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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  Love it! Love it! - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By musiceducator - February 7 - 11:10 pm

  This is my dream car. After a year of looking and researching my husband and I ordered my MKX through our local dealer. Its been roughly a year a 4 months later and I still love my car. The car handles great. It navigates well in snow and on icy roads. The heated seats are great for our midwest winters. I have had strangers come up to me and compliment the vehicle. Their questions are met with rave reviews. I am leasing my vehicle and plan to get a new MKX when my lease is up.

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  great car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By rjr - February 5 - 4:50 am

  this is the best car i have ever had

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  A year looking, worth the wait - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Ms.KXpress - February 4 - 2:40 pm

  My lease was coming up on my landrover Lr3 so instead of emotional decisions (not good) I did my homework. I narrowed down a yearlong search to Lexus Rx, Lincoln MKX, and BMW X5.The BMW was only OK on the inside, after 3years in my LR3 I didnt want any sporty black plastic.I wanted wood,leather and comfort.I couldnt decide so I dealed on both.While I had to drop alot of toys to get the price I wanted on the Lexus, I actually added stuff to my MKX(dual dvds in headrest)plus my maintenance is free. My kids (three boys) LOVE the MKX.The comfort of the back seats that recline,big sunroof,and awesome THX surround sound. I couldnt be happier! Geez, I forgot to mention the sync :) LOL

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  great stuff - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By sammy.g. - February 4 - 10:00 am

  i thought it is wonderfull.hey its big enough to fit my family in and have the kids watch tv in.

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  They got it right! - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By denz2 - February 2 - 11:48 pm

  Bought this vehicle last April and have about 6K on it. Ive owned several SUVs and this is one of the best. It is quiet, a great highway car. I got the Adaptive Cruise Control and this is a super safe option that makes long highway trips a breeze. MPG is in the hight teens around town and Ive gotten 22-24 on trips. The side safety light indicators in exterior rear view mirrors are great. The front seats are quite comfortable and the Heated-A/C option in the seats is great. The insync system takes quite a while to learn but is very functional,but too many steps..less steps & more buttons would make it easier. Online travel info --weather, road delays is just OK, value is questionable,

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  What a car!! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Phil - February 2 - 9:40 pm

  We have had our MKZ for a couple of months and still love to drive it. The design is fresh, inside and out. The MKZ is also surprisingly spacious and the engine packs quite a bit of punch.

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  Just bought a used 2004 Lincoln Navigator - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By krystilized - January 31 - 9:44 pm

  I just bought a 2004 Navi with 133,000 miles on it. Normally I would NEVER buy such a high mileage car, but it is absolutely beautiful. Much nicer than my first one. They wanted 8600, I offered 7500 and we settled at 8000. The CD changer doesnt work-but theyre fixing it, the rear AC making some strange knocking sound (which seems to be very common based on the reviews)-theyre also fixing that, the ashtray door on front panel wont close, the heat and air on driver seat works only sometimes, GAS GUZZLER. Havent had it long enough to see if any mechanical issues will develop. At those miles Im sure they will, and I will rewrite my review when they do.

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  Great Car - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Dave in Texas - January 31 - 12:46 am

  From a long time Murcury customer, I made the choice to upgrade to the 08 Lincoln MKZ and was I really surprised. I just returned from a 1200 mile trip and the MKZ was great. 27.2 MPG and very comforable with power seats on both sides. The MKZ had a great price - $27000 after rebates and dealer disc. Compare that to Lexus and others...

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  V8 Style is Peppy - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Gene - January 27 - 2:23 pm

  This was not my first Lincoln but it was the finest yet in a package that would fit in my small garage. I have experienced no mechanical problems at all (mileage is now at 66,000). Interior wood and leather trimming was done with great care and quality. Controls are clear. Driver 1 and driver 2 setting re-align steer, mirrors, seat, lighting and radio. The automatic headlamps and windshield wiper sensors are as good as most of the Lexus models. The instant response for power on highway access roads is impressive. The only negative is the small trunk space; on a par with the Jaguar XK series.

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  Edmunds does Underrate it - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jon Levy - January 23 - 5:26 am

  After fixing a moonroof rain leak, the car is perfect. Checked out the Escalade, but did not like its warmed- over 1980s interior and dash. The Lexus 470 was a major disappointment... like a modest car trying to feel expensive and failing. The Gator interior is superb..... very luxurious... and the new features e.g. power liftgate, power running boards (and large, unlike Escalade and 470s much to small running boards), etc, make it by far the best choice. This is my second Gator.... the 1st being a 2002. This new one is even better. Oh, the LX470 has NO sensors on rear bumper for back up. Only a camera which is not nearly as helpful as the warning sounds.