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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  My Green Gator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By John T. Holt - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Fuel economy response to outside air temperature change and road conditions is very pronounced. I have gotten as much as 20 mpg on flat road at 60 mph, 60 deg outside temperature. Increase in speed to 70 mph will decrease consumption by 2 mpg or more. City driving economy is as shown on sticker, 13 mpg under most condidions. Rear electric fold down seat in newer models was too long coming. Removing the rear bench can be a real pain, impossible for man or woman of even slightly less strength or stature, but no space for groceries or personal items with seat in place.

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  Nothing but problems - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By michelle - July 5 - 5:53 am

  This vehicle has been nothing but huge problems, electrical short blows out the tail lights, pieces of the interior just fall off (face plates, heater/ac vents), horn does not work, back fires from the manifold, doesnt start after the first am start, takes five cranks to get this thing running. This car should have been recalled it is a LEMON, nice to look at but not dependable at all! Poor job on this year/model Lincoln. Do not recommend unless you want to be nickel and dimed to death. Gas mileage was not even a concern it is just the odd mechanical problems this car has.

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  Excellent Car & Beautiful Too - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Neewbs - July 4 - 6:50 am

  Absolutely fantastic car. My two pros for the vehicle, the SYNC system and ride quality, makes this car the most unique in its class. It is definitely worth taking a look at.

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  Great Value - good luxury - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By DFW - July 3 - 8:53 am

  Have had the Zephyr nearly 3 months and have enjoyed it. I did have to replace the steering whell due to the leather wrap starting to peel off. Turning radius is average. The car does have some pep if you get on it. The steering wheel controls are excellent and allow more freedom to switch radio stations, media, a/c etc. than many competitors. Its hot in the south, thus the a/c in the seats are awesome.

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  Unreliable piece.... - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By 2ndbest - July 3 - 4:06 am

  This was a nice ride, flashy & a sharp looking car. But thats all it has going for it. First the front lower ball joints needed replaced, they were recalled but the company wouldnt pay for mine. Then the alternator and battery needed replaced. Int and Ext lights went off outta nowhere! It overheats also. It continues to leak water from the windshield when it rains. One window regulator was replaced. The airbag light is stuck on. The sway bar still has a clunking noise. Drives terribly in the snow, get stuck every year. Love the style, just not dependable. Never again will I buy a lincoln/ford auto.

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  Needs some improvement. - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By wwarmbold - July 2 - 10:50 pm

  Having owned 2 Lincoln town cars previously, I was disappointed with comfort of seats and ride. Road noise very annoying. Lacks the quiet, lush ride I was used to. Poor use of storage space on front doors. Needs indentation on truck to raise and lower it. Trunk could be deeper.

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  naughtynavigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By ottogrotto - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Little things like auto lights w/ wipers on and more contoured seats which i had in my jeep for 1/2 the price would be nice. In addition side view mirrors should be auto when in park at drivers choice. On the other hand cruising the highway is a limo comfort style ride and the DVD GPS voice recognition system is state of the art.

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  Nothing but Problems!! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Bear - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has 2300 mile on it and has been in the shop for a total 25 days (4 visits). Electrical problems with tailgate, running boards, ignition, moonroof and remote entry locks. Significant amount noise (wind & road) created by moonroof and rear windows. Lincoln has not been ablt to correct the problems. Will probably have to arbitrate under the "Lemon Law"

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  Don’t be Shocked - 2016 Lincoln Navigator
  By Chris Eickhorst - July 1 - 2:20 am

  We purchased a 2016 certified Navigator as we are now retired and planned on making many road trips. We now have 57,000 miles on it with nearly 30,000 of those miles being highway driven. We loaded the SUV down and took a trip from Florida to Yellowstone to California. We were impressed with the fuel economy for such a heavy SUV, averaging around 18-19 highway MPG. Very comfortable ride, superior performance and handling. We were disappointed in oral commands to the navigation and so when choosing a new destination you have to be at a stop. 2017 model has a very much improved command center. Recently we were told we needed new shocks ($1700.00 from the dealership) new brakes and now new calipers. We are 7,000 out of warranty so now on our own for over $2500 in repairs on this SUV. We called Lincoln Support and too bad so sad nothing they can do. Really? Not even discounted parts? Very disappointed in their ability to help out. The shocks were probably bad within the warranty period but it was never mentioned to me even though the dealership completed their multi point inspection. Dealership parts department was not at all surprised at our order of new shocks apparently they’ve sold a lot of them. Our mechanic was shocked at the amount of repairs needed on such a new vehicle as were we. Heck, the bolts weren’t even rusted on the parts removed!

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  Nice! - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Dragon - June 29 - 7:16 pm

  This vehicle drives like a dream. There is plenty of room for all and setable seat positions for two. I will keep this car till the wheels fall off.