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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  2005 Lincoln - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By SMITH C> - December 29 - 5:36 am

  Overall I like this car. Have 13,400 mile on it. Had a rear wheel seal leak. Was fixed right away no other problems. It drives and handles like I like. I was looking at 2006 DTS. This car is a lot better buy.

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  I love this car....... - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Furley - December 28 - 9:16 pm

  This car is a commuters dream; I drive from Scranton to NYC daily and I must say this is the best car for commuting ever! I have had other cars nothing compares to the Lincoln Town Car. I would say for the price I paid, and that fact that any garage anywhere can do a quick service on it with out any difficulty is perfect for me. I love the ride, it is perfect for NYC potholes. This car has 200,000 miles on it everything still works. No problems at all.

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  Best Ride Ive Ever Had - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Steve - December 28 - 11:40 am

  Got this car several weeks ago: the best ride I have ever had. The design is great, its a pretty car (my wife loves it), but the creature comforts are awesome. The THX stereo w/17 speakers is the best I have ever had, in or out of the car. The Navigation system is incredible. Climate control is as good as it has been for over 10 years on Ford company vehicles. On top of all that, it is a great ride, with great response, acceleration. Nimble and fast. What a car: I cant praise it enough.

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  Limo like ride - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Mars - December 25 - 5:33 pm

  Quiet, comfy ride and all the safety features you need. This car is the one that will make your spouse say "Mind if I drive your car this time?"

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  Very happy - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By jack c - December 23 - 3:36 pm

  I have had the MKZ for 1 month and love it. Fuel mileage could be better in city but better than my Subaru on highway. Hope it gets better after break in.

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  Doing The Continental - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Larry Staunton - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I was wonderfully pleased by the luxurious interior of my Collectors Edition. Leather and suede seats are a super nice touch. The build quality is impeccable along with it beautiful charcoal gray exterior paint. I installed a walnut wood interior trim kit which makes the vehicle even more unique and luxurious.

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  Whats wrong with this Avaitor? - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Pierrot - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have 2250 miles on my 03 Avaitor and it went into the shop the day after delivery. It had a vibration on throughout the vehicle. It has been in the shop for twenty 20 days during the last 35 days. After replacement of many drivetrain parts and tires the dealer says that all Avaitors are like this according to Ford engineers.

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  Good Looker - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By 2006 Lincoln Zephyr - December 21 - 12:50 pm

  This vehicle is fantastic. When I purchased this vehicle, I had not done any research on it. I trusted the Sales Manager and was he right. The Zephyr is sporty and really gets the looks. I have had individuals come up to the car to take a look inside. I travelled over the Thanksgiving holiday and people were passing me on the interstate to take a look at the front end. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a sporty yet comfortable ride.

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  Great car - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Dave - December 20 - 7:26 pm

  We bought the car as a lease trade in from a dealer. AWD is great in all weather, and the heated and cool seats are comfortable. We have everything, the THX radio with NAV, moonroof and of course AWD. We are get 18mpg and 23mpg on the road. It is quiet and comfortable. Great truck space. Buy it used and you will save a bundle. Ford makes good cars, I have a 2003 Mustang Cobra as well, no problems.

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  Great American Sport Sedan - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Sam K - December 17 - 11:30 am

  Had a BMW 528I for 8 years prior to buying the Lincoln Zephyr. This car matches up very well feature for feature with the Japanese and German cars. The big difference is the value. This car offers as much for thousands less. The sign and drive deal was the icing on the cake. I admit I had a bias towards American nameplates.