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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  My NEW MOM Mobile - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By tracy - May 19 - 10:56 am

  I am absolutely thrilled with my "new to me" TRUCK. I wanted to get rid of my MOM mobile safari van. I wanted a "TOY that was functional" NO van and Not gray. Was leaning toward a HUMMER and decided it would not be functional for our family. We need to HAUL our toys in the back of a truck; 4-wheeler, kayak, motorcycle plus tow a trailer at times. I get alot of compliments on my truck and people think it is brand new it is a 2006. No buyers remorse here and so far it gets 17.3-18.2 MPG not to bad!! FUN to drive. LOVE IT!!! PS. My Husband and son had to modify the muffler to add "rumble" it was to quiet for them. I have to admit I enjoy the rumble also. Thanks Honey and my son!!

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  THE GATOR - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By Lynn - May 19 - 10:00 am

  WE LOVE OUR NAVIGATOR- THE LOOK, THE ROOM & THE DRIVE. IT IS THE ULTIMATE AUTOMOBILE TO TRAVEL IN. I WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE IN A HEARTBEAT. THE ONLY DOWNFALL IS THE MAINTENANCE COST - TIRES, LOW GAS MILEAGE & ANY MECHANICAL WORK.

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  THE GATOR - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By LYNN - May 19 - 10:00 am

  WE LOVE OUR NAVIGATOR- THE LOOK, THE ROOM & THE DRIVE. IT IS THE ULTIMATE AUTOMOBILE TO TRAVEL IN. I WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE IN A HEARTBEAT. THE ONLY DOWNFALL IS THE MAINTENANCE COST - TIRES, LOW GAS MILEAGE & ANY MECHANICAL WORK.

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  Great used car purchase - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By fvcg - May 19 - 10:00 am

  After having owned this used vehicle for a year, I can say it is a good used car purchase for the value. Drove from Michigan to Houston, TX and back. It is comfortable on long drives and does well at highway speeds. It is sporty on stop and go traffic as well. Bought extended warranty from Warrantybynet and still have not used it. It is nice to have the peace of mind. Now has 72K miles on it. Plan to keep it for a while to get return on investment. It has features that a similarly priced new vehicle would not have. The V8 Intech engine has a good track record and it has been reliable for me.

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  Great Used Car Buy - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By JonP - May 19 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! Good for me it depreciates fast. I have owned Bimmers, Volvos, SAABs, and others and the fit finish is great. The value for the used car dollar is awesome!

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  Great Used Car Buy - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By jonp - May 19 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! Good for me it depreciates fast. I have owned Bimmers, Volvos, SAABs, and others and the fit finish is great. The value for the used car dollar is awesome!

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  L is for Lincoln not Lexus! - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By sport99 - May 19 - 8:23 am

  Just took delivery of my MKZ AWD after months of researching BMW, M-B, Jaguar X Type and Audi A4. Lincoln offers far more value for the money than any of the others. Exterior styling is far better than past lincolns and the interior finally resembles the high level that lincoln of the past was noted for. This car comes with almost everything standard. In Canada where i live it is also sold with 4 year fully paid up scheduled maintenance so all i have to do is put gas in it and insure it. THX II Certified Audio is a must have. Quality is as good as any import. I really suggest if you are looking for an entry level luxury sedan..check out the MKZ. you wont find a better deal on the market

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  love the ride - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By bacdoc - May 19 - 12:16 am

  We have owned this vehicle 1 yr. with 10000 mi. on it. So far it has been very reliable, excellant in the snow with the stock all seasons. Seats are firm but very supportive. One trip of 2000 mi avg 25 mpg however driving lots of hills where we live is only 14- 15 mpg. Probably the nicest highway car we have owned, smooth, quiet and handles well.

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  most comfortable car i have ever traveled in - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By sanford10 - May 17 - 10:01 am

  the car is so quiet it is unbelievable. i can hear a watch ticking when traveling on the highway at 120 km/h. i spent 2 hours in a porsche cayenne one time and i felt like i was beaten up by the time i arrived at my destination...the MXK is way more comfortable. there is plenty of power and it handles very well. the glass roof is very nice. i love the thx stereo. the leather is beautiful and the interior is very well done. nothing feels cheap on this car. many people complain about sync/my touch but i have had none of the issues. it is easy to upgrade by yourself and maybe many of the complaints are on older versions. both of our bluetooth phones works perfectly. great machine!

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  the one car to own! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By (W)reckless - May 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is a good perormer. IT smokes the 5 seires in every possible way, except for its reliability. (1 octane is ok, since its a beefy, strong, tourqey V8. Even if you cant afford one, test drive it at least.V8 is a must.