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:

• 

  Impressive Statement from Lincoln - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By johnnytshea3 - March 22 - 7:29 pm

  This car is just a joy to drive. I get compliments almost daily on the styling, its definitely a head-turner. As far as the driving experience, one word of advice; save some $ and go for the 2-liter Ecoboost. My previous 11 MKZ had the 3.7 and I see little difference performance-wise, yet Im getting 8-10 mpg better mileage. The MyLincolnTouch system is not perfect, but its not nearly as frustrating as its made out to be. Fit and finish is good, although one negative is that the steering wheel placement obstructs the gear indicator on the instrument panel. This is a problem if you want to drop it into sport mode. Overall though, I am very satisfied, this car gets an awful lot right.

• 

  NOT HAPPY - 2012 Lincoln Navigator
  By foxyd - March 20 - 4:29 pm

  Ive had more frustration with this vehichle than I can possibly imagine. Ive tried working with both the dealer and Lincoln to no help. If I were you, Id buy a Caddy!

• 

  From Lexus to Lincoln MKZ - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mr. Bill - March 20 - 7:15 am

  Just clocked the first 1500 miles om my brand new leased 2017 Lincoln MKZ. In a word everything about this car is great!! My past 5 cars were all Lexus ES 350s but on this trade the dealer let me take a MKZ I liked for the 4th of July weekend and the day I returned it, it was mine. The technology on this car is overwhelming, the comfort is just what my body has always wanted in a car and the looks are demanding attention and good comments from all quarters. I feel truly secure in this car from all perspectives. My Lexus were great cars but Lincoln did Lexus one better this time around with the MKZ. Mr. Bill

• 

  lincon review - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By vivian turner - March 14 - 10:00 am

  i think that it has more then enough power i dont think that you should change anything about it is my favorite car that i own. and it was well worth the prise

• 

  So good, this is my second LS - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Exit32a - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I owned an early 2000 LS V8 and enjoyed the car so much, I ordered a 2003 model as soon as they were introduced. The LS does everything well. From outstanding acceleration to responsive handling, this car exudes poise and class. I should also mention that I bought a new 2002 Thunderbird -- the LSs kissing cousin.

• 

  avator - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By mayer - March 14 - 10:00 am

  wonderful car love it best SUV i ever had

• 

  Great car!! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Stuart Knoll - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I am very fussy about performance, engineering and the overall package. Since this was a new design I was concerned about reliability and performance. I have not been let down and will buy another LS when the time comes, it compares to any of the higher priced European I have driven. This is a great car at a great price especially if you buy at a program car price one year to 18 months out.

• 

  2011 Lincoln Navigator Limited Edition - 2011 Lincoln Navigator
  By dlewis3494 - March 11 - 11:10 pm

  I really like the vehicle. It super comfortable to drive. The one let down I have found is that it only has a single disc CD/DVD player. I would have thought a luxuary car would have a 6 disc player. Quality is some of the best I have seen but some of the SYNC/Navigation system is taking a while to learn. I have had 4 trucks with the SYNC before this one and this one is different. Some of this high tech stuff is hard for us older folks to learn, but the comfort is there.

• 

  All Around Great - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Dick Dillon - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and it was 4 yrs old. in Aug. I have never had a better car for overall looks and performance. I get about 15 mph on trips and 13.5 around town. That is not far from the 1987 Pathfinder that I traded in. The performance is well worth the extra gas that it uses. The main difference is the price I have to pay for the premimum gas that is recommended by the manufacturer. Im 74 years old and pretty sure this well out live me by many years. Im happy to have lived long enough to enjoy my remaining years in such comfort. Its like riding around in your living room.

• 

  Love my Aviator (Kittyhawk) - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Sugar - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Proud to own it and Proud to drive it. Im blessed