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 - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By lovemylincoln - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive never had a problem with this car. It has great power and acceleration, easy to use controls, and is very comfortable. My only complaint is that the heated seats cycle off and the front leg room is a little short.

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  Wow! What an improvement! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By chicago ls owner - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 LS V8 for the new Premium Sport V8. Even though I loved my old LS, the new one blows it away! There is more room up front, it is much quieter, and I love the new heated and cooled seats. Interior finish is much nicer. So many little changes add up to a much better car. I even test drove a BMW 5 series, and like the LS for what you get for the money. I give it a big thumbs up...

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  No Problems - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By KaySW - January 3 - 9:06 am

  Love this crossover. I had a Ford Explorer before this and I liked it also. Great trim and detail, love the seating, very comfortable, the A/C and heating the leather are great.

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  new 07 mark lt - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By john - January 3 - 6:56 am

  I decided on the Mark Lt after driving many trucks but always wanting more typical luxury features. I personally do not care that it is based on the 150 as that is a good truck- I view it as a luxury package on that truck. With the monochrome package and everything but rear dvd it is a great driving experience on the road, but the size, for me, makes it difficult for short shopping trips. I had an 05 tacoma that was a great truck but too basic. The looks of it are stellar, the ride height awesome, the luxury features the best available, and to me, ford is the mercedes of the truck category. Buy it if you really like the f-150 but want more luxury features, looks and exclusivity.

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  Wow! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Texas Bubba - January 3 - 2:00 am

  When we first started looking for a new SUV, we looked at what we thought were the market leaders: Acura, Lexus, and BMW. My wife talked me into looking at the Aviator and we never looked back! It felt more luxurious than the MDX, better value than the GX470, and more spacious than the X5. No regrets here!

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  LS v8 - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Frank - January 2 - 12:23 pm

  Bottom line great car. Very pleased. It is comparable to ANY luxury car. This is a rare occassion since its american. But this has class and sophistication along with power. This is comparable to any bmw or mercedes. Take my word for it

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  Great used vehicle - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By joe - January 2 - 5:04 am

  I purchased this vehicle recently (12/17). I lucked out and found a very low mileage vehicle. Shortly after purchasing, the first snow came in. I was little concerned since this particular vehicle wasnt AWD (its FWD). It did a good job in the snow. Tons of trunk space. I had a vehicle pull in front of me at a 90 degree angle. Emergency braking was rock solid, vehicle tracked straight, no issues. Vehicle has a solid feel when driving. Shutting the doors, you feel like youve put something heavy and solid in place. Love the vehicle.

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  A car I will never forget - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By jaxflgymboi79 - December 31 - 3:46 am

  I am 33 and just traded my 2011 Ford Taurus in for a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. Never in my life did I ever think I would be interested in a Lincoln until I saw the 2013 MKZ at the 2012 Auto show. As soon as I saw it I said to myself, "That will be my next car." Now I have it and I LOVE it. This review may not mean much to those much older than I am and have had plenty more cars to base their opinions on other than myself. I get that, I really do. But this is a phenomenal car. I am in the military and drive on base(s) every day. Military folks tend to "pay attention," even the car one drives. In one day I was asked about my car about 20 times, including friends and strangers. Test drive it

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  Happy with my MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By I DO IT MYSELF - December 31 - 12:23 am

  I always buy used cars so this was a nice find 07 Lincoln MKZ. The ride is quiet. The engine is so quiet that after starting I have to look at tach to see if its running. The first full tank of gas I avg 33 mph with about 60% of driving over 50 mph and got 26 mpg. This is great when you only avg 33 mph. It shows you stopping eats gas. The luxury you get with this car is great for this price whether new or used.

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  Last of the Great Land Yatchs!!! - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By SxS16Ga - December 29 - 10:00 am

  We have had this car in our stable since new. We had a couple of engine sensors replaced. This is a car you can drive 750 miles in a day and not feel rung out. What other car can you put 4 200lb plus guys in drive 75-80mph and get 21 mpg. I just made a 600 mile round trip and averaged 70 mpg and got 23.7 mpg. Why would anyone drive a cracker box car for fuel economy when you can buy a CLEAN Town Car for not much more money have all the confort of your favorite easy chair and get over 20 MPG with 1-6 people and couple of pile of gear in the trunk. No wonder the MOB loves them they can put 2 bodies in the trunk 3 or 4 if they are small.