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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  Best Car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Collamore - May 5 - 2:33 am

  We traded in our Lincoln Aviator for this car. We wanted better gas mileage but didnt want to give up any luxury features that the Aviator had. We didnt have to give up anything, as the Zephyr is loaded. Classy. We dont feel weve given up any space by trading in our SUV with the large trunk and flip-down seats for more storage. We opted for the navigation system... nice! Didnt think wed use it, but turns out its a daily use tool. We average 21 - 22 mpg, with a mix of in city and hwy miles. This is a car that feels sporty, classy, and will turn heads. Fun to drive and easy controls where they should be placed.

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  MKS Ecoboost - American Luxury is Fun again! - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By rick_et - May 4 - 12:40 am

  Purchased new on Sep 30, 2011. I love this vehicle. Its got plenty of horsepower and will rocket you onto the interstate or around those slow moving vehicles in the left lane. All the while surrounding you in the comfort of heated and cooled, soft leather seats and a surround sound audio system that puts you in the best seat of any venue while cranking out your favorite tunes. Everything sounds good in surround, even the stuff you hate! I like that Lincoln isnt trying to go Euro luxury with this vehicle. It is a big, well mannered, comfortable highway cruiser that stands out from the rest of the vehicles on the road. Be different, buy Lincoln.

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  Gorgeous and Powerful - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By Wayde - May 3 - 7:59 am

  You have to get used to the all push button drive controls, but now I prefer it. I love the unique looks in and out. There have been a number of recalls on this car, but nothing major. Just more of an inconvenience.

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  Aviator flies high - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By RaMon - April 29 - 10:00 am

  After a couple of maiden voyage adjustments this car has performed at 100%. I get compliments from my generation (the 50+) club as well as from the younger crowd.

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  Amazing performer - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By nvbanker - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck because the interior was so striking, and the features (power liftgate, running boards, power folding 3rd row seats, air conditioned seats, independent rear suspension etc.) werent available on the competition. Ive been very satisfied with it, but recently had it on my annual weeklong off road camping tour and really came to love the truck. Really solid truck and a fabulous performer off road.

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  Super SUV - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By K Foster - April 27 - 2:20 pm

  This is my second Navigator. I currently own two Mustangs as well. I have driven many suvs and luxury cars. This Navigator is by far the nicest vehicle I have ever riden in or driven. The comfort of the seats have no equal. I do wish it had a touch more low end torque to move out a little better without mashing the gas so much. It is thirsty and has a much larger blind spot than my 99 Nav did. Biggest problem with buying a Navigator is the price and the fact that if you get one, that is all you will ever be satisfied with. It is that far ahead. I have the black interior with silver exterior. Others considered were the Lexus and Expedition and lastly Escalade.

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  Still love it after 1 year - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By lfwintx - April 24 - 12:27 am

  Im coming up on the one-year anniversary with my crystal champagne 2012 MKZ Hybrid, and I still love the car. With over 8000 miles, the gas mileage continues to improve. Some days I get up to 41 mpg on my 12-mile commute to work on back country roads, where traffic patterns often interfere with smooth driving. The lifetime average of the car is 36 mpg but improving.

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  Traffic Stopper - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By lee guy - April 23 - 10:00 am

  The only real problem I have is when other vehicles speed up to get beside me to gawk! Theyre too busy looking at the Blackwood to notice the other traffic. When its got a coat of fresh wax Ive never seen a better looking truck!

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  I love my 14th town car, still the best! - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By LTC06 - April 23 - 2:33 am

  My 2006 Lincoln Town Designer Series is my 14th Town Car since 1986! And I can say that this 2006 edition is still the best luxury car on the US market. No other luxury car can boast the quality of ride, ease of handling, quickness and smoothness of response to various driving and road conditions, build quality, luxury appointments and reliability that the Town Car continues to offer. My fuel economy experience is in the 20 city/28 highway range. I have never had a mechanical problem with any of my 14 Town Cars. I have tried the Japanese, German, English and American luxury vehicles and none can compare to the Lincoln Town Car!

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  Lincoln-USA - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By bige1982 - April 21 - 4:32 pm

  Despite what the report says about not attracting the younger crowds, I am 28 and own 2 Lincolns MKX & MKZ. I looked at BMW, Mercedes, Audi and I still liked the Lincoln vehicles better. The options and value are by far the best on the market. Since I have bought mine 2 of my friends have purchased similar Lincolns. First and foremost I am a Ford fan, and Lincoln has just earned a my business for years to come.