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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  A true boulevard cruiser - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By xeroblu - January 6 - 4:51 pm

  Love this car, but there are some things that could use improvement. First off this is a car you buy because you love the way it looks period. Its not fast and its not suppose to be, if your looking for performance try the non hybrid ecoboost or buy a German brand. I love the Germans, Ive owned an Audi, two BMWs and a Mercedes and all were fantastic cars. This definitely is different, its uniquely American in that it has more road feel than your typical Japanese luxury car will have however not as much as the Germans. Id say its nicely in the middle. Personally the styling on the top tier trim level MKz beats the pants off any Lexus ES which is its main compeditor.

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  My navigator - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By MIKE - January 6 - 10:43 am

  A great suv, very comfortable and fun to drive. I like the interior leather and 4 captain seats. I have 20" oversized chrome wheels and upgraded grill that make this vehicle very nice to look at.

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  Best Yet - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By G Tichenor - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Having owned several SUVs this is by far the best.Great handling,quality and power

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  Close to a 10 but needs to be tweaked - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By jeannine liddle - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Too Much exterioer noice,especially when it rains. This is my 3 rd Navigator. Glass windows too thin. Chairs could be more snug,to feel more secure. Sound system needs to be alot better.

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  navigator - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By titan888 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  very responsive. nicer interior than escalade.

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  Best Darn Suv - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By Skippy 10000 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  No compare! The Best Looking Riding Suv out there!!

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  best around - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Navidriver - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Gotta love this car. Screams out success and agression at the same time. Powerful and reliable. Room for, well, just about anything.

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  Competition to the Germans - 2011 Lincoln MKZ
  By powertrainman - January 1 - 8:40 pm

  Got delivery of my AWD, 2011 MKZ with 102 executive package. Took my German boss who has a BMW 550i fully loaded for a ride. He couldnt believe it. Germans, and specially my boss are honest in their comments and are not used to giving compliments. He was surprised to say the least. In a nutshell the car is absolutely responsive, a mix between the spark of a BMW and the handling of AWD Audi. My boss compared it to a Mercedes E class for the ride and comfort. The good news is what you get for the money. I cannot tell anything about reliability as the car is brand new, but I am happy with the choice I made.

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  My first Lincoln - pleasure to drive - 2010 Lincoln MKS
  By ChipL45 - January 1 - 11:50 am

  I had been eyeing this car up for some time - bit the bullet and i know really like it - its drives like a charm, has gadgets galore that i am still discovering - The seats are so comfortable and the sirius/sync technology is GREAT - rear passengers have plenty of room and appreciate the rear heated seats. I love the adapted cruise control! The only complaint that i echo an earlier review - the arm rest on the door are WAY to low - i cant use is comfortably while driving at all - I also agree that above the gear shift should have been built a "cubby" to throw things - it is complete wasted space - all you see is the word Lincoln - the auto high beams is a pain at times as well.