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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  2006 Lincoln LS....Great Car! - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By GML - March 31 - 12:20 am

  The 2006 LS is a great car that should not have been discontinued! The current MKZ lacks a V8 engine, and therefore, is not as fun to drive. My mother had an 02 LS and an 04 LS. The 06 is fun to drive and has great pick-up and power. The interior is comfortable and well-designed in my opinion. Like the Continental, which was also a great car, Lincoln no longer makes the car. However, if youre looking to buy a used car, then check out the LS!

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By Batmobile driver - March 30 - 5:24 pm

  Dont really know where to begin to explain on the pros about this car. I found this car on the cargurus website and got an amazing deal. I have owned this car for about a year now and put on about 30k miles since purchase. Comfort and safety was important for obvious reasons and driving as much as I do. I have nicknamed this car the Batmobile because...she sure goes..and goes fast. Has great get up and go for quick navigation needs, handles very well. Even our SUV cannot live up to this car in the infamous windy, snowy weather here in Minnesota.

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  Looks brand new - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Stacy - March 30 - 7:46 am

  I love the way this car looks and drives. No one ever believes that the car is 5 years old now. It looks good!

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  Maybe so, maybe not - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By ClarkWC - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a larger suv for hauling a boat, but if I wouldnt have known then what I know now I probably wouldnt have bought the navigator. It has been into the shop many times over again to fix different warranty things. Its an 03 and it should feel new but it doesnt because of the many problems.

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  a cut above - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By al & Jane - March 26 - 2:00 am

  A great vehicle in your driveway and on the road. Lincoln listened to its customers when they designed this vehicle.

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  Needs more Horse-Power - 2006 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jay Gowens - March 23 - 1:00 pm

  No other ride compares (speaking primarily about the suspension), and I have driven most luxury models, but I have to say more torque and horse-power is needed to eliminate that slight sense of drag during ecceleration.

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  Poor plastic - 2010 Lincoln Navigator
  By natzhawk - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I had to give the interior a poor rating. Due to the fact that the speakers plastic is very poor. Just wiping the plastic can mess up the plastics color. The driving of the vehicle is smooth and the comfort level is good.

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  Just what I needed - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By TruckinLincolnstyle - March 22 - 11:36 am

  The Lincoln Mark LT is awesome for its first year, the exterior design is so sexy and big everyone just has to look, the chrome running boars add to the chrome on the side of the truck and the grill. The power sunroof and power sliding back window is so cool. Luxury in a truck, this is it. looked at pretty much every other truck and just saw this big red beauty and 3 days later it was mine. If you dont like the features in the truk why would you buy it in the first place? to complain? good idea...ya right.

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  Outstanding All Around - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mit - March 22 - 1:13 am

  This is a great vehicle. Horsepower is there when you need it. Interior is very quiet and comfortable. No complaints!

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  Lincoln LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Vaughn - March 20 - 7:03 pm

  All around its the best car Ive owned. My biggest complaint is the size and placement of the cup holders.