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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  This is as wicked a car as it gets! - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Paula Sidoti - April 5 - 3:04 pm

  Devoted Lincoln MKZ owner - 6 so far (between the Mark VIII, the Zephyr and the MKZs) but this is, BY FAR, the best one yet. Strong, sure-footed and wicked to drive. Feels like a fighter jet when you sit in it; the climate control / remote start is the best improvement Ive found (so far). I have NO complaints and everyone whos seen/ridden in the car are blown away. Quiet - luxurious fit & finish. VERY happy with my purchase - GOOD LUCK!

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  Dream Car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By Cigar Lover - April 5 - 12:26 pm

  Great car. Love the interior room and trunkspace. Also love that its an american made rear wheel drive car. Handles well, great exterior styling looks like a mafia car. Built like a tank, I feel safe and ride in luxury. There is a little lack of power, but that can be taken care of (I put dual exhaust on mine!) and performance heads would make a big difference too. Gas milage isnt great, but is good for a car this big.

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  2002 LS SPORT - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Ringmaster - April 5 - 8:16 am

  We purchased our LS Sport in October after looking at BMWs etc. We are totally happy about the decision to do the LS. It is the best handeling highway/back road automobile I have ever driven. I really feel the LS is a sleeper, a BMW on steriods at a $15K -$20K savings. Maybe more considering it has the wheelbase of a 7 series. Ill give up that last 10th of performance and luxury and with the savings get off the road on weekends and go sailing with the money I saved.

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  A great ride at a great price! - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By dennis - April 5 - 6:20 am

  I now have about 12,000 miles on my Lincoln. Traded in my E320 Benz to get it. Lincoln is superior in all respects. More comfortable, better price, better handling, no electrical problems (lots in Mercedes), burns regular fuel, two windshield wipers (one on the Benx) and so forth. Lower resale value, that is true. But who would want to sell it? This is the best car Ive ever owned and I got it for a steal (internet deal). Why was I driving that stupid status symbol that kills my rear after a few hours? Wish I had bought this car years ago. The car is great--the problem is that Ford is too stupid to know how to market it.

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  Say No to Ls - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Chris - April 4 - 7:03 am

  This is a awsome vehicle when running. At 99k the engine threw a rod which Ford could not replace.the lower ball joints went out which cost big bucks.It has cost a lot of money to own.I do want to point out that if your ls miss fires check for oil around the spark plug because it will leak oil int that area.

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  2006 LS-last on the lot - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By J. Pasquale - April 3 - 6:20 pm

  I looked at a number of large sedans-- ES & GS Lexus-BMW 5 -M45 Infiniti--- even a Toyota Avalon-- I drove this one last and bought it the same day- silver w/a black leather interior-The LS was by far the best value for the dollar (by thousands): rear wheel drive and balanced suspension and almost 300hp for plenty of pickup-It has a premium interior design--plenty of headroom- hip and leg comfort for a over 6 foot frame--- options include air & heated seats-- moonroof, smart keys, etc..a complete package with the exception of navigation--but this was the last one on the lot.

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  High Quality and Value - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Mike - April 1 - 10:56 pm

  Purchae from Ford Executive coming off 2 yr. lease. Front wheel drive with traction control is better than on the Saab 9-5 I owned before. 24 mpg highway, 19-20 mpg in town...not bad for a big V-8. Comfortable in town or on the expressway. Maintained by a local Ford dealer with no surprises. Love the electronic ride control, too. Better than a Caddy at a lower price! Too bad they quit making them.

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  My First Lincoln in 62 Years - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By JohnMatt - April 1 - 6:36 pm

  Ive driven many cars during that time including Acuras, BMWs and Mercedes recently. Their prices have risen too high for what you get, and the styling is nothing to cheer about (2017 MB has an IPAD glued to the dashboard). When I saw the 2017 Lincoln MKZ I was curious because the styling was fresh and the price was right. No undesired extras that were built into my choice, keeping the price reasonable. And the salesman I used was completely knowledgeable about the models and accessories so he could answer every question I raised, and the sales discounts happened to be available during the negotiation. The car is just what I wanted, although with a few negatives. It is spacious front and back with good seating quality (I dont use leather seats). The trunk is large and holds my golf clubs easily, or several large suitcases. The turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine (245 HP) has adequate acceleration and highway comfort, but feels a bit strained somewhat when trying to accelerate at high speeds. The fuel recommended is regular (87), but I use mid-grade (89) for better performance. The car has Ford SYNC for music and other electronic adjustments, which works well. It has several USB and 12-volt ports for the smart phone users, as well as Sirius if desired. One issue with me is the small buttons on the bottom of the steering wheel for answering phones using Bluetooth and setting the cruise control. Hard to select and use when driving. Uses a smart key fob remote for starting, entering and leaving, and pushbutton gear selectors (P,D,N,R). This car is not a sports car, so dont expect that. The 400 HP V6 may satisfy the power, but handling might not be there. I hope this description helps with your decision to buy or not.

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  BLING - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Kerri Post - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I love the look and feel of the vehicle. It rides smooth and the third seat is great for the kids.

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  Great Highway Car ... - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Fred McClaren - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Really pleased with the 2003 Town Car ... the only thing that would make me give it up is if they introduce a V10.