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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  Surprise - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Allen Oxender - September 12 - 2:30 pm

  We looked at several "entry" level luxury cars. Was more ten surprised with the Lincoln. I drive 40 miles each way to work, at 70-75 mph Im getting a solid consistent 29 mpg.We recently took a 1200 mile vacation and found the car the most relaxing comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. The power is equal/exceeds comparable Mercedes, BMW and Cadillac. The price was approximately $10,000. less then the above mentioned. This car is much more then a Ford upgrade.

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  Great! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By New Lincoln Owner - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this thing! Interior design stunning and fit and finish are excellent.

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  Great Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By azbmw18 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  After owning our BMWs decided to take on chance on tis car after an extended test drive. 3 years later I still love this car. Numerous long trips confirms this is drivers car.

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  Lincoln T.C is also safest car in U.S. - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By AUBIGJOE - September 5 - 11:20 am

  They score 5 in all categories. In my opinion they are the best car made. I have owned 8 since 1985 and have never had anything go wrong or not work and the only money I have spent on them is for Oil and Filter changes. No brakes, no batteries,no tires, no anything has been required on any of them.I have been retired and not driven the 2004 much. The others,I used in my business and drove them 60k to 70k before I traded. Their list price is high--but you can buy on for cash for about 70% drive out the door.

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  MKC made a Lincoln man out of me! - 2015 Lincoln MKC
  By newlincolnman - September 4 - 10:14 pm

  Those that think the MKC is just a gussied up Escape are making a big mistake. My wife has an Infiniti EX35 and this competes very well in all facets. The ride is luxury in a European way and seems bigger and even heavier than you expect but in a very good way. Synch seems to be surprisingly better than my first experience and this is the best Bluetooth phone quality in any car I have experienced. If you are looking for a small luxury SUV, you should make time to test drive an MKC.

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  Won Over By This One - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Doug Bunnell - September 2 - 4:33 am

  We have never been Ford product fans, but fell in love with the MKX at our local auto show in Nov. This was 5 months after we purchased a 2008 Lexus RX350, which is our 7th Lexus. The Lexus was for my wife and I traded in my convertible after falling in love with the MKX. We both love the MKX. It is much more comfortable on long trips than the RX. My wife took the MKX over and I drive the RX to and from work. We get many positive comments on the MKX. We have the black with the 20" chrome wheels. The Sync is awesome and much, much better than the similar system in the RX. We love the Vista roof and all the goodies. Im pretty confused when the "critics" call this inferior!

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  Navigator - 2007 Lincoln Navigator
  By angel - August 31 - 6:43 pm

  I love everything about the Navigator so far .The navigation system is easy to use and understandable, so is the rear seat DVD. The ride quality and quietness is exceptional even with this 20 wheels. The quality of the materials and the luxury it offers swallows you into this incredible vehicle. The power step assist are great, nice touch and just about everything this car has to offer was well though out, planned, and executed to produce the 2007 Lincoln Navigator, an amazing full size SUV.

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  Great Price for what you Get! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By KJ Prod - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Great power, quiet inside, feels solid, Looks great! And lots of standard features.

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  I like it! - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By SHANNON - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I put a tremendous amount of mileage on this vehicle and it has performed beautifully - never had to open the engine up - just normal replacement. currently the odometer reads 330,984 miles. Believe it or not!

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  2005 Town Car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Doug - August 28 - 2:00 am

  At 66" in height I am very pleased with front seat room and comfort. The Town Car has an outstanding quiet and comfortable ride. Very nice fit and finish both inside and out.