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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  One of the Best Cars to Own - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By amdo - October 31 - 6:08 pm

  Ive owned this car for 4 years, I bought it with 121k miles and now it has 165k. It has been the most reliable car I could ask for, I got rear ended and it got totaled but since the damage was almost un-noticeable I did the buy back and I still drive it. I buy crap cars to try and keep wear off of the car. Where all my other cars have failed this has been there to catch me and hold me as my only car as well as backup. I hardly ever have to maintain it, I had to change a ball joint once and just change the oil. One of the best cars ever made.

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  One of the best sedans owned - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Eric Stevens - October 25 - 7:50 am

  We were looking at a explorer and saw the ls on the lot. My wife fell in love with its styling. After the test drive we were sold. For the money I feel you couldnt ask for a nicer sport sedan. It has always turned heads with its looks and acceleration. Fuel mileage is what I expected for a car this size and weight. Its heavy but handling is great. Why does Ford always change what works for them? Weve put almost 40,000 on it and the extended warranty would be worth it. Had an issue with the steering column squeaking, and the back panel of the front seat falling off. Both covered no problem under warranty, but I had non- critical issues with all new cars Ive purchased. Bring it back.

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  A real value in a sports sedan - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By aegw04t - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great combination of sport and comfort. Much more room inside than a BMW 530 with similar performance at $15000 less money.

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  So far so good, this car is stunning - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Shay Gipson - October 24 - 3:26 am

  What a fantastic vehicle, for the price too. Unbelievable. Love the car, my salesman is Orson Van Gay at Galpin Lincoln...definitely great person to go to if you are in the market for this car. I love this car.

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  Lincoln LS-The Lap of Luxury - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By ThadRN - October 20 - 6:50 pm

  The 2006 Lincoln LS is the ultimate luxury automobile.It hugs the road as it cruises along its path. Comfort is realized in every mile that I drive, being underscored by the wood trim, satin nickel accents, outstanding entertainment center, voice recognition navigation system, and smooth ride. I truly enjoy every minute that I am in my car; the price and options are value driven. The auto industry has lost a competent vehicle upon the demise of the Lincoln LS.

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  Lincoln Navigator Rocks! - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By Fast Eddie - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling, unsurpassed comfort!

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  value for money - 2010 Lincoln MKX
  By Gerry - October 20 - 2:43 am

  This SUV packs a lot of value for money and and cost thousands less than the imports. It has all the TOYS the imports dont have. Why buy offshore when domestic quality is equal or better.

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  Depreciation - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Juleon - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this LSE, of course you cant find the LSE in the books. LSE has round fog lights, Aerodinamics around the car, 17 inch chrome wheels and chrome tail pipes. Very slick, but depreciates to fast that you do not want to buy another. The front light cover fogs when it rains not good for a for $44,000 vehicle. Also the depreciation on this vehicle is very bad two years later is only worth $16,000, so bad, so bad.

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  just got it!!! - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By glen&deb - October 17 - 10:00 am

  We traded in an 02 Eddie Bauer Expedition and we couldnt be happier.We looked at the Escalade ESV but overall the Navigator has a LOT more features and cost less also. The interior is definitely the best looking on the market right now. The overall ride (fit and feel) is well worth the price.

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  Still Going Strong! - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By bigB - October 9 - 10:00 pm

  I bought this car when it was ten years old and had 86000 miles on it. I must say I wasnt looking for a Lincoln, but it was sitting next to the car I was looking at, and after checking it out on Edmunds, went back to test drive it. Wow, what a car! 21 mpg in town, and 25 on hwy! Had to have the rear air suspension R&R and went with a retro fit set of springs which the local ford dealer installed after I purchased them online. One of the best cars Ive owned.