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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  INEXPENSIVE LUXURY CAR!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By SCARLETT - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I have always had full sized luxury cars. this one is by far the best Lincoln yet. I love the controls on the steering wheel( cuts down on distractions!) I love being able to choose, ride steering and overall handling of the car. I also regret that this is the last year for such a fine automobile. and the excellent service is great.

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  2003 Lincoln Town Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By JustinM - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Big improvement over old model. Better handling, ride, appearence, quality and its loaded with more features. Love it!

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  2003 Lincoln Town Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By 2003Cartier - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Great new snarl that could only come from a throaty American V8 .

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  besides all the glamour..DONT BUY..... - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By shaw shiraz - December 14 - 6:33 pm

  Oh lordy where to begin. Ignition coil problems. Electrical problems. Lincoln dealership cant even find out why the truck would suddenly cut off at traffic lights. Cant find why the car suddenly has a jark when accelerate. Power Windows very costly to fix (450). Have a lot of spare change cause you gonna spend a lot of money fixing this thing. Already have spent over 4000 and no end in sight. And ih yeah running board has a mind of its own, and did I forget suspension problems

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  Comfort and Performance - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By tracyd - December 14 - 2:20 am

  Looked at several other "cross overs" but once behind the wheel of the MKT, the decision was easy. The MKT handles great and the EcoBoost gives it acceleration you might not expect in car of this size/mass. Sync Navigation system is incredible. Never thought I would want/need a car that would park itself but park assist actually works very well when needed. Fit and finish is outstanding. Third row is really only for the smaller folks but it can haul a lot with the seats folded down. Rear seat entertainment system is great with a lot of options for gaming, etc. for those in the second row. Cant get a very good read on fuel economy yet as still under 1,000 miles (had 13 at purchase).

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  great american luxury - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By joe palmer - December 13 - 8:56 am

  this is the first lincoln i have purchased it is the ultimate limited edition and it has been nothing but a pleasure to own,after many cadillacs and along time gm owner i find the ride to be far superior to any thing i have owned the gms were good cars but the quiet ride is a true pleasure.

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  My New Baby! - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Mr_Ken - December 11 - 9:10 am

  I finally got the car Ive wanted for 4 yrs! Traded in my Avalon, for a sporty and more comfortable car. Ive tried BMWs (3,5,7) and the 3&5 were painful to sit in, the 7 was maybe equal but a few k more... The Lexus, Toyotas, Nissan, Acura, Honda, Infiniti never had the right mix and most had too much lumbar support that couldnt be backed off enough (my Avalon had front bench seat). I dont expect to get the high miles Ive gotten with my Toyota, but I sure am going to have a lot more fun and comfort when trying to get there! I know I irritated lots of salemen with 30+ test drives, but I put on the miles and I dont want to sacrifice if I dont have too and I dont!

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  Gordons MKX - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Gordon - December 10 - 9:36 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle for a month and it is fun to drive. The MKX is quiet and smooth riding. 23 MPG on each of two short trips. 18 to 19 MPG around town. It is very responsive when the power is needed.

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  My MKT - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By Docmo - December 10 - 1:13 pm

  Overall, I am exceptionally pleased with this vehicle. Mine is a fully loaded EcoBoost. Like most, I wish the gas mileage was a bit better. Still, the vehicle has great power and refinement.

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  Great drive - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By vinnieJ - December 10 - 2:03 am

  I recently totaled my Mercury Montego and found this. Little smaller than what I was getting used to but great to drive. Smooth, quiet, great acceleration. Great look