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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  Luxurious but fun - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Riclyn - November 28 - 10:00 am

  got what I expected for the price and more. after I showcase my Nav to my peers, I made them wished that they should have waited on purchasing an SUV

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  No open door chime!!! Terrible design. - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By bigd32 - November 27 - 9:16 pm

  Just back to my open rear door into the garage causing $2000 worth of damage because there was no door chime. Only car of ever own that makes no sound when doors open with the key in the ignition. Terrible design.

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  Almost but not there yet! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Kingster - November 26 - 11:36 am

  I purchased my 2004 LS V8 Unlimited in Jan. of 2007. I test drove it and purchased within hours. I loved the ride and power but was unsure about the transmission. Although I had doubts it was a better car for me than my GTP. I love the V8, nav system and cooled seats are wonderful. But I am getting more dissimpressed with the transmission everyday.

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  Love this car - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By hayesh - November 22 - 2:50 pm

  I dont usually write reviews online but I feel strongly about this car. My 2007 Lincoln MKX has been running now for 100,000 miles and it is still running great.

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  great american car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By RC in Tampa - November 22 - 7:10 am

  I have had the MKS for 4months and have thoroughly enjoyed it-The handling and styling as well as the high-tech features are impressive-I receive a compliment on how it looks from people on a weekly basis asking me what kind of car it is-I am pleased that I purchased it over the foreign selections I drove

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  You Could Spend More on a Car- But WHY? - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By 1956MarkII - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I had 3 Grand Marquis before the Town Car, but as much as I loved the Mercurys, the Lincoln is superior. Roomier, quieter, better built- everything one could ask for in a car. Great gas mileage; 22- 23 in everyday driving, 25-26 on trips. Although the rides a little stiffer than I expected (it has the Touring Package), the handling is just amazing for such a big car- absolutely flat and level in the corners. 70,000 miles on this car and not a squeak or rattle anywhere; doors close as solidly as a brand-new one. An exceptionally well-made car. Id always heard that the Lincoln plant in Wixom, MI, is one of the best- now I know why.

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  Nice SUV - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By Brownsack - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Second one I have owned.

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  Big Beautiful SUV - 2001 Lincoln Navigator
  By Blaine - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This has power, style and charm. This is the best SUV value out there if you are looking for a good balance between luxury and utility.

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  European Luxury, with an American Price - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Khuram Khan - November 19 - 8:53 pm

  Car is absolutely solid. Handles amazing on twisty roads. Drive one and youll want one. This car will make you forget about the Bimmers.

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  New Owners Impression - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By TED ARCADO - November 19 - 7:53 am

  The price is right. We like the general design and overall assembly of the vehicle. Although the power is at least adequate, engine noise under high acceleration is somewhat excessive. The seats and other interior details are all that we expect from a car of this level and price. It compares very favorably and in many cases better than the Lexus ES 300 we previously owned and really liked.