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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  Mark LT misses the Mark - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Mark LT - February 7 - 3:30 am

  I have owned this vehicle one week. Here is what I consider Lincoln missed in the Mark LT Storage - non existent - no room for first aid kit, jumper cables and misc. Rear seat does not fold down. Rear seats fold up, however NO storage underneath. Radio - CD does not shuffle without manual intervention. Odometer - does not have 10th of mile. Memory seats - does not adjust mirrors. Lumbar Support - manual - should be push-button. No light under hood. Hood latch not user friendly. Plastic like grill flimsy. Running boards - black and shows ALL the dirt and dust .. should have been chrome with Lincoln inserts. Certainly not designer chic.

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  I LOVE it - 2017 Lincoln MKC
  By Bonnie - February 6 - 12:14 am

  We purchased a 2017 MKC in July and we LOVE it. We have the 2.0 engine, which provides great acceleration and good fuel economy (21.1 mpg). The interior is totally quiet and interior touches like the real wood trim, leather seats, and the stitching on the steering wheel and dash add to the elegant feel. The touch screen is convenient and very easy to use without having to refer to the owners manual all the time. I can even choose the type of ride - sport, normal, or comfort (my favorite). The doors have a nice solid feel when you close them and the vehicle just looks and rides very classy.

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  LS V8 - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By nick p - February 3 - 10:30 pm

  I love this car, but it has some problems. The car is very jumpy and has very bad MPG. My transmission went out around 92000 miles my catalytic converter is messing up, the 6 disk cd changer has disk error every time i try to change cds. My driver side back door doesnt lock by its self any more, but other than that the car is great. Its fun to drive has very good get up, very good sound system.

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  A Satisfying Experience - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By DvorakDelta - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Lincoln LS8 as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. I received an excellent price and an exceptional car. Though my friends say it does not compare to their Lexus ES and GS sedans, I beg to differ. Handling and cabin noise-level are especially impressive, considering the fact that my 8-cylinder engine produces much more horsepower and torque than their LexusÂ’ engines. All of the luxury features I desired were present, including moisture-sensitive windshield wipers, dual-zone climate control, STANDARD leather seating surfaces, and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control buttons.

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  Last of the Best - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By John Abbey - January 31 - 11:33 pm

  Bought our first Town Car (low mileage 91) in 97. We loved it, however, we did do major repairs on it the fourth and fifth year we owned it. I have been wanting one more of the Classic style pre 98 versions and recently found another low milage (58K) at the same dealership we bought the 91. I have never bought an eight year old car that looks and feels as "new" as this does. It is a dream to drive and in perfect condition! There is just no comparision when it comes to ride and quiet -- the smoothest ride going and this one gets over 27 mpg on the road. I feel we will enjoy this Lincoln for a long time and it was very reasonable to purchase.

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  Dont make them like this anymore - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By rich - January 29 - 11:56 pm

  I have 113,000 miles & except for tune ups (which I do myself) & a paint job, the car runs great. Its fast (4.6v8) yet I get 17mp city & 24hwy, for a 1997 it still purrrrs like new. Also I change the oil & filter every 3 thousand miles.

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  Awesome car!!! - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Teresa - January 28 - 7:51 pm

  Love the style and handle. Best 2017 model in its class.

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  2002 Lincoln Blackwood - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By Paula LeCates - January 27 - 11:40 pm

  Loved the vehicle when it first came out but could not afford until used vehicle available, purchased 2002 in 2006. Still in excellent condition with 82,000 miles. Gas mileage around town 17.5 highway 21.0, acceptable with all of the amenities. Love the design,extras,and handling. Not a work truck but does haul groceries, golf clubs, suitcases and some plants, etc.

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  Black Beauty - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Black Beauty - January 27 - 8:50 pm

  Excellent appearance. Not your everyday work buggy. Quiet and solid build; however many of the interior dash components are very dated and not cutting edge youd expect for a vehicle that has a MSRP or 47K plus. Spend a couple more bucks and install gauges with wow! Improve fuel MPG.

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  Bargain Luxury - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Todd W. - January 27 - 5:13 pm

  I wanted a vehicle that could tow up to 3500 pounds and not drive like a noisey / bouncy truck. This car is awesome! Ive had it over a year now, put 15,600 miles on it, and it has operated flawlessly. To make it perfect, Ive added an aftermarket backup camera and additional matching wood trim to the "Plain Jane" painted areas around the radio / center console areas. I love that it can quietly / rapidly accelerate and briskly corner without leaning. Year - end rebates, bonus cash, and generous dealer discounts made it irresistible.