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:

• 

  Lincoln LS one week - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By lincolndrvr - April 22 - 11:50 pm

  Recently bought used LS v8 Sport with 16K mi. Great deal at $19.5K. My previous car was older Bmw 740. I was surprised how stiff suspension was in the LS. Feels more like new Mustang GT than any Lincoln. Ride much firmer than BMW. Steering is very tight. Id prefer a slightly softer ride and a little less impact over bumps. LS is very quick, engine smooth and shifts are firm, but occasionally transmission seems to get confused. Seats are fairly comfortable, not too soft or firm. Interior quality is OK except dash looks a little rubbery. For the price, a used LS is a great car. While not quite on par with a BMW it looks good and provides great performance.

• 

  new owner - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By stan - April 22 - 11:53 am

  not as smooth riding on the open highway as the 2005 town car traded in..

• 

  SUV Standard - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By Dannewitz - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This is what an SUV should be. Roomy, quiet, luxurious, full of options, and powerful.

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By johny0909 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Best car with a DEEP discount

• 

  Right sized Lincoln - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By billsbuddie - April 20 - 2:13 pm

  The MKZ not only looks good but it comes very well equipped. The only option that I paid for was the cooled seats, which have already come in handy here in Kansas.

• 

  Love it - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Love It - April 19 - 12:16 am

  This car is everything! It has speed and european styling. Plus if youre buying used you can get a hell of a deal on them.

• 

  Lovin my car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Cheryl - April 13 - 4:16 pm

  I was set to purchase a BMW but test drove the MKZ out of respect for my preferred dealer for many years. I drove it and I was hooked, besides everyone has a BMW and I felt I had something better and unique. I love the ride, the look and the comfort. Everywhere I go, I get a positive reaction. The pick-up and AWD are awesome. And knowing my dealer has a great service department (just in case) made this purchase an easy one.

• 

  Great Luxury Truck - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By kevin chittenden - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned vehicle 7 months and have driven 15000 miles with no problems whatsoever. Love all the creature comforts compared to previously owned suburban. Acceleration is adequate but could be improved. Gas mileage is 11 town and 15 - 16 highway. I trade every 2 years and would consider purchasing this vehicle again.

• 

  Driving my Beast! - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Linny - April 9 - 3:43 am

  I have had 3 Jeeps, 1 Honda Pilot and none compare to my 2005 Navi. I bought it recently 20,000 miles. Just awesome all the way around. Black in color with all the trimmings...totally loaded. I actually have gotten a little better mpg than I had imagined. Very comfy even in the third road. I am going to invest in the Catch all brand of floor mats to protect the carpet and who could ask for more??? Love it! loVe iT! LOVE IT!

• 

  Love my Navigator - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Kathy Smith - April 7 - 3:16 am

  This vehicle is a supurb piece of equipment that is classy and comfortable. I have pulled a semi weighing 80,000lbs. that was stuck on ice, pulled a truck from a snowy ditchbank, drug a tree log that we dropped in the back yard, pulled out overgrown bushes around the house and have traveled many miles with my grankids. I cant say enough about the performance and comfort of this SUV. There isnt another vehicle that I have been more pleased and proud to own. It is a workhorse and yet is classy and comfortable.