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:

• 

  2013 Lincoln MKZ 2.0 Ecoboost - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By jeberg1 - July 21 - 6:00 am

  Recently purchased this vehicle and just completed a 1250 mile trip from Austin, TX. to Madison, WI. Totally ecstatic over the purchase. Could not be happier with the 2.0 Ecoboost. Perfect balance of power and fuel economy. Avg. 32.8 for the trip. Very nice ride and handling. Lincoln has a winner. Usually dont post reviews, however, felt compelled with this vehicle.

• 

  Impressed with MKX - 2013 Lincoln MKX
  By ok_native - July 20 - 4:35 am

  We purchased the MKX to replace 2012 Infiniti FX 35 we had for 2 years. Although we loved the FX35, we both decided that we needed more interior space for travel. The FX 35 is not as roomy and accommodating. So far this has been a joy to own. Smooth and noise free driving. I am surprised to see that others have not had this same experience. We had a 2010 VW Toureg prior to the Infiniti and it was built rugged as well as luxurious. So, the MKX has a nice feel in the middle. I think it will hold well to taking the dogs to the vet as well as transporting the grandchildren to activities. I will come back and update after owning for a year, any negative issues.

• 

  LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Wilma Renyer - July 19 - 10:00 am

  last car was a continental, loved it but feel our LS is a step up even though it is a bit smaller. Cannot tell any differance from the v-8 to a v-6 in driving performance

• 

  Great Luxury Sedan - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By PDV - July 18 - 9:50 pm

  Bought this 02 Conti from private owner w/13K miles, w/every option available i.e. driver select, Alpine CD chgr, moonroof, etc. Looked for 2 yrs to find one w/low mileage, mint condition & color (ivory parchment) knowing it was being discontinued!! Its superior (ride, options & performance) to other makes at thousands more. Cant believe theyre not building them anymore. Get with it Ford!!

• 

  Our SUV - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By Shell - July 13 - 5:53 pm

  Bought my navigator in Sept 2004 .. Was worried with the higher miles from Atlanta driving but soon feel in love.. Now with 61.000 miles on it and every option that lincoln offered in 2002 its a dream suv for my family trips. We have 6 in our family and when 1 vehical can keep 4 teenagers happy .. I would say its near perfect. HAd one blow out and replaced one 17in rim.. That was the only thing i have done with the exception of normal oil changes ect.. I do wish it had more pep when you hit the gas.. I expected to pay high prices for gas when i purchased it so that done bother me.. Love the stereo system and all the extras.. Base price on my Navigator was over 51.000..

• 

  Love It - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Carl - July 10 - 12:06 pm

  My wife and I both love to drive it especialy in the N.C. Mountains. We have 10,000 plus on it. So far about 21 MPG. A little noisy on rough road. Plenty of pep on interstate.

• 

  dual climate control - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By thomas - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2010 Lincoln MKX and am dissatisfied with the dual climate control air conditioning system. The system in the automatic mode does not cool the vehicle as stated in the manual. This was witnessed by service manager at the Ganley dealership in cleveland as well as a regional rep. They state the system is working within fords parameters. Flaw is that if the temperature outside is above 80 degrees the inside temp of the system is set at 70 or 72, when the temp inside the vehicle hits 80 the fan speed will reduce, and the vehicle will not cool in a reasonable amount of time (20 minutes? )as the manual states.I cannot safely drive and dial in the manual a/c.

• 

  Get One While You Still Can - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By RavenManiac - July 9 - 5:33 pm

  Just took delivery of this 2007 TC and couldnt be more pleased. This is my 4th (85, 91, 03, 07). Each one has been a little better than the last. Such a shame that a great American classic will soon disappear, there is no equal on the road. Even though fuel economy is not great, its not bad for a V8 car of this size. Ride and comfort are unsurpassed. And who cant love a car with a hood ornament!

• 

  Best Car I ever drove - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By hmm - July 8 - 1:06 pm

  I have owned my 2001 LS (V8 Sport) for 7 months. A great handling / performance car. Compares well with BMW 5 series for a lot less money. The early bugs seemed to have been worked out. If you are considering a Lexus GS, BMW 5, Audi A6, Acura or Mercedes E, drive this car before buying. Then use the savings to buy your wife a new car so she will not take away your LS

• 

  I would recommend the MKX - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Lizardgizzard - July 7 - 9:00 am

  The wife and I liked the 08 MKX we had(a lease) so much that we purchased the 10 model. The MKX has been a great vehicle for traveling. The vehicle is comfortable, roomy, performs well in all weather conditions, and for the size has good performance. The gas mileage is the only down side. We took the vehicle on a 4000 mile trip and 19-21mpg on the highway is the best we could get. Overall I would recommend this vehicle, over Lexus or the others.