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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  Enjoying our 2014 MKT EcoBoost - 2014 Lincoln MKT
  By jeffking1 - October 16 - 1:39 pm

  We replaced our aging MB R320 with the MKT. We checked competing vehicles but the Lincoln was the best value. The ride is good except on harsh roads, due to the optional 20" wheels. We are having no problems with Lincoln Sync and find it easy to use. The car is extremely quiet even compared to the MB. Handling is sharp, unlike the numb MB. The dual turbo do their job nicely. Gas mileage is as advertised so far. More foot room should be provided for the driver, the only real flaw so far. The safety features like blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control work great. Lane drift warning is annoying and I shut it off. I would not hesitate to recommend this car.

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  4TH MKZ OWNED (Have 3.7 model) - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By bhp2000 - October 15 - 9:06 am

  Through 30 yrs had 5 BMWs, 2 Benz, 2 Jags & an Audi. ALL tire eaters. ALL ugly brake dust a wk after wash. All Premium gas. Most had me in the SERVICE depts on a reg. basis. BMW the worst. (Over-tech-ed) Got tired of it all in 07 & tried an MKZ. Cheaper to buy of course and luxury perks suffered but was pissed off. Then, things like REGULAR gas, no brake dust, tires getting 46k miles rather than 20k, free oil changes, rotations etc and NO PROBLEMS mechanically inspired the next one & so on. The car keeps improving & current ones the best so far. DONT believe reviewers trashing after a day with the car. ASK OWNERS you see on the street then test drive. SUPPORT USA!

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  Lincoln LS Luxury with attitude - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Doug - October 6 - 4:30 am

  Prior to buying this vehicle the only concern I had was fuel economy. Turns out this car does well on long trips. Just did a drive from British Columbia to Yuma return. On the average I got approx. 26 MPG. If you use the power you pay the price. Hold it under 70 MPH and youll be happy. I bought this vehicle as a lease return I cannot find anything wrong with the car, however I took it in for some minor repairs and was pleased with my treatment from Ford. I have owned about 15 new Fords over the past 30 years. I am not the least disappointed in this car. It is a treat to drive & gets lots of compliments. Handles well in snow.

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  Lincoln Aviator - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Herb - October 5 - 10:26 am

  So far, and except for the poor gas mileage, a great SUV! Plenty of power. Drives better than any other SUV that I have driven. Drives like a luxury car, but has plenty of room.

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  Head turner - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By NYCdriver - October 2 - 4:56 pm

  This is a great vehicle with a quiet fast engine. Lincoln once again delivers its signature smooth ride. I realized that speeding is becoming a habit when Im behind the wheel. Not feeling how fast Im trvaeling. You would not believe how many looks this SUV gets. My passengers notice it as well.

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  Wont buy another one - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By angie b - September 26 - 7:16 pm

  The problem I have is that from the beginning the little things like the handles inside started falling off, they could be re-attached, but it was a pain to deal with. I probably will not buy another one due to the interior problems I have had. The overall reliability of the car is pretty good. Just not a fan of the inside.

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  Great 5 speed - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By user - September 21 - 1:23 am

  Great 5 speed

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  Great Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By likeusluxury - September 19 - 4:58 am

  My 2nd LS. I had a 2004 LS. I bought a 2002 LS for my daughter. Bought both used. Highly recommend. My daughter loves her car. Fun to drive. Highly reliable. Safe. Between the 2 cars have over 100,000 miles with only one issue at all. If you can get one, get it. You will not be sorry.

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  About My Lincoln - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By womenofgod - September 8 - 10:00 am

  It is the first Lincoln I have ever owned. This SUV rides like a limo and doesnt even seem like a truck.

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  Endless pleasure - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By DS - September 7 - 7:03 am

  I look forward to every trip, great power whenever you want it, comfortable, quiet good visibility awful fuel consumption.