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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  An Excellent American Made Crossover! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By JoPaR - May 13 - 10:56 pm

  This crossover has been excellent. Average 17mpg city/23.5mpg hwy w/ac on. I consider that good mileage for a crossover/SUV and knew this estimated mpg when buying, so no surprise. It was either this or an Acura MDX. The MKX offered regular fuel & trailer hitch along with all the other bells & whistles at a much lower price & its American made! Would definitely buy another Lincoln MKX.

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  1998 Was a Great Continental Year - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Sandra Moody - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Although the maintenance of the Lincoln Continental is more expensive than some other cars, this car is worth it. Its great to drive, comfortable, and dependable. Regency treats their customers well - even though their prices are on the pricey side. Overall, I cant imagine ever driving anything but a Lincoln.

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  lin MKS - 2014 Lincoln MKS
  By reallyoldman - May 12 - 8:55 pm

  hard riding, hard steering. driver seat needs to be able to tilt more down. legs get numb on short trips of 100 miles. hard riding may be from tires. this type tire tends to ride hard. steering wheel needs to be open at bottom. would be better driving on longer trip

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  The Good and Bad of It - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Disappointed - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned car for 4 years. I purchased it brand new at top dollar. It has the Lincoln ride. Yea! I have had a few problems with it that the dealership has not been able to fix. I have had to replace the battery already. The plastic seat support broke and had to be replaced but still catches when I get out. The left front automatic window is scraping and the dealership only lubricates it. It makes a noise and leaves marks when raised and lowered. Big problem since new: delayed AC activation...Lincoln said this is the way it was made. The AC does not activate for 30-45 seconds. I understand it should activate in 8-10 seconds. Lincoln hasnt been able to determine how to fix this!

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  Great Car - Great Price! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Jim - May 9 - 10:03 am

  Purchased the car with all available options except I passed on replaceing the real wood interior trim with brushed crome. Put Mobil 1 Synthetic oil in and pumped up the tires to 42 psi. (The Michelins are max rated at 44 psi and Lincoln recomends 33 psi.) I averaged 33 mpg on a 400 mile trip which included mountainous terrain. Very satisfied! The car handles very well and the 221 hp V6 has plenty of pep. As far as looks are concerned, I have gotten many compliments on the exterior and interior design from friends and strangers. During my trip I observed many cars giving the Zephyr a good look and a buddy of mine who has been a Cadillac man for years is trading in for a new Zephyr.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By DAWN - May 9 - 7:36 am

  I love this truck, I went from a Trailblazer to this, what a difference. Smooth ride, classic interior. My son loves the DVD player, the second row bucket seats, and the third row seating for his friends!! Powerful engine, like any other vehicle, owner needs to get used to the handling and especially in bad weather!

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  I like my Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By TCR - May 9 - 6:43 am

  Great vehicle for the price. Had 2 Mercedes prior to this car. I cant see $10K+ difference if any Average fuel economy to date for the 4300 miles is a respectable 26.43 mpg

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  GAS GOBBLER - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By billy d - May 6 - 12:33 am

  I just bought a Lincoln LS 2003 V8 and man does it drink da gas. Im using 93 octane and can only afford to drive around da block. I want to put 20" inch wheels on it but I dont even know if I am going to have it this long cause I cant afford da gas. Please tell me if any one is having the same problems. Ive drove V8s before but this is a bit crazy over 3 days I spent almost 100 bucks in gas and only went around the corner. Yea its nice inside but the sits are not right for me I am 64 and it seems like it was built for 58 person.

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  Glads that I made right decision - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By FrankZ - May 5 - 7:30 pm

  Before I bought the MKX, I was about to buy Nissan Xterra. And then My dad recommend me to buy Lexus RX350 or Lincoln MKX. After I drove both then I bought MKX. Now MKX has 24K mileage, without any trouble, just oil change 3 times. Ah right, there were one problem at 22K, its steering wheel vibrated while pushing brake from 70 MPH to 0 MPH. After went to dealership for tire rotation, then the problem is gone with no charge any penny! Very happy to have MKX!

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  They STILL Dont Believe Its A Lincoln - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Stan The Man - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Its been almost 2 years since I got my LS Sport (V8). Even now, people still ask me what kind of car it is because of the way it looks and performs. Its the best car Ive ever owned or driven. This (rear wheel drive) car is very sure-footed. Grips the road even when you add a little water. The handling is just superb! Love that Advance Trac. The Select Shift too! For around forty grand, this vehicle is a work of art!!!