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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  quirky - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By m_yount - July 14 - 1:33 pm

  I bought this car about 2 years ago. It has just the right balance of sport and luxury. I can get into traffic as quickly as I need, and It also has a very comfy ride.

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  Outstanding Automobile - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Wisegy123 - July 14 - 1:03 pm

  This is my fourth Town Car and I love it. I have found the Lincolns to be very reliable with superior quality. It is a very comfortable vehicle to drive. I have owned BMWs and Mercedes Benzs, but I keep coming back to the Town Car. I find them more economical to maintain and repair without sacrificing luxury and quality. I would recommend the car to anyone. After our first one, it is the only make of car that my wife wants to own.

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  $45000 car & 10 cent key fob - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By RBE - July 13 - 10:33 am

  I purchased the MKS car after coming out of a town car. (Im 62") After extensive research, I found the MKS to be the best luxury vehicle that provided adequate interior room and still be somewhat sporty. So far Im very please with the ride, performance and looks. The big discount also helped. Im getting about 22.1mpg in town.

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  SCRIVS RESULTS - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By J SCRIVS - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I love the smooth ride, and luxury provided with this car.Accelerates effortlessly while still quiet as a mouse.

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  Aviator a keeper - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By mdmitchell - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Feels like a Lincoln, not a dressed up Ford. American Luxury and power. Like especially the new Lincoln interior treatment. This and the improved ride set it apart from the Ford Explorer.

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  I love it, but its cursed - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Kristy - July 9 - 8:16 pm

  Keep in mind, I have bought it with 178,000 miles on it at a very good price. Nothing but problems so far. I have barely been able to drive it. The transmission was bad. Replaced rack and pinions, all front control arms, hydraulic fan, hydraulic pump, power steering pump, and drivers side window regulator. Im hoping after the control arms are replaced I will be able to finally drive it. Plus, my air bag light is on. Also, my check engine light is on due to a leak in a HVac hose somewhere. All I say is keep up with the maintenance on this car.

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  Maybe The Best Around - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Henry - July 7 - 2:26 am

  Fast, agile and luxurious. Great ride in snow or sun and fun to drive. Smooth and yet no bulky feel. Plenty of passenger room and comforst.

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  Best kept secret.... - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Phil Austin - July 7 - 12:16 am

  Finally talked my California girl into going with me to look at a new Lincoln Town Car, and even she is now a believer...for a great price we got a terrific automobile that rides like a dream and is the essence of comfort. Plenty of power, and satisfactory mileage I, and yes, even we, could not be happier with this best kept secret of the luxury car market....If its comfort, performance and quality you want, you have arrived and will travel well with a Lincoln town car...A phenomenal car for the money!!!

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  Glad I got it - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By driver130 - July 6 - 3:54 pm

  I almost brought a Cadillac until I saw that Lincoln Hybrid was the same price as the non Hyb. I have this car three months and it is comfortable, fun to drive looks good too. The electronics are not at all confusing as some pro reviewers have suggested, nor does it make noise when converting to gas from battery. Study the manual a bit and the electronics will become intuitive. The extra space provided by push button gears and no shift handle is awesome. I have compared this to friends BMW and Benz and the Lincoln actually has some better features. The audio system being one. THX audio rocks. Crisp and clear sound.

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  Love my LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Phil Newby - July 6 - 2:33 pm

  Most fun Ive ever had in a car.