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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  American Luxury - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Carrie61284 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  All that I have owned has been Lincolns except once I tried something new and got an Audi A4. It was the worst car I had ever owned, nothing but problems. Needless to say I now own another Lincoln!!!

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  Are you kidding me? - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Gary - June 7 - 6:46 am

  There is no car on the road better than this one for the price. I decided to trade from my Caddy CTS and was ready to go back to previously owned models, and Ive had them all. Infinity FX, Acura TL, Mercedes S and E series, Lexus LS, I could go on and on. If anyone had told me Id end up with a Lincoln MKS Id have laughed. I had decided on a fully loaded Lexus GS350 when I drove this car. My wife loved it, I was blown away by the technology and the combination of luxury and handling. Whats the rap from the Editors? Good grief, there is no car on the road that compares at this price. Perfect combination of luxury and performance from a guy that loves both. Best car Ive ever had.

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  Wonderful Automobile - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By archie20 - June 6 - 6:14 am

  Bought this car in July 2010 with 10,000 miles on it. There were initial issues with pairing of cell phone, but the dealer and Ford were persistent in getting those resolved. Since then, my wife and I have driven it 10,000 miles and love the car - fit, feel, handling, and performance. Visibility out the back is not all that great and full use of the console controls takes some getting used to (probably true of any new car) by older folks (72). Synch technology probably not quite ready for prime time.

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  Why did Ford drop this great auto? - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By marsmadden - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Not one problems whatsoever in more than two years. Dealership has good service and warranty has not cost a nickel. Disappointed that FMC dropped the model.

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  My sixth Lincoln... - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By CarCom - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my first experience with the "new generation" and its great! My last one was a 90 Town Car with the famous "float" and the feel of the new one is much better. I bought this one with 60K on it and its like new, still smells good:) The acceleration, handling and braking are a pleasant surprise, heads and shoulders above the old gen. There is not one thing wrong with the car, Im so glad Lincolns have rotten resale or Id be driving a Sable or something...:)

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  excellant auto - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By duke - June 4 - 10:00 am

  it is a beautiful car. time for a new one.

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  A Great SUV - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By rm - June 3 - 3:10 pm

  This is a great truck for a reasonable price. Our family loves this truck for its comfort and performance. This truck will easily seat 5 people comfortably and 6 with a little discomfort for the third row passengers. Gas mileage is not great. We get 11.8 in ours and our 2007 H2 gets 13. Actually, I thought the Navigator got ok milage until we got our H2. Navigator is a wonderful "on road" vehicle.

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  Great all around SUV - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jackson Brown - June 2 - 9:43 pm

  Size makes it very versatile, performs more like a luxury car than a truck. Great in snow, yet quite on highway. STONG pulling power.

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  Very satisfied with the Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By MF - June 2 - 3:43 pm

  We use this car for trips and Church mostly, no problems since weve had it. The pick and power are a joy from start to finish of the trip. One knock is the cheep center console Linciln used which cries every time you lean on it with your elbow. Other than that no complaints at all.

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  Gordons Review - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Gordon Converse - June 1 - 10:00 am

  The Dealer network service for this car is wonderful. Have yet to have a problem. The car is wind tight, rides wonderfully and is very quiet. The fit and finish on the exterior is perfect. Believe me, Ive been over this car with a fine tooth comb.