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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  Early ownership review - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By big baby - December 8 - 4:16 am

  Moved out of a small SUV because I wanted to go back to sedans for the ride, comfort and better gas mileage. I researched the heck out of the market (love the actual owner reviews rather than the editors, who only like drivers cars like BMW). Looked into Taurus, Sable, Malibu, Aura, Milan, and MKZ. Got the MKZ due to incredible standard content, price, and importantly (in Texas), the standard air conditioned seats. Bought at cost less $2000 rebate. Its an unbelievable value. Quiet, smooth, fast, roomy. Its got it all for the price of a loaded Accord or Camry!

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  Lincoln LS review - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Robert L - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The cars performance and handling is terrific..it has been a fun to drive car.

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  Never buy first model year - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By jerryb - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is great while under warranty 5 yr/48K miles. While the engine and power train perform well, the car was thrown together without much concern for maintenance. The climate control never works correctly, and $800 to fix, the themostat sticks $400 to repair as its under the engine(happened twice). The valve covers leak oil and it $400 to replace gaskets as all sorts of stuff has to be removed to get at it. The window regulators are cheap plastic and break($200 to fix). Heated seats broke twice. Back of seat panel falls off, Great looking car, just sell it or get an extended warranty before it runs out.

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  99 Town Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By jnc1948 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and handle very good in the rain.

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  lincoln revisited - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By James Hargreaves - December 3 - 7:24 am

  great ride technology and acceleration. exterior lighting is fantastic

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  This vehicle is pretty amazing - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By McLovin - December 2 - 8:56 pm

  I have always liked the design of the Lincoln LS. Its smooth lines and luxurious interior give a lot of imports a reason for concern. The lines look very similar to that of the Mercedes Benz E-Class of recent years. Though at this point you will only find it used, buying one will be all but disappointing. I found a 2006 with 7900 miles on it and its incredible. The V8 power kicks when you need it, the interior has every amenity you can possibly need and the overall appearance of the LS is solid. Rumor has it that Lincoln will introduce an MKS in mid 2008 (They have the MKZ and the MKX now). Is it reintroduction if the LS? Well have to wait and see.

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  lincoln review - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By D-Money - December 2 - 2:40 pm

  This Lincoln is great. it is great to drive. the ride is smooth and confortable.

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  LAND YACHT - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By LAND YACHT - November 30 - 3:40 pm

  I simply love my Land yacht as my spouse calls it-i have owned chrysler 300d- mercedes-olds-pontiac-ford Land Rover etc. but this is the best car so far-I had local Lincoln dealer review any needed repairs and manual recs- drives like a dream- excellent condition-I look forward driving it everyday. my granddaughter falls asleep quickly- one granddaughter mentions for old person car-18 ft. 4000lbs-car is loaded

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  Fabulous Car! - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Keith Dunbar - November 29 - 10:26 pm

  Really delighted with this car. Ive owned Audis, Alfas and lately a BMW 7. This car is right up there with them and more fun in many ways. It feels every bit the luxury car that it is. On the freeway it is an effortless, remarkably quiet cruiser. In town easy to drive. Overall very comfortable, great cabin; a nice place to be. Lexus watch out, this car is every bit as good as your equivalent GS430; in fact it is better looking, has more style and breaks from the bland, mundane approach of its Japanese rival. Superb car all round, thoroughly recommend it. Test drive one and youll be amazed. Remember, it is a luxury car; dont be put of by the journalists that dont measure it that way.

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  My Experience with my Lincoln - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Big Z - November 29 - 3:00 am

  After purchasing my lincoln in june of 2003, I found that luxury and comfort were superior. I finally had a car I was proud of. I added a landau top and extra chrome to the vehicle and was very happy with the car.