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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  I have moderate back issues and severe neck issues - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By jean - July 29 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car for the 22 point adjustable seat. It is great. I can ride for an hour in most cars. When the pain starts, I put on the massage seat! Gets me home pain free. So very thankful. I must tell you the safety features are awesome. I love the cruise control that slows down and speeds up based on the car in front of you. I also love the auto stop and heated steering wheel. Honey Im in heaven. Basically, this car nearly drives itself and you sit back in the best seat every and enjoy the ride. Ive gone from hating to drive due to pain, to loving to drive. Thank you!

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  Best Bang For the Buck - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Iamdtm28 - July 28 - 3:46 am

  This car gives you the best bang for the buck. For the Price you cant beat it. Size of a BMW 7, Performance of a BMW 5, at a price of a BMW 3.

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  My 12th Lincoln - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By stgcret - July 24 - 11:06 pm

  This vehicle is very easy to get in and out of. The Signature Limited is the ticket. I am only missing the moonroof, which I dont really care about anyway. If you have to be in traffic, you will love the comfort and the dual a/c. I had 2 1997s (last year of old body style) and really had my reservations when the 98s came out, but the 2005 was pretty much redone. I agree that it needs more horsepower, maybe a 5.4 or turbo 4.6 somewhere in the range of 300 HP. The 238 HP is lacking when you got to get around a slower vehicle. The Towncar has always has been a great roadtrip vehicle. It could use less plastic in the interior...and it does use 87 octane gas.

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  The Best - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By RPB - July 24 - 8:20 pm

  I have been driving 55 years and I can say this is the best driving car I have ever owned. [have owned 33 cars]

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  very outstanding - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By jimyboy - July 23 - 8:13 pm

  I think that this is one of the nicest best riding cars i have ever even been in. i have realized that owning this car also brings much attention to me. I was parked next to a new escalade one day and a group of kids walked by looked at the escalade once and then stared at the navigator for quite some time. I believe that you cannot go wrong with this vehicle.

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  Very Happy with My New Lincoln - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Maryland - July 21 - 7:43 pm

  I replaced a 1996 Subaru Legacy with a new MKZ. I wanted greater comfort with the safety of all-wheel drive, and the MKZ met my requirements best. It is very comfortable to drive, has plenty of power, and gets good comments on its appearance. So far, after 5 months, I have had no problems at all with this car. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Everything I was looking for in a car! - 2017 Lincoln MKC
  By Rhonda Thompson - July 21 - 1:17 pm

  I especially love how it handles.

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  One Awesome Crossover - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By gmusser - July 21 - 6:26 am

  I researched this rig a lot and it is exceeding all the good news I found. We got a loaded one including the adaptive cruise - that is a great safety feature. The backup camera is awesome and there are also sensors in the taillights - not on the bumpers - very cool. On the second day, my wife was backing up and the sensors went off because a woman started walking behind her - an injury/law suit saved. The car has many redundancies built in which are extremely valuable. For example, the car can be entered with the fob, the touch handle, the Securicode on the door, or a key that is in the fob. It is keyless, pushbutton start - my wife leaves fob in her pocket. Gas mileage is near EPA.

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  Great Car for the Price - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Thomas E. Cuomo - July 19 - 7:40 am

  Ive only had this car for a short time but I like it very much. I had a Town Car which I loved but I wanted to downsize and this car is perfect. There is a lot interior room and trunk space. The car is loaded with options that I didnt have in my Town Car. It has a great looking interior. The ride is very good for a car this size.

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  A few questions, but love it.... - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By dot - July 18 - 7:23 am

  I got this after having a Blazer and I love it to death... It is gorgeous. It had a lot of miles when I bought it and has never been back for service. I have had some problems w/ the car saying that door is ajar and then the light stays on. Causing the battery to go dead Also the hub caps are peeling apart. Cant find replacements anywhere.