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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  Great Entry Luxury Car - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Felix Runners - May 29 - 8:56 pm

  This is a great entry-level luxury car. Lots of features for a low price. The engine has plenty of power, the SYNC system is user friendly, and the seats (back seats too) are comfortable for traveling. Thumbs up from the whole family.

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  Great quiet ride - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By Larry reed - May 28 - 8:07 pm

  Based on previous luxury SUVs this MKX IS quiet and the seats are a lot more comfortable. A pleasure to drive and easy to get used to control functions. Why cant all cruise controls be on same side of steering wheel. Love interior lights and outside lights. Cargo area spacious and easy to access with multiple features. Handling and mileage are equal to previous SUV or maybe a little better. It remains to be seen how dealership compares to other luxury dealership. Love the trim package and available off lot, always had to order our cars in in the past to get colors and options we required.

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  Great Car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Anthony - May 27 - 5:56 am

  I have had this since December 2005 and now have 28K miles. Beautiful car, quiet, smooth. Everyone who sees it comments, cant wait for my next one in 2008 when I pay this off!!!!

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  Shame Ill never own another one! - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By macadoches - May 26 - 11:00 am

  Best car Ive ever had, get 30mpg on highway if I keep speed about 65-68. Its quick manuevering has gotten me out of several bad spots, which surprised me due to its size. And Ive always felt safe in it. Am starting to have a few problems now, but nothing big, and thats due to age. Would have liked sturdier bumpers. And the airflow in the front windows is somewhat odd. But I plan to drive it until it falls apart on the road and then Ill walk away from it. Breaks my heart Ill never be able to afford another one! Wish Id gotten two when I had the money, and put one up!

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  FINALLY A GREAT SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By GTMA - May 24 - 10:56 pm

  I DROVE A EXPEDITION AND MY WIFE DROVE A BMW X 5 WE ALWAYS WANTED THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS IN ONE CAR AND WE GOT IT IN OUR AVAITOR. THE TOUGHNESS OF A TRUCK AND THE LUXURY OF A LINCOLN THANKS

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  Warning! Cheap car alert! - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Steven Wilson - May 23 - 1:43 am

  My old Aviator died after 94,000 miles. This Aviator is reliable so far but it is very cheap. The fake wood is terrible and the seats have no back support. The whole car is very cheap. You could tell that the Chevy Tahoe is safer and built better and has a smoother ride. This car rides better then a Chrysler but not as well as a Toyota, GMC, or Honda. This car is too powerful. It only gets 15 miles per gallon. This car is a horrible value and cheap.

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  A fantastic Automobile - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By don38 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Best Car I have owned to date. Lots of power for merging after rest stops on the interstate.

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  Love-Hate relationship - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By JSS - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I love the way the car handles and looks, but have had more than my share of problems! One rear end rebuild, 2 rear axles and bearings replaced, 4 headlight units relaced, and airbag problems, have me thinking about a replacement car already!

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  Simply the Best! Well, Almost! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By BlessedOne - May 22 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is a hit! I really love what Lincoln has done with this new version. It is miles ahead of the previous years model and far above the competition in certain areas. With that, I do have some gripes, my radio went out on me while we were on vacation. After taking the vehicle to 2 dealerships, the problem still wasnt fixed. But fortunately, the corrective action was simple, the service people told me it appeared that certain early 2003s produced have a problem with the radio units. I had to remove all of the power to the unit by pulling all of the fuses for the radio and DVD unit. But overall all, I certainly highly recommend this new version.

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  We love our 2010 Navigator - 2010 Lincoln Navigator
  By ander580 - May 20 - 5:56 pm

  We needed an SUV to replace our minivan. We considered the Infiniti QX56, Yukon Denali, and Ford Expedition. We bought the Navigator because it had every feature we wanted, including fold flat seats, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioned seats, and roomy third row seat. The ownership experience to date has been fabulous. This is definitely the best vehicle weve had. It tows our boat well and the cabin is a quiet comfort zone. My wife and I both want to drive it - thats the only problem so far.