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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  3rd Generation town car owner - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By jkdet - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Never owned a Lincoln before now. My pop passed and he left me with his pride and joy 95 town car. (That his dad gave him when he passed in 1999) This car is for the BIG MAN. It has plenty of leg and head room and the ride is out of this world smooth. It does have the power to get up and go if you need it. The only down fall I see is the fuel mileage is only about 13-16 in the city and I have not got it on the highway for a road trip yet so dont know about the highway mileage. Thanks Lincoln from the 3rd generation of town car owner.

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  Might have been good when new. - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By David E - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my LS in June of 2009 for $7,000. I am going to give it to the local vo-tech because it has almost no trade in value and I cant imagine what private individual this car would be good for. Almost every month I have owned this car, I have had to repair something electronic. There are more $500 - $1000 gizmos on this thing than you can imagine. I had hoped that I was getting them all repaired and wouldnt have any more problems but I am starting to replace some things a second time. This car is extremely complex. Some of the parts are designed by Jaguar. When luxury features fail, you dont just lose the feature, you lose basic functions.

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  Two Month Report - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Roger Fellers - August 4 - 6:00 pm

  Very pleased with everything except the trunk. There is no handle to hold while opening and closing and the car lacks a cargo net to keep groceries, etc., in place. Fit and finish excellent, responsive acceleration, smooth shifting, handles road bumps very well. Overall very satisfied except for trunk.

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  1999 Lincoln Continental - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By jrussell - August 4 - 2:40 pm

  I love my Lincoln Continental. It is fun to drive, has all the options that I could ever want and gets decent gas mileage for a larger car.

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  Fantastic MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By HELEN - August 2 - 5:16 pm

  This car is A head turner!, whether driving or parked it attracts attention. Its sleek fun to Drive drop dead gorgeous. Lincoln has outdone themselves. I have own Lincolns since 1993.

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  Finally. - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By jdgmint - August 2 - 5:20 am

  This MKT is head and shoulders above any other "Crossover". The quality, comfort and technology is equal, and probably higher, then anything the Germans or Japanese have to offer. Nice going Ford!! Were finally back on top!

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  Really Great Car!! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By crossums - July 31 - 2:56 pm

  Ive been driving the 07 MKX for about 3 years now. What can I say, the car is just good all around. The outside presents a nice clean and smooth look. The one I drive is in black so it looks as good as any other black car on the road during the night time. My favorite part of this car is the tail lights. Its not like the protypical tail lights on cars. The Long straight bar lights look great and can you can easily tell this car apart even from the sister MKT from the rear. The car offeres decent performance. Isnt the most fuel efficient car by far but is solid. At $2.75 a galllon your looking at a $50 fillup at the pump. Good Pick. Just take car of her!

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  2003 Base 6 Cyl - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By StanG - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Best Sedan of any type that I have driven. Very good power from a small 6 cylinder. Handling is better than my race ready 65 Mustang. Gas milage is really good, ~ 27mpg on the hiway.

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  Lincoln Town Car Evaluation - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By John Dear - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car was ready to drive out of the dealership. The Hiway road feel and quiet operation is matched by its economic operation. 22 mpg during the first 350 mile round trip is good for this heavy comfortable vehicle while driving at very high speeds.

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  Helpful review - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Mark Reinke - July 30 - 4:56 pm

  Great car for a great price with alot of options. I really like the ride and comfort. Fuel mileage is ok for a V6.