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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  Great Traveling & City Vehicle - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Satisfied Owner - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Continental and it has been the best. It is a great traveling car for 4 people and gets great Gas Mileage. I have only owned American cars and I buy American. I did buy it used but it only had 12,000 miles. I am sorry they quit making the Continentals. It was a good size I think the Town Car is just too big.

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  very good car - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By Ascue - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with this car, enjoy the engine power and all the standard that comes with this kind of car. I am in the process of moving and this is the reason for me to sell the car.

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  Super Luxury - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By jcohoon - October 10 - 2:00 am

  First time owner of this brand, but probably will be a loyal customer in future years. Car is most comfortable to ride and or drive. Nice features like the moving pedal system, traction control, very responsive engine and superb climate control system. Fuel economy is 23 to 26 MPG which I consider exceptional for a car of this size and weight.

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  Great car - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Frank - October 8 - 10:03 pm

  I have owned 2 limited Explorers and thought this car would ride the same. Was I wrong. This rides better than My Lincoln Continental that I had. I test drove the new 2006 Benz Ml-350 and BMW X5. I found that The Aviator gave me a better more quite and comfortable ride with alot more room and many more toys that the others cars did not offer. The Elite Package is the way to go with this car, You will love the Navagation and DVD as well as the 300 watt Voice command Stereo and AC/heated seats. Gas wise it stinks but it will save you on insurance, besides if you can afford this car, gas should not be a concern. The ride is like a Luxury car should be. Test drive it and you will agree.

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  Classy Brooklyn Style - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By JoEy MiGs - October 5 - 4:13 pm

  This is a great car. I saw it online and fell in love with it. I called the dealership, I told them the deal I wanted and they acomodated me. The next day I went in a bought the car. The body style and the ride is wonderful and the interior is amazing. Affordable, and a lot of options that you would normally pay extra for come standard. Lincoln did a great job on the car, I am 23 years old and all my boys are raving about it. It has a young look to it and I think the MKZ and The Navigator are going to be the two hottest cars that Lincoln puts out!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By wkeef - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The new Aviator is a great vehicle. It is a pleasure to drive. This is my wifes car and she really enjoys the handling and comfort. If we had one suggestion to make it would be to get rid of the third seat and put more foot room in the second row. The tightness of foot room limits the car to no more than a two person vehicle.

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  Wife Loves It - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Ken - September 28 - 11:26 am

  Had looked at a number of other sedans but kept coming back to Lincoln due to the quality. I had also read a number of reviews and they did help. I understood that, like most other models sticker claims, the gas mileage would be less than stated. But, its close enough not to be a major concern. It looks great, rides comfortably and inside looks just right.

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  Great Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Jackofms - September 28 - 1:03 am

  Even though it is a 6, this is the best driving car Ive had.

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  Best Deal on Wheels - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Silver Streak - September 25 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this car with 78,000 miles in 2003. Now in 2010 I have 212,000 miles. The car will get good gas mileage with ac off and at 65 mph with Cruise control. Car has never let me down. Never been stuck with this car. Build quality is excellent. No noises after 212k miles. Jumbo trunk. I drive hard and the transmission is original. Changed transmission fluid 3 times or more. Engine uses a quart of oil in 3000 miles so then its ready for a change or a quart and a change in 6000. Best looking Lincolns a 94-97. Get a signature or Cartier or diamond anniversary edition.

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  Best SUV ever - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Harvey - September 25 - 4:09 pm

  We have always have foreign cars for all the technology but this Lincoln has it all and more and a high residual