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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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Ben Youngblood - October 27 - 3:58 pm

  While not flashy in appearance, the MKZ is an incredibly high value car considering it is nice looking, comfortable, performs well, and incredibly reliable. I bought the car used with 50K miles and now up to 85K. Nothing but regular maintenance at a 7,500 interval. Ive owned 2 Hondas, 2 Infinitis, a Mazda, and a chevy. The MKZ is easily the best all around and returns the greatest value. If looking for a high value used sedan, there are many low mileage 2010-2012 models available.

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  I Love My MKC. - 2017 Lincoln MKC
  By Kelly - October 27 - 12:35 pm

  I have the 2017 MKC Reserve. I have never been more pleased with a vehicle. As far as safety, it is incomparable. The blind spot alerts and lane drifting alarm (steering wheel vibration) is great. The interior with the wood trim is very well done, you certainly get your moneys worth. The ride is smooth and quiet and it handles fantastic. I can open the tailgate by waiving my foot underneath it lol, so that works great when your hands are full. I love this car.

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  Love my 06 Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Mark Johnson - October 27 - 2:36 am

  Love my Zephyr !! It reminds me of my 73 Mustang in interior design only better. 6cyl. engine has plenty of power for me, but gas mileage could have been better. Exterior could have been more updated and a more sporty design than looking so "Lincoln". One year later no reported problems other that having the oil changed. Love the THX sound system, air con. seats, nice trunk,and like the retro dashboard.Had a Towncar previously and the Zephyr is much more fun to drive and a lot easier to park.

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  Best Ive owned - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By 4d4erv - October 26 - 12:00 am

  Just purchased. Drove over 600 miles yesterday and got better that 23 mph. Good I think for not broken in. I expect the 26 est. to be realistic with more miles on the car. Lots of extras make driving experience enjoyable. Love the leather and the seats offer lots of support on long drive.

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  I LOVE MY LINCOLN LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By rainjogger - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my V8 LS in July 2000, waiting for the bugs of the "new" lincoln car to be cleaned up. I have only average driving mileage (30k)for 3 years, but love the way my car drives and the wonderful milage of the V8 sport. I have only had one issue - a rear window motor replacement. The car has provided enough power and enthusiasm whether Im driving to pick up my kids or to visit distant relatives 600+ miles away. Please dont change my car platform so I can get it again for my next car!

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  LINCOLN The Standard of LUXURY - 2002 Lincoln Navigator
  By Jim And Christina - October 21 - 11:06 am

  Our GATOR is black with mono-chrome treatment. Soon to be Pearl black & Harley orange 2 tone. For the MOST part we get an average of 14 to 17 miles to the gallon around town & usually about 16 to 21 on the highway and we do NOT drive her like we have an egg under our right foot!!! We do have an edelbrock S/S cat back exhaust system & she breathes better & sounds a LOT better!! The ONLY thing it could use is MORE power & we will be adressing that soon with a supercharger... Well that and a FEW other lil goodies! HEEHeeee Like Harley Davidson rims, bigger tires, custom paint & of course all the HARLEY emblems & badges, Lund moon visor & such..After ALL "ITS ONLY MONEY" !!

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  Best SUV ever - 2007 Lincoln Navigator L
  By abe - October 17 - 8:40 am

  this truck is fun to drive, smooth ride comfortable seats . I receive lots of compliments about this truck.

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  Excellent - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By Jim Stern - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The best car for the money. Luxurious, fun to drive, and just an all around real pleasure.

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  FIRST SUV - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By ROBIN3979 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I AM IN MY 60S. TRADED A 99 CADILLAC. AFTER DRING THE AVIATOR AND A TOWN CAR, MY WIFE AND I BOTH AGREED ON THE AVIATOR. LOVE IT.

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  More than Upgraded Explorer - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By JoePo - October 16 - 10:00 am

  While built on the Explorer chasis the ride and handling are nothing like it. I owned Explorers for many years before buying the Aviator, this vehicle has all the features of an Explorer and then some.