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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  Amazing performer - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By nvbanker - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck because the interior was so striking, and the features (power liftgate, running boards, power folding 3rd row seats, air conditioned seats, independent rear suspension etc.) werent available on the competition. Ive been very satisfied with it, but recently had it on my annual weeklong off road camping tour and really came to love the truck. Really solid truck and a fabulous performer off road.

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  Super SUV - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By K Foster - April 27 - 2:20 pm

  This is my second Navigator. I currently own two Mustangs as well. I have driven many suvs and luxury cars. This Navigator is by far the nicest vehicle I have ever riden in or driven. The comfort of the seats have no equal. I do wish it had a touch more low end torque to move out a little better without mashing the gas so much. It is thirsty and has a much larger blind spot than my 99 Nav did. Biggest problem with buying a Navigator is the price and the fact that if you get one, that is all you will ever be satisfied with. It is that far ahead. I have the black interior with silver exterior. Others considered were the Lexus and Expedition and lastly Escalade.

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  Great Vehicle and a great value - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By rjf - April 25 - 9:40 am

  The car is relatively new and it has been a great ownership experience. The car is very quiet and smooth. The interior is very comfortable and stylish although I wish the dash and door graining was done better. The no money down lease program and price made a great car a great deal

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  Still love it after 1 year - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By lfwintx - April 24 - 12:27 am

  Im coming up on the one-year anniversary with my crystal champagne 2012 MKZ Hybrid, and I still love the car. With over 8000 miles, the gas mileage continues to improve. Some days I get up to 41 mpg on my 12-mile commute to work on back country roads, where traffic patterns often interfere with smooth driving. The lifetime average of the car is 36 mpg but improving.

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  Traffic Stopper - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By lee guy - April 23 - 10:00 am

  The only real problem I have is when other vehicles speed up to get beside me to gawk! Theyre too busy looking at the Blackwood to notice the other traffic. When its got a coat of fresh wax Ive never seen a better looking truck!

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  I love my 14th town car, still the best! - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By LTC06 - April 23 - 2:33 am

  My 2006 Lincoln Town Designer Series is my 14th Town Car since 1986! And I can say that this 2006 edition is still the best luxury car on the US market. No other luxury car can boast the quality of ride, ease of handling, quickness and smoothness of response to various driving and road conditions, build quality, luxury appointments and reliability that the Town Car continues to offer. My fuel economy experience is in the 20 city/28 highway range. I have never had a mechanical problem with any of my 14 Town Cars. I have tried the Japanese, German, English and American luxury vehicles and none can compare to the Lincoln Town Car!

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  Lincoln-USA - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By bige1982 - April 21 - 4:32 pm

  Despite what the report says about not attracting the younger crowds, I am 28 and own 2 Lincolns MKX & MKZ. I looked at BMW, Mercedes, Audi and I still liked the Lincoln vehicles better. The options and value are by far the best on the market. Since I have bought mine 2 of my friends have purchased similar Lincolns. First and foremost I am a Ford fan, and Lincoln has just earned a my business for years to come.

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  Edmunds is Way Off Base! - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By FoMoCoBob - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Have about 6500 miles on the MKT - vehicle is awesome! Styling definitely stands out-not another blah Lexus look-a-like. Performance kicks u- no-what! Lincoln definitely slammed one out of the park with this one. Style, comfort, performance, utility, technology, economy - its all there - the total package! And guess what I forgot to mention - quality - from an American company - you already know it! If you buy from someone else, you truly are non-American. There is nothing the Asian 3 can offer that surpasses this vehicle.

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  2001 LS Review - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Mick - April 21 - 1:06 am

  We purchased our 2001 low mileage Ford-Certified LS this February. There are few minor problems—they are covered under warranty and will be fixed when we return the vehicle for its complementary oil change. We used CarFax to research its history—thus ensuring a safe purchase. Our LS has extremely responsive steering. Good road feel. The seating is *very* comfortable. The car is very quick—with the refinement of a Lincoln. Absent is the noise and road-roughness usually associated with quick vehicles—making it paramount to pay attention to that speedometer. We are experiencing 18-19 mpg city and 22-25 mpg highway. Overall, this car is a lot of fun to drive.

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  fun on wheels - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By deaconron - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have just changed from a Marquis to the LS- it is fun,it is fast , it is comfortable with all the bells and whistles, and great handling.