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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  Great Car - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By tjg846 - March 13 - 11:20 am

  I have about 5,000 miles on my MKT. It is no Ford Flex. The car is smooth plush and very nicely appointed. Interior is very comfortable and extremely well designed. The 3rd seat is a bit tight-but who cares its for kids or for smaller adults for short trips. I did not want a mini van. Lincoln did a fantastic job on this car and deserves a thumbs up. All and all Im very satisfied with this car. Incidentally, Im not a Ford person--- this car has made a believer out of me. Ford can make a great car!!

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  I love it! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Starr - March 12 - 8:56 pm

  I just traded in my 2004 CTS. I love the Zephyr. It DOES have stability, so I dont know why the reviews on Edmunds says otherwise. That is not true at all. Also, I hate the fact that Lincoln will change the name to some stupid letter bearing name. What the hell is that about. I should be happy though, because my ZEPHYR will be special!

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  Good but not Great - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By asmart - March 12 - 2:00 am

  There have been numerous defects and mechanical problems over the last 12k miles. Front end wobble and alignment. Transmission shudder in third gear and overdrive. Catalytic converters going bad. Trim pieces falling off. Stalling and dying without warning. No error codes to indicate trouble. The list of other minor things go on.

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  Great SUV --after a slow start - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Bahnanderson - March 12 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car last September. Had trouble initially with the fit and finish -- many of the panels were not installed very well, resulting in a disturbing squeak from the rear lift glass. The dealership was great however, and now my car is perfect. We just drove it over the mountains in the snow and loved every minute. Very quiet, very comfortable, very powerful, and most important--very safe. Even my wife felt comfortable driving it in a snow storm--and she really hates driving in the snow. Great performance on the highway, and a snap to maneuver downtown with the boosted power steering. It handles like a much smaller vehicle.

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  Great Car - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By BillJ73 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of these used. Obviously the resale value is low, but I have no idea why. This is a great, comfortable car. Having the V8 under the hood, and the comfort and reliability of a Lincoln at the prices these are going for used is a great deal. You cant go wrong buying this car.

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  Great Car But... - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jeff Bazell - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Like other reviews, incredible drive, better handling over previous years. Two expensive problems so far; load leveler compressor kaput, cost $500 to replace. Ford products have history of light bulbs blowing out alot. PRNDL light went out at 16K miles. Lots of other people complain of same problems. Prefer my fun car, 1998 Honda Prelude Type SH. Town Car good gas mileage.

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  Great travel vehicle - 2008 Lincoln Navigator
  By kev - March 10 - 1:03 pm

  I bought this 6 months ago. it took a few weeks to get the hang of driving it. now I love it. Plenty of power. Really comfortable. Tons of room for a 220 lb 6 footer like me. just drove 3400 miles in two weeks on vacation with tons of gear and bicycles on the back. made the trip very easy. 17.9 MPG on trip. about 15 commuting to work and around town. many really nice features

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  Zephyr vs LS - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Jawmeat - March 9 - 5:03 pm

  After owning a 2000 LS V-8 for 3yrs I was a little bit reluctant to even consider downgrading to a Zephyr. Today, I am proud to say its one of the best decisions Ive made in a while. The car is awesome. It has everything I was looking for(affordibility, comfort, performance, and lots of attitude). I compared this vehicle to the CAdillac CTS, Lexus Es300,Mercedes Benz E320, and the MAxima. None of them gave me what I wanted.

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  Ford Hits One Out - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By JD - March 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the car that shows when pushed to the wall Ford can put out a very competative product. Before purchsing the MKS, I test drove the CTS, DTS, ES,Lucerne and Jaguar XF and I can say that the MKS has the best driving characteristics of the bunch save the XF. The car is very aggressive in appearance and performance and will surprise many with its accelration and handling. Dont be dissapointed by the 275 HP six cyllinder power plant as it is more than adequate. You will not lose this car in the parking lot. People who ask me about the car are surprised that this is a Lincoln. The car is worth serious consideration in this segment and with 1200 miles on the odom mph is above 21 mpg

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  Dont brother with this one... - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By Frank - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving this car. For a large car the handling and acceleration are wonderful. However, I have just been told that the transmission needs repaired...for the 3rd time. This will be my last Ford product. Enough said.