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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  Relaxing Roads Across the Southwest - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Al - January 22 - 8:16 pm

  Drove my wife and I and our two dogs from PHX to DFW and had the best trip ever. Comfort was wonderful and the car handled well in all aspects. Very quiet at freeway speeds. THX stereo kept the music flowing pleasantly. The GPS navigation was fun and helpful. The power seats allowed adjustments to both seating position and temperature to keep us both comfy for the two thousand mile round trip. The moon roof can be open at high speed for great ventilation with very little noise.

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  2003 Towncar-Signature - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By tuko - January 22 - 11:56 am

  I purchased my TC in early 2007 with only 29000 and have had nothing but good service from it. Yes, its old American styling and ride but I love the car anyway. Gets 20mph city and 25-26 highway if you dont abuse it. Whisper quiet ride. Huge trunk. Minimal problems after 66000 miles. Getting 200,000 miles shouldnt be problem but I may find a nice low mileage 07 to 09 at some point in time. My only complaint---lousy in the snow and ice.

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  A Winner - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Frank - January 22 - 1:23 am

  This car is great. One month later, I like it more and more. The seats and interior were better than the Mercedes M. A strong V-6, and lots of toys. The MKX is the perfect size inside and out. This is the second car Ive had with the a/c seats and if you live in the south, the cooled seats are worth getting.

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  lincoln navigator - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By dpilcher - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my navigator. The only way I would change it is for a new one!

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  My 2001LS - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By tnbldr99 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several different makes and models of luxury cars, including, Acura, BMW and Lexus. Lincoln definitley offers the Best Bang for your buck! They hit the mark with a great combination of luxury, sportiness, and performance.

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  Lincoln plus MKT EcoBoost = Great Auto - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By frpda205 - January 19 - 9:33 pm

  To think this was a Ford Flex. Theres no comparison. The Flex and the MKt are built on the same chassis and you would never know it. The ride is Great, the style is great, the features in my car are truly outstanding. I factory ordered this car and the wait was well worth it. Adaptive cruise is a must for all cars, Collision Warning - a must, Sway control with the Factory Class 3 hitch is a must.

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  Golden Girls Lincoln - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Golden Continental - January 19 - 10:20 am

  When my husband purchased this care for me, I was surprised, I put the car on the highway the same day...I was impressed about the performance and gas mileage, it handled the road very well. When my husband is driving, I feel like Im sitting in the living room, not to mention Im five eleven (Head room a plus). Our kids enjoy the space in the back seat and the pull down cup console. Just unbelivable. I thought it was a granny car, but I soon found out...This is the car for me. My husband is searching for one for himself.

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  Sweet Truck - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Anthony Chohonos - January 16 - 12:16 pm

  This truck is just beautiful. If you are looking for a pickup that can haul pretty much anything, this is the one. Looked at Titan and Ram first but liked this one the best. The interior is wonderful. If youre looking for a hot truck, this is the one!

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever owned - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By skiboy90 - January 15 - 4:13 pm

  Just bought this truck not to long ago, and it has to be the best vehicle ive ever owned and ive owned a lot of vehicles in my 58 years. The ride is smooth for a pick up, the interior is good, with the exception of some plastics, the stereo is excellent, and it hauls my 7000lb camper with no problem. As good as this truck is, it could have better MPGs, 16 on the highway going 80 is ok but id prefer 20 at least. Other than the fuel econ i have no complaints at all. Very good buy

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  New car for us. - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Harold - January 13 - 7:53 pm

  The car handles great and has no steering faults that I can find. The car is well made and I have not had to take it back to the dealer.