the safety features it provides like the rear park assist, the turn signal mirrors with reverse tilt, darn good brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution with brake assist.

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  Our Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By B. Welch - September 26 - 6:20 am

  Zephyr is one great car! Weve had ours for just over one month and it has been a joy to drive. The interior is extremely comfortable and very tastefully done (stone colour combination is great). The exterior styling is what caught our interest in the Zephyr. Great job Lincoln! On the highway it provides an extremely smooth and quite ride. It cruises effortlessly. There is lots of passing power and gas mileage has been excellent. The THX sound system is awsome! The Zephyr is well assembled with no flaws.

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  description and condition of vehicle - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By richard toerner - September 21 - 1:23 pm

  The car is in excellent driving condition, everything works except the auto mirror, fuel economy is great for a car this large and comfortable. Tires are a year old lots of wear left a very reliable and comfortable family car. Silver with gray interior.

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  American Luxury at its finest - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Thomas - September 20 - 10:33 pm

  My grandfather drove a Town Car for many years and now I know why. Big, roomy, comfortable, and safe. Gas mileage isnt great (20.9) but then it only needs 87 octane gas. At 32, I am one of the younger Town Car drivers, but I wouldnt drive anything else. Absolutely love it for cruising the open highway (we go up north quite a bit), windows up or down. The sound system, even the default one, is better than most home stereo systems.

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  Hall - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By JH1 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle is great. It has luxury and style all in one. Comfortable but still stylish with a lot of room.

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  I love this Car! - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Sharon Fredericks - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I really do love this car. It makes me feel good just driving it.

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  I tried a bunch, MKZ fit me - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By dave1968 - September 20 - 1:43 am

  I wanted a mid-sized sedan, and ended up looking at 35 vehicles and driving 22 times in a 5 month period. MKZ was the best fit for me, and after 1500 miles I cant find flaws. Mileage is averaging 21, and got 27.3 on a highway-only trip at mostly 70mph. I didnt opt for the NAV system or THX sound, a small Garmin GPS unit fits fine in the console cupholder. Step-in height is more comfortable than a TL, and usable space much better than an IS. Console and instruments arent trying to be the space shuttle, just useful and tasteful and readable. Were looking forward to feeling the AWD in snow, and a circle-lake-superior trip. All cars involve compromise, MKZ is one to look at.