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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  American Luxury - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Rugsmart - December 22 - 7:03 pm

  Both GM and Ford have come out with some nice cars for 2006 and I wanted to give them both a good shot with my new car purchase. The Lincoln Zephyr is more engaging than the Lexus ES, and while not as much fun to drive as the Lexus IS or BMW 325, it comes in at a good $2,000-$3,000 less comparably equipped (after negotiation and dealer contributions, which dont exist on the other name plates). The main reason I like the Lincoln is its unique sense of American luxury. It is not trying to be European or Japanese, it is trying to establish a new American Luxury character, and I think it succeeds very well. It is very quiet (tire noise from the front is the only sound) and takes regular gas.

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  Very good car. - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Bill - December 22 - 1:23 pm

  I found this car slightly used at a Jeep dealer and really liked it at first sight. I have driven it all over and on two long trips (5K miles) since then and still like it a lot. This US car is better than any Toyota or Honda and is comparable to the Lexus. It drives great, gets good MPG (26-30 hwy), runs very quiet and is very reliable. It is great car for a couple or a small family with lots of trunk room and a big back seat for extra junk or two kids or two friends as needed. The car is very luxurious and great looking on both the inside and outside. I highly recommend it to all my friends.

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  New car bargain - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By garsarno - December 19 - 5:30 pm

  Bought this new 2004 base LS, with the only option being the Ceramic White Metallic paint, MSRP of $33,295 for $22,000, with $5,000 rebate, additional $1,000 rebate for trading a Buick Park Ave, plus $5,295 additional dealer discount. For $22,000 - great car. Had to return for transmission adjustment (2-3 upshift) during first week.

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  Love my MKX - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By LUVMYMKX - December 17 - 11:10 pm

  First vehicle I have ever purchased new. Amazing in the Snow better than any other SUVs I have owned..Classy, safe, a eye turner..love it love it!!

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  Good Job America - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By d1a1s1 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car a week ago, instantly fell in love with it. Has a good balance of performance and comfort. Great V8 and havent had any transmission gripes as of yet. Think woodtrim could be a little more realistic as do others. Door locks should unlock once cars placed in park if there going to automatically lock once cars in motion. All in all great car. Good job America.

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  Expensive Upkeep - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By NHContinental - December 14 - 11:46 pm

  Have 1999 Lincoln Continental, approx. 215,000 miles, second owner - bought with 22,000 miles. Very comfortable during long highway driving but expensive to keep up. On 3rd transmission, replaced water pump, replaced inner and outer tie rods and a bunch of other suspension parts, found out today that it needs ball joints, new serpentine belt and more suspension parts. Estimate Ive put about $ 8000. In repairs since 2001 purchase for 21k. Body has held up well, but mechanically its dollaring me to death.

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  First Time In A Lincoln - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Rich Weller - December 13 - 11:53 pm

  I have never owned a Lincoln and now I am sorry I didnt consider one sooner. First of all this car is stunning to look at. I have gotten nothing but great comments from people seeing this car for the first time. The inside is plush with great features at a price that rivals any entry level luxury sedan. If you are in the market for this car make sure you get a model that has the Microsoft SYNC system built in. The earlier 2008 models did not have this. Now it is included as a standard feature. My understanding is that the cars coming on the dealers lots that have the SYNC system are the first to be sold.

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  Great Car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Shirin - December 13 - 11:50 pm

  I just purchased this car and have about 5,000 mile on it. it drives smoothly and design is very beautiful. I love my car. Great car, reasonable price.

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  Satisfied - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Midwest - December 13 - 9:33 am

  I have owned this vehicle three years now and overall it has been a good experience. No major breakdowns or service issues whatsoever. My only complaint is the V rated tires. If you have a flat you buy a tire. Apparently the sidewalls are so thin, that there is no hope to repair unless you have the flat while sitting still in your garage.

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  Great Car for the money - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By omahadave - December 13 - 1:26 am

  Bought this car 4 years ago with 50K on it. Now at 95K and have spent not one cent on a repair of any kind. Amazing. Mileage is unreal. 22-28 on the highway. Comfort like this with such mileage is a winner any way you look at it.