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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  Hot Rod Lincoln - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By KAL - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Cant find a single flaw so far.This car is perfect. Fast,quiet and handles like my old corvette.Fun to drive.

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  A True Luxury Truck - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By LConstant - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this vehicle but I must say it is such a treat to drive. Very luxurious for a truck and very comfortable. The sound quality of the radio and cd are fabulous. Everything about the vehicle exudes quality. I would rate it an A+

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  Smooth SUV! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By gteach26 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Having switched from the old Navigator to the new one, this puppy is NICE! The interior is as nice as anything else out there. I have an ultimate with all the toys. Fold flat third row is the best feature. Power liftgate comes in very handy. This SUV also drives very smooth and tight. Lincoln service is on par with anything else in the industry, and you cannot beat complimentary service stops!

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  Big Dollar Bang for the Buck - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By M2EnhanceU - May 7 - 2:03 am

  I got this car at such a good price that every time I drive it I feel like I stole it! For having over 180,000 miles when I bought it it runs and drives great! The wife ran it into a tall median so I had to get an alignment which required replacing the lower ball joints & inner tie rods as well and new front tires as the wifes "median job" caused the not that old ones to prematurely wear out about 700 miles later. Great engine! The old song "Hot Rod Lincoln" frequently comes to mind. Turn the traction control off and itll smoke the front tires on dry pavement, really surprises the hot rods at stoplights! All in all a great car, at 10 years old its stayed in great condition. Fun and style!

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  Its Just Not Fair!!! - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By D Money - May 5 - 1:43 pm

  What can I say? Ford Motor Company has a legend with their F150, and to make the Lincoln Mark LT ~ its a Cherry on the Sundae! TONS of Compliments! Have had my truck for 3+ months and still have people coming up to me asking what kind of truck I drive. Its just not fair for the other auto makers, I guess. (Ford F-Series , BEST SELLING TRUCK FOR 30 YEARS!!!) WOW!

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  Best Car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Collamore - May 5 - 2:33 am

  We traded in our Lincoln Aviator for this car. We wanted better gas mileage but didnt want to give up any luxury features that the Aviator had. We didnt have to give up anything, as the Zephyr is loaded. Classy. We dont feel weve given up any space by trading in our SUV with the large trunk and flip-down seats for more storage. We opted for the navigation system... nice! Didnt think wed use it, but turns out its a daily use tool. We average 21 - 22 mpg, with a mix of in city and hwy miles. This is a car that feels sporty, classy, and will turn heads. Fun to drive and easy controls where they should be placed.

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  Awsome Vehicle - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By green2027 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the new Navigator on my first test drive in August of 2002. My wife began saw it at a car show in February 2003 an she had to have it. The truck is loaded to the gills. I believe my 2 year old loves it more than any of us. This is a truck everyone should have.

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  MKS Ecoboost - American Luxury is Fun again! - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By rick_et - May 4 - 12:40 am

  Purchased new on Sep 30, 2011. I love this vehicle. Its got plenty of horsepower and will rocket you onto the interstate or around those slow moving vehicles in the left lane. All the while surrounding you in the comfort of heated and cooled, soft leather seats and a surround sound audio system that puts you in the best seat of any venue while cranking out your favorite tunes. Everything sounds good in surround, even the stuff you hate! I like that Lincoln isnt trying to go Euro luxury with this vehicle. It is a big, well mannered, comfortable highway cruiser that stands out from the rest of the vehicles on the road. Be different, buy Lincoln.

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  Gorgeous and Powerful - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By Wayde - May 3 - 7:59 am

  You have to get used to the all push button drive controls, but now I prefer it. I love the unique looks in and out. There have been a number of recalls on this car, but nothing major. Just more of an inconvenience.

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  Aviator flies high - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By RaMon - April 29 - 10:00 am

  After a couple of maiden voyage adjustments this car has performed at 100%. I get compliments from my generation (the 50+) club as well as from the younger crowd.