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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  outstanding - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By alan - December 29 - 5:30 pm

  Rides like no other. Owned Mercedes and Lexus and neither compare with the smooth ride of the Lincoln. Power is adequate interior is super comfortable.

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  2010 MKZ Ultimate AWD - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Frank - December 25 - 10:40 pm

  Traded 2006 Zephyr after 53,000 100% trouble free miles for a 2010 MKZ AWD with "Ultimate" pkg . 2006 Zephyr was one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Was going to just hold on to it until I drove the 2010 MKZ. UNBELIEVABLE!!!! What an amazing difference in every aspect. The 2010 MKZ is truly a worldbeater. AWD with trac control is as sure footed as a cat. The car is fast, with an incredible ride and is very quiet. Has autostick, bluetooth, Microsoft sync, BLIS, etc. Ultimate package affords every luxury option available on a beautiful car. This car will have Lexus, Mercedes, Acura, etc. totally shaking in their boots. Any non-believers, all I can say is drive one; itll shut you up.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By GPerkins - December 25 - 12:43 pm

  I was fortunate when I was able to purchase my Lincoln. It is so luxurious and comfortable. This is one vehicle that is still noticed fr its looks and size. A compact car, its not. These cars have such lasting appeal and still look beautiful over 12 years after the design was changed. My husband has a spinal cord injury, and this car is perfect for him. It is so much more comfortable to ride in than newer compact/mid-size cars (which I found to hurt my back after a 700 mile road trip in a rental car). I am forever Lincoln Town Car fan. I am definately spoiled to the various buttons on the steering wheel, which helps when driving, so that I dont have to take my eyes off the road.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Wo - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Great overall vehicle. Smooth ride. Love the navigation system and the sound system. The DVD package is great for kids. Great towing vehicle. Rides like a car, not a truck... but when you need a truck for pulling boat- you can rely on this vehicle.

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  Great Value!!!! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Brians bestbuy - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely outways any other mid-size van in its class including luxury and price.

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  American Luxury - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Rugsmart - December 22 - 7:03 pm

  Both GM and Ford have come out with some nice cars for 2006 and I wanted to give them both a good shot with my new car purchase. The Lincoln Zephyr is more engaging than the Lexus ES, and while not as much fun to drive as the Lexus IS or BMW 325, it comes in at a good $2,000-$3,000 less comparably equipped (after negotiation and dealer contributions, which dont exist on the other name plates). The main reason I like the Lincoln is its unique sense of American luxury. It is not trying to be European or Japanese, it is trying to establish a new American Luxury character, and I think it succeeds very well. It is very quiet (tire noise from the front is the only sound) and takes regular gas.

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  Very good car. - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Bill - December 22 - 1:23 pm

  I found this car slightly used at a Jeep dealer and really liked it at first sight. I have driven it all over and on two long trips (5K miles) since then and still like it a lot. This US car is better than any Toyota or Honda and is comparable to the Lexus. It drives great, gets good MPG (26-30 hwy), runs very quiet and is very reliable. It is great car for a couple or a small family with lots of trunk room and a big back seat for extra junk or two kids or two friends as needed. The car is very luxurious and great looking on both the inside and outside. I highly recommend it to all my friends.

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  Love my MKX - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By LUVMYMKX - December 17 - 11:10 pm

  First vehicle I have ever purchased new. Amazing in the Snow better than any other SUVs I have owned..Classy, safe, a eye turner..love it love it!!

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  First Time In A Lincoln - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Rich Weller - December 13 - 11:53 pm

  I have never owned a Lincoln and now I am sorry I didnt consider one sooner. First of all this car is stunning to look at. I have gotten nothing but great comments from people seeing this car for the first time. The inside is plush with great features at a price that rivals any entry level luxury sedan. If you are in the market for this car make sure you get a model that has the Microsoft SYNC system built in. The earlier 2008 models did not have this. Now it is included as a standard feature. My understanding is that the cars coming on the dealers lots that have the SYNC system are the first to be sold.

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  Great Car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Shirin - December 13 - 11:50 pm

  I just purchased this car and have about 5,000 mile on it. it drives smoothly and design is very beautiful. I love my car. Great car, reasonable price.