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:

• 

  my first luxury sport car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By sassy954 - March 19 - 5:46 pm

  great car few problems that can be fixed by visiting dealer very reliable great passing power

• 

  Love the LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Clayborn1 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have never thought I would drive a Lincoln, but when they rolled out the LS, I had to have one and I am glad I gave them the chance. I had a BMW, was a great car, but this LS has more room and appeal to me.

• 

  1999 Lincoln Town Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By James Erickson - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car in 1999, the 6th Lincoln town car I have owened and have loved them all. All have performed great with low upkeep and good gas milage. The ride is excellent and driving it is a dream.

• 

  DONT BUY AN LINCOLN LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By jen0 - March 14 - 7:17 am

  Worst car I HAVE EVER OWNED - If I got into all the details and probs Id be here ALL DAY. Put it this way, check engine light was on so many times in the 6 years I owned I cant even recall how many times. Check charging alert - replaced the $200 alternator and $130 battery and STILL ON. This car is an ELECTRONIC NIGHTMARE - I wish I had got rid of this MONEY PIT before I found out my rear A-frame was rotted out beyond fixing, wont pass inspection and isnt safe. Oh and lets not forget its 17" tires get CHEWED through like nothing I have ever seen before- cant even find a decent tire with decent tread rating all below 500. OMG I get hives just thinking about that hunk of crap 02 LS V8

• 

  Had BMW 7 and Lexus LS - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Mark - March 13 - 11:56 pm

  After owning a BMW & and several Lexus LSs I found those care to be very good, however I thought for the dollars spent the Lincoln was a great value for the money. I am very bid on how a car rides. And have found the Lincoln to ride very well, and the interior very quiet. Bluetooth, and technology works great, and the electric doors are very nice. Definitely best seating in any car I have owned, I have the upgraded seating. Not like a foreign car, this car is very American. I am not a bid fan of the sporty rides, and since I do not need a car that does 150 MPH, this is a pure luxury car and a better value for the money.

• 

  Best car for the money - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By texmln - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Put this cars specs up side by side with the BMW 5 Series or the MB C Class (or even the E Class) and youll find that it costs $10k less, has more engine and horsepower, AND is bigger inside and out than even the E Class. Get in and drive it and youll find an excellent riding and handling car with plenty of power. I am very happy with my choice. However, the transmission keeps this car from being a true sports car. It doesnt have a problem, it just isnt made for sporty driving. Likewise with the V8. Lots of power but no real ability to put it on the ground all at once. All around, this car beats anything on wheels in value for your dollars.

• 

  What a RIDE! - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By markndoug - March 12 - 10:00 am

  WOW!!! Did I get get lucky. My dealer (Pacific Ford in Long Beach Ca.)was offering a $20,000.00 discount on the Blackwood. Thats right $20,000.00.Im in a $54,000.00 truck with a $34,000.00 price tag.Ford created one an amazing vehicle and Im so happy that I was in the right place at the right time to pick one up.If your considering buying or leasing one(only 10,000 were produced) take along your favorite CD and pop it in on your test drive.If the truck or ride doesnt sell you, the stereo system will!!

• 

  The Lincoln LS Delivers! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By ezaircon4jc - March 10 - 2:46 pm

  This the most fun Ive had driving in a loooooong time! The LS handles beautifully. I find myself looking for reasons to drive!

• 

  Traveler - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By bkegin - March 10 - 9:30 am

  My work takes me on the road quite a bit and I like to have a vehicle that is reliable, fuel efficent and comfortable. My Lincoln gives me all these plus it is sporty looking and fun to drive.

• 

  2nd Lincoln owner - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By harnettg - March 8 - 7:00 pm

  I traded from a Lincoln LS V8 for the 2010 MKX; I was looking for all wheel drive, and I liked all of the included features of the MKX. A similar equipped import would have cost $20,000 more than the MKX. Trust the reviews of the owners and not auto reviewers. Real owners seem to like the vehicle more than the car reviewers.