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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  Too Early to Tell - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By Cheryl Feinberg - July 6 - 5:21 am

  My car has a little less than 300 miles on it, so in nearly every category its just too early to tell how it will be. My previous experience with my dealership and my 2008 Lincoln MKS was excellent. My car lacks two items I wish it had. 1) Seat cooling. I would have had to add $4k of extras I didnt want or need to get seat cooling. Its important to note, however, that the AC in the car is excellent. The second extra I miss is front warning beeps when I get near objects. I did not realize that I didnt have that option until too late.

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  Nice Ride - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By Big D - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This is truly a great find with a few miles on it and in awesome condition! Was able to afford the luxory of a nice vehicle without the price! I look forward to driving it every day.

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  Worst car I ever owned - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Steve Mcblue - July 2 - 9:30 pm

  problems since day 1, terrible reliability with this car. I wont even start listing the issues cause it pains me. Im a mechanic and this is one of the worst cars to work on. Do yourself a favor and stay far away from the LS.

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  Lincoln LS a Joy to Have! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By spjdcb - July 2 - 12:03 am

  I am thoroughly enjoying LS. The car rides like BMW 5 or Jag S (it is on same platform) but is 10K to 15K cheaper.

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  My raod trip - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By bailey - July 1 - 5:46 pm

  Went for a road trip from Vegas to Scottsdale. Car handled great and was comfortable. No wind noise. Very pleased.

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  Great buy - 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  By Brian Bossier - June 30 - 1:36 pm

  Aesthetically pleasing car that gets 41mpg. Best ride in its class bar none(I tried them all, the Lincoln is head and shoulders above) if you want to drag race get another car, if you love a smooth ride, great gas mileage, pleasing interior and features the Lincoln is THE BEST in class.

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  Moved from Escalade to MRX and love it! - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By MEL - June 29 - 3:55 pm

  Only picked it up today, but totally blown away. Very nice. Usually in the first few hours I can see the flaws, but so far, none seen. Admittedly, we got all the bells and whistles, and there are more than one needs or probably wants. There will be a bit of a learning curve, for sure, on all the technology package. We think the new BMW will find it lonely in the garage while the MKX is on the road. Very comfortable all round. Great buy, very, very happy.

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  So far very good. - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By John Bernheisel - June 29 - 6:13 am

  Only 2000 mi. On it so far enjoying it and absoulty no issues.

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  Junky Lincoln MKX - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By junk12lincoln - June 28 - 2:30 am

  Do NOT buy! We have had our 2012 Lincoln MKX for about 5 weeks and we hate it! The list of problems is long...transmission is slipping, speaker blown (was like that when we picked it up), paint missing on the hood, MYTOUCH wont work, controls on the right hand side of steering wheel dont work and the vehicle keeps looking for the key. We have tried to get all of these issues fixed and the dealership was no help. Finally took it to another dealership but no help. Dont bother calling Lincoln because they have the worst customer service ever! Plus this vehicle gets terrible gas mileage!!! Do not buy this vehicle!!! We cant wait to get rid of it!!!!!!

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  Too bad its discontinued - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Kvegas - June 28 - 2:20 am

  Nice powerful 275hp V8. Front drive is good in the snow. Average 19 mpg in mostly city driving (not bad for the way I drive). Very comfortable front heated seats are nice. Handles well. This is my 4th lincoln and my second Continental. I really like the car and my wife likes it too. She just got a 2002 Continental. I dont know what to get to replace this car. I usually trade after 3 years but I may keep this one longer since i dont really know what to get to replace it. My only complaint is with the chrome wheels, the chrome is peeling off the back.