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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  lincoln ls v8 - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By dan - December 28 - 2:03 pm

  its a great car that can go fast and has cool features and is fun to drive

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  Never again - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Kcwayne - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 99 Lincoln new, and ownership has been a nightmare. I have had a bad alternator, a bad AC compressor, bad fuel pump, and a catastrophic failure of the rear suspension. Each visit to the shop was a multi-week excursion. It took the service department 5 weeks to figure out what was wrong with the fuel pump, and 3 visits to find out that the problem with the AC was the compressor. The transmission is acting like it is ready to go now. Thankfully, it is a lease, and Lincoln gets it back next week! I will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER buy a Lincoln product again.

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  Step up from MarkVIII - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Steve Berndt - December 25 - 5:00 am

  Hated to leave Mark VIII, but really excited and pleased with performance style, curb appeal, and all the goodies. Cockpit is very driver friendly, speed and audio controls handy. Heat-A/C seats a gem. Travel from Maine to Fl 10 times a year. Heated wiper, seat is great in snow. Great storage, fold down seats a real plus. Transmission choice brings fun back to driving... Unless a Markclone comes back, Im a happy guy.

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  Stay Away - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By Chris - December 24 - 10:17 pm

  I own a 2011 MKS with the 3.5 Ecoboost and this thing will cost you a fortune to own unless you are a mechanic. First off, anyone claiming over 25 MPG is insane unless they only drive downhill. Ecoboost does not stand for efficient. The brakes are underwhelming, and I have never seen a car go through rear brakes so quickly. I have had the brakes changed multiple times, and recently switched to a set of carbon ceramic Powerstop brakes, and are a worthwhile investment if you want them functioning properly on a day to day basis. The motor went in the steering column and the entire thing had to be replaced. The brake booster went out, which is not a huge deal but took a half dozen times in the shop for them to identify. All the while driving garbage ford loaner cars. When someone purchases an MKS, they do not want to be stuck driving a C-max or a fiesta. The timing chain was replaced, which is also a common problem with the 3.5, and a huge reason to stay clear of the F-150s with this engine. other issues: ball joints, control arm, tie rods, rattling speakers, sunroof leaks into the rear door???... the list goes on. Dont get me wrong, this car is amazingly comfortable traveling with my family of four, but please buy a lexus and stay away from American junk. Made in Chicago. Built like crap.

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  Fantastic luxury car for the money - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jack Azevedo - December 23 - 4:46 pm

  This is a great luxury vehicle. Ive been wanting one for 3 yrs, ever since I rented one a drove to Vegas. Ive finally bought one and am not disapointed. It is really luxurious, I feel like royalty driving this. I have the designer and the leather interior, wood accents are great. Roominess and comfort are first class. I even like the style of the car, even though its been around for awhile. I drove Toyota Avalon, Infinity, Cadillac and BMW and this vehicle is on a par, or better than each. I got the navigation system and that along with all the other controls for the seats, climate control, mileage calculations, etc. make for a pleasure to operate.

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  Zephyer vs CTS - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By John H - December 22 - 9:06 am

  I was looking for an entry level luxury car that wouldnt break the bank. Well, I found it. I thought the CTS was going to be my choice but once I test drove the Zephyer it was all over. The car has a sophisticated look of an import and the interior is extremely impressive. Nothing like it in its class. Car handles like a dream, has lots of standard features ( 15 of them you wont get with the CTS - compare at cars.com).I highly reccomend seeing and driving this car before the purchase of the cadillac. My guess, 9 out of 10 will choose the Zephyer.

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  Quiet surprise - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Jeff - December 22 - 12:06 am

  Bought the Zephyr a year ago with every available feature except the Nav system (have cell phone GPS for that). The projected TCO is $0.45/mile so far with the factory 5 yr maintenance plan. Driving has been a pleasant surprise: smooth, quiet ride yet agile handling when needed. Mileage has ranged from 19 to 31 MPG with 23 MPG typical per tank full. The THX II delivers a satisfying volume and quality of about any style of music I know of.

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  Classy Car, Smooth Ride - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By Eileen - December 19 - 6:29 pm

  True Lincoln engineered ride... Crystal White exterior, light cashmere interior, nice interior wood features... ample trunk room, moon roof seldom use ... leather could be more durable... why black carpet ... should have been cashmere color. Purchased July 2015 --- one owner, spotless, looks new ... Bad mileage with AC on. Climate control & AC works great. Love backup camera... Received all manuals with some warranty remaining. Manual describes a replaceable interior air filter to mitigate dust, which I need to figure out. Was seeking a luxury car and refused to drop $45K as I drive only 7,000 miles per year, so this was a perfect pick! Considered the Cadillac CTS, but was a bit turned off for a few reasons and my mechanic advised to steer away- too many issues. He worked on MKZs over the years and gives high marks for reliability and no major issues. Newer MKZs 2013/14 are gaudy with back spoiler, takes away class appeal and interior looked cheap with no crafted wood moldings. Receive many compliments on mine and its a smooth drive, nice smooth pull. Very happy!

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  What a great SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By fmp - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and very confortable

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  2005 Lincoln LS Sport - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By dizzy8 - December 17 - 8:51 am

  As a long owner of Ford/Lincoln products this car is very understated. Very quick for a 4 door with the 32 valve/285HP V8. The only issues I have had with the car in 100,000 miles is coil packs which are covered by ford for 10yrs or 100.000 miles. If you buy one used, check with ford. They have replaced all of them. The other concern was the cooling system. IF the car has over 75K, I recommend cooling tank and plastic pipe-like hoses be replaced and whatever else the service technician may recommend. I alway recommend transmission fluid service every 40K or so to keep the additives fresh.