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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  This Girls Truck - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Jeanne Clark - February 21 - 11:40 pm

  Silly Boys...Trucks are for Girls! This is the greatest truck ever built. I love my truck and have even named her "Big Bertha". She is certainly a man intimidator! Her performance and styling is superior. She pulls a trailer or boat like there is nothing in tow. This is one mean truck and I will have her for many years to come. My Thanks to Lincoln for the Mark LT.

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  Lovin The Ride - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Carmella Wade - February 20 - 4:56 am

  I purchased this vehicle back in August, and I am loving the ride. This vehicle is very smooth. I did not get the Navigation system or the vista roof. I have the DVD player. We put a DVD in and turned up the sound. You would think you were in a theater with popcorn. The system is nice. Also, this vehicle moves when you need to get moving. I really enjoy my MKX and would not trade it for the world.

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  Great Deal - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Rip Reed - February 17 - 2:23 am

  I have had this car for almost one year and I cannot express how happy I am with it. The ride is quiet and smooth.

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  Great Dark Horse Luxury Car - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By Matt - February 15 - 3:02 am

  This car is truly the dark horse of luxury cars. Ive owned everything from recent Mercedes, Lexus, BMW, model cars. Overall, the 2016 Lincoln MKZ is the best value. Heres why: Unlike Mercedes, Lincolns dont cost an arm and a leg to fix. I also want to be DIFFERENT and not drive the stereotypical "Mercedes". Compared to the BLAND styling of current Lexus models, this car is a killer! Beautiful lines, design, and interior. Sure, the 2.0 Hybrid model doesnt perform like a BMW, but the MKZ will get 40MPG, take 87 octane, and rides more luxuriously IMO. I am very proud that our country makes a luxury car that goes toe-to-toe with imports! Great job Lincoln. The 2016 MKZ is a winner.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Don - February 10 - 5:53 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned! Absolutely nothing wrong in 28,000+ miles! I get 19 mpg on the road @ 65 mph. About 15 mpg city. It is by far the quietest pickup made anywhere today, period!

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  Nice to buy American again ! - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By english - February 8 - 2:00 am

  A great vehicle to drive.Terrific engine and transmission.Be sure to include when test driving your next SUV

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Robert Redeker - February 7 - 1:36 am

  This is the finest car I have ever owned. I have owned the car for almost 2 months now and just love it. The performance from the motor and trans are execptional. The ride is awesome, tight but smooth and refined. Unbelievable all the looks you get on the road with this car. Im not sure its because people are trying to figure out what it is or because there really is not that many out there and they are curious. The cool factor is definitly a part of it Im sure. The gas mileage is not bad on this car either. I have gotten consistently above 25 and in a recent mostly hwy trip received 29.6 mpg. Thats not bad from the second tank of gas on the car. So far I have nothing but good to report.

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  An undiscovered gem. - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Dapper - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Own a 2004 sport V8. Previous Lincolns (3) were Continentals. This car is as different as night and day. I liked my Continentals but this car is much more FUN to drive. I think that Lincoln should be pushing this car more than it does. I think it could hold its own against any family car on the road.You dont have to be young to enjoy this car I am over 60.

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  Excellkent Buy - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Just4God - February 1 - 4:40 am

  Quallity car. Very comfortable. Drove taxi with this car for a year and was really supprised with how comfortable it was. exspessally for long periods of time. Also get supprisingly good gas mileage for this size car.

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  Bound to be a Classic - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By rwd - January 31 - 3:40 am

  When it comes to collectability, a vehicles: styling, quality, performance, and enjoyability are paramount. Lincolns LS, which had a relatively short production life, certainly is stylish inside and out, and is extremely reliable. Reliability alone can make owning a car enjoyable, but ones appreciation for the LS is found in its sporty ride and excellent handling.