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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  Six years and still going strong - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By tjh - November 27 - 4:20 pm

  This has been a great car. Recently rolled 90k. Only significant non- routine maintenance has been recent replacement of a coil. I dont even think about it being 6 years old. Its always been fun to drive - comfortable, quiet, quick, and nimble. My wife is always trying to take it away from me. I dont know what else to say. Originally bought it over a Jag X-type which was smaller and pricier for comparable features. My LS is loaded with everything but heated seats (not needed in the South). Everything (but CD - see below) works like the day I drove it off the lot.

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  New MKS - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By gary - November 27 - 3:26 am

  Have owned MKS now for almost 2 months and overall I like the car. One very annoying thing is the steering wheel cruise control WITH NO CANCEL button (must hit brake pedal)? For a luxury car this is ridiculous when most lesser cars today include this feature. Ride is a little hard compared to 06 Cadi DTS it replaced. The economy on this car, though, is great ... havent gotten less than 22 mi/gal yet! Also have not been impressed with the transmission which is not real smooth

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  Shweeeeettttt Ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By tennisplaya - November 22 - 6:06 am

  I just bought the 2009 MKX with the Navigation, Sync, 20 inch wheels, and THXII sound. I am absolutely blown away that a 5-year-old car with 101,000 miles can still run like new and look like new. The ride is quiet and the creature comforts are outstanding. Heated/cooled seats in the front and heated rear seats as well as the panoramic sunroof and incredible sound system round out the excellent package. It holds the road well due to its wide stance. This has gota be one of the nicest used cars I have ever seen and driven.

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  Lemon Drops - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By d mock - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Terrible reliability and dealer service. Needed new head gasket last year and new (rebuilt engine) this year.

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  Very nice but it could be better - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By DUKER 2 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a pretty good car. You will enjoy the roominess and the ride. For my liking I find the seats could be more comfortable. The inflatable back support inflates a little too high in the lower back area. It misses the spot. I personally find my right knee hits the dashboard where the radio controls are. I think this car has terrific potential. Hopefully as the years pass Lincoln Mercury will make it a real winner.

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  Lincoln Town Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bob Thom - November 17 - 10:23 pm

  This is my sixth Town Car and they have all been very reliable. this drives better than any prior car I have owned. Has new tires. Interior is leather and is new looking. This car has some extras usually found only on Cartier Models

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  Engaging Lincoln "Z" - 2012 Lincoln MKZ
  By ojars zvaigzne - November 17 - 9:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle used in 2015 with 49k miles on the "clock". I REALLY like the car! The car is an outstanding value as a USED car because of its high depreciation. It delivers in "spades" when it comes to providing a serene and VERY quiet ride. Performance is very good with rapid acceleration and precise,flat cornering. Reliability has been outstanding with ZERO problems during the 14mo that I have had the car. The car has a very good interior except for a couple of things: the door storage bins are made of hard plastic and dont match the high quality of the rest of interior; the base audio system leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to sound quality (poor bass). I would also give a shout out to the selling dealer, WHITE BEAR LINCOLN in White Bear Lake, MN. This dealer "bent over backwards" to make sure I was totally satisfied with my purchase! KUDOS!

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  "Navie" gator - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By embeth - November 15 - 12:30 pm

  I bought a fully loaded ultimate 4x4 navigtor in june 2005. I had both a 1998 and 2004 eddie bauer expedition prior to this purchase. The navigators transmission shifting is awesome & smooth. I have 3600 miles on it so far. The engine is not quiet though when it is in park........Its embarrassing to drive up in this luxury suv and the engine can be heard. I am getting that checked asap. Besides, everyone gawking at my gator, or peeking inside the windows when they think im not looking.............This suv is close to perfect!

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  2004 tc - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By rosborne - November 15 - 7:50 am

  Great on long trips on the road around town (after all it is a town car). very quiet compared to the 96

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  Lincoln is back!! - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Thomas - November 10 - 2:43 pm

  The Continental is by far the best car I could have purchased for the money. Silky smooth/quite ride, excellent performance and top notch materials. And as always the treatment and service you receive from your Lincoln Mercury well Lincoln dealer is always superior to anyone else. I highly recommend the Continental to anyone who is looking for a comfortable and luxurious sedan. Also 400 horsepower is a great thing to have on reserve as well. So glad Lincoln brought back the Continental.