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:

• 

  Once Again, Lincoln - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By RJF5 - December 30 - 2:23 pm

  Lincoln has produced a great "Crossover" vehicle! I test drove almost every suv and crossover on the market and choose the MKX. I understand the Audi Q5 is a wonderful driving machine but it lacked the necessary space I was searching for.

• 

  My Blackwood - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By M. Overstreet - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great looking truck. Truck? Well, not really. Its a Navigator with a really big trunk. Turns heads everywhere you go. Great looking and great driving.

• 

  Love this Vehicle - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By HemiFan - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Got everything on it except, parallel parking. Self adjusting cruise control is amazing, so the the navigation system. Front brakes were replaced at 7500 miles, because of scratching sound. They will do it for free. Aside from that this car handles and performs with ease. Three hour trips are a breeze.

• 

  Great Car - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By Dennis - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I have gone from 4x4 Ltd. Explorer and feel the MKX pulls my 17 Fishing Boat better than the Explorer. I love "My Lincoln" technology and being able to do most functions from direct line of sight using the steering wheel controls. I have 2,400 miles and computer/math checks indicate 22.1 mpg average for my city / highway use. The 3.7 Engine takes western MI hills without downshift in most cases. I have found no body defects during hand waxing. Great car!

• 

  ZERO COMPLAINTS - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By VERY VERY NICE - December 27 - 8:36 pm

  Upgraded from a 2008 Fusion to this Lincoln. This is a nice car.....period. Plenty of power, excellent road feel, comfort, AWD excellent in snow, stereo rocks.! Wish gas mileage was better (avg 21), but cant keep foot out of gas. NO complaints so far.

• 

  Very classy, a head turner - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Deborah - December 27 - 4:33 pm

  My previous car was a 2002 lincoln continental. I loved it, but was ready for a new car. This MKZ was the perfect replacement. It is so classy looking and so much fun to drive. I looked at other cars but this one met most all of my needs and wants. And did it within my budget. It is very responsive for a 6 cyl. But gas mileage is not quite as good as my 8 cyl Continental. Averaging 21 mpg city and road. Could be it is not broken in yet, only had it for 1 month. So far I love it. My 29 y/o son even approved of my choice.

• 

  Great used car! - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Tom - December 26 - 8:40 pm

  Like the car, has been fun to drive and is in very good shape! Everyone thinks its new. Took on a few trips and car did great. Look forward to keeping it.

• 

  Makes me smile - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Joe Rothwein - December 24 - 5:15 pm

  This car is refreshingly styled. It is quiet, capable and well mannered. The interior is very well put together and inviting. It is not an appliance like most Japanese competitors seemed to never have gotten past. This car is a gem that puts a smile on my face every time I look at it. It makes me feel good to dive it no matter what kind of day I have had. This is truly a luxury vehicle, and dont let anyone tell you otherwise. Anyone looking for a vehicle in this class should give the MKZ a tryout.

• 

  Navigator test drive - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By Nicholas Richard - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Recently I had the chance to test drive the 2001 Navigator it is located at R&R Auto Sales in Lake Charles, LA. I fell in love with the exterior as soon as I saw the truck. Then once I opened the doors and took a look at the interior i was amazed. Once on the road, I could barely tell we were moveing as the truck gracefully hugged the road and curves. The Navigator has an outstanding ride for such a large vehicle. It is a great machine to carry the Lincoln name. I am very serious about owning one of these SUVs in the near future. Sincerely, Nicholas Richard

• 

  Best SUV for the Money - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Lincoln is Best - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV you can buy for the money. While some complain that gas mileage is poor, it is even poorer in the $60,000 plus crowd. So, if you want cruise with the best vehicles made you have to spend money for gas. Ask anyone who owns/owned a range rover.