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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  Looks Good, Quality not job one! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By m. fry - January 3 - 5:20 pm

  Basically a Ford Edge all day. Numerous factory paint defects. MPG to date less than 15 MPG. Vista roof noisey and rattles. Fit and finish questionable. Engine has noisey lifter on start-up, which means oil not getting to lifter. Clad chrome wheels look like hub caps. Obviously made a mistake on this one, fortunately it is a lease. Needs a better quality engine, over-all quality and materials needs to be improved. Vehicle is deceptive, looks great but a lot of hidden problems that others may not tell you about.

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  2011 Navigator 4x4 - 2011 Lincoln Navigator
  By suv15 - January 2 - 8:55 pm

  This is our first Lincoln Navigator after owning 3 Ford Expeditions. Our Navigator is White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat. The color shows very little dirt. After putting 200,000 miles on our last 2005 Expedition (and it was still going strong), we upgraded to a Navigator. With 4500 miles on our new Navigator, we hope this SUV proves as "Ford tough" as previous Expeditions. We very much enjoy our Navigator, and have absolutely no buyers remorse. However being very pleased with three Expeditions (the last being an Expedition Limited), I am not certain the "Lincoln" brand is worth the additional cost. However, the Lincoln Navigator definitely turns more heads than a Ford Expedition.

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  My Town Car - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By gpb - January 1 - 6:43 am

  Best car i have ever had. it is wonderful to drive in. i travel alot and it is so comfortable

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  Harley Hauler - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Harley Hauler - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I love the way the Navigator drives, It drives a lot smaller than it really is. I pull a 21 trailer with 4 Harley dressers and after you get them rolling you almost forgit theyre back there. The problem comes as you try to get them rolling, as you pull away from a stop light you can watch the gas guage go down faster than the speedo goes up. All kidding aside the Navigator is a really great SUV, I would like to see more power, as for the gas mileage, you knew it was going to be bad before you purchased it, so no complaints

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  lincoln touring sedan - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By charles esher - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd lincoln towncar weve owned plus one on lease. I find the extra horsepower with this touring sedan to be fun to drive, it seems to handle the road better somehow. the lower fuel economy, at best 19 mpg could be better, however im satisfied. However at my age I hope this car will last me 75,000 miles, by then well both be worn out.

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  outstanding - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By alan - December 29 - 5:30 pm

  Rides like no other. Owned Mercedes and Lexus and neither compare with the smooth ride of the Lincoln. Power is adequate interior is super comfortable.

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  2010 MKZ Ultimate AWD - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Frank - December 25 - 10:40 pm

  Traded 2006 Zephyr after 53,000 100% trouble free miles for a 2010 MKZ AWD with "Ultimate" pkg . 2006 Zephyr was one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Was going to just hold on to it until I drove the 2010 MKZ. UNBELIEVABLE!!!! What an amazing difference in every aspect. The 2010 MKZ is truly a worldbeater. AWD with trac control is as sure footed as a cat. The car is fast, with an incredible ride and is very quiet. Has autostick, bluetooth, Microsoft sync, BLIS, etc. Ultimate package affords every luxury option available on a beautiful car. This car will have Lexus, Mercedes, Acura, etc. totally shaking in their boots. Any non-believers, all I can say is drive one; itll shut you up.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By GPerkins - December 25 - 12:43 pm

  I was fortunate when I was able to purchase my Lincoln. It is so luxurious and comfortable. This is one vehicle that is still noticed fr its looks and size. A compact car, its not. These cars have such lasting appeal and still look beautiful over 12 years after the design was changed. My husband has a spinal cord injury, and this car is perfect for him. It is so much more comfortable to ride in than newer compact/mid-size cars (which I found to hurt my back after a 700 mile road trip in a rental car). I am forever Lincoln Town Car fan. I am definately spoiled to the various buttons on the steering wheel, which helps when driving, so that I dont have to take my eyes off the road.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Wo - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Great overall vehicle. Smooth ride. Love the navigation system and the sound system. The DVD package is great for kids. Great towing vehicle. Rides like a car, not a truck... but when you need a truck for pulling boat- you can rely on this vehicle.

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  Great Value!!!! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Brians bestbuy - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely outways any other mid-size van in its class including luxury and price.