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 i ever drove - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By babetty - May 27 - 12:06 pm

  handles great, great ride, powerful and comfortable.

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  Our 06 Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Edward W. Purcell - May 26 - 10:23 am

  WE love our Lincoln Zephyr, it handles and drives very well, hugs the curves and the ride is smooth. The only thing that I feel could be improved is that the front seats are too small for my frame on a long trip. I am 6 3" and weigh 225. Although the Zephyr is my wifes car and she loves it especailly the GPS system. WE do like to take it on trips in excess of 400 miles and that is where it becomes un comfortable for me. Besides that I feel the Zephyr is a solid vehicle. I suppose we will need to look for a larger Lincoln perhaps a MKS, we shall see. Thanks for listening Edward & Alice Edward & Alice

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  Great ride; Rear End Problems - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By omnidj - May 25 - 5:13 am

  Bought this used Town Car after having owned a 1996 Executive. Better car; better ride; great styling. Around 72K mi developed noise in rear end. Im now informed that I need a bearing kit for the rear axle. Wearout at less than 75K mi is unsatisfactory. Ford had a recall on "some" 2003 TCs, but not mine. Also had to replace brake rotors. They seem to warp easily and require regular turning (maybe its new metallic type pads). Overall, I still love the car and Ill stay with it

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  Lincolns Luxury - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Rick - May 23 - 7:50 pm

  I researched and test drove the Acura MDX, RDX, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and the Lincoln MKX. I was planning on purchasing the Lexus 350 and/or the Honda Pilot but absolutely hated the newly designed appearance of both. I read reviews on Edmunds for the past 6 months and was somewhat concerned about purchasing the Lincoln MKX which was rated slightly less than the Toyota Highlander. We have had a Toyota Avalon and a Honda Crosstour prior to the new purchase and was leaning towards them again, but I have to say, that so far, I am in love with the Lincoln MKX for all of the above rated reasons. I previously owned a Lincoln Continental and was impressed with the vehicles overall functions, comfort and safety, so I felt that I had some history with the Lincoln product. I have owned the vehicle for two weeks so far and drove it home from Chicago (345 miles) being the second closet dealership to have the vehicle that I wanted. I ended up with the luxury package and am glad that I took the upgrades. This vehicle has everything that a driver wants and the handling and comfort is fantastic. I would highly recommend that a person takes a second look at this vehicle prior to purchasing anything else. It is a head turner for sure. By the way, I almost didnt buy the vehicle because I dont like the commercials with a certain actor.......

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  My MKS mistake - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By John - May 23 - 9:30 am

  I ordered my MKS online in March, 2008. Because of the color(white it wasnt going to be in production until Mid-July. It didnt go into production until Mid-August. This was okay with me, however I wanted it before October 1st to take on a planned vacation. It arrived around Mid-September with 45.3 miles put on at the factory. It was the first time I ordered a new car from the factory and was very disappointed that it was driven by someone other than me on the highway. It took the excitement out of the experience. At first I wasnt going to accept it and after a few days I did. Upon close inspection I found 16 flaws in the paint. I feel I made a mistake purchasing an American car.

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  Great Car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Rudy - May 21 - 9:13 pm

  I have just purchased this car and drove it home to the Florida Keys. Wow this is a great car and what a great value for all this is included. Mine was fully loaded with sun roof and navigational system.

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  Fun to Drive - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Randy - May 21 - 5:53 pm

  Great car for a winding road (with the sport package). Replaced a Pontiac Bonneville w/ this LS and was amazed at the tight road-hugging suspension. I love getting on a curvy road, hitting the curves as speed, and holding on for the ride!

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  To improve newer Models - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By A.J.Oakley - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought it mostly for appearance..a real upfront car..didnt look like the "other" cars..sharp.but inexpensive to drive..comfortable..a real AMERICAN car..has been reliable..feel good driving it..newer models dont have the striking look of the older Lincolns ..the "look at me"....youve lost it fellas..dont copy! and if it isnt "broke dont fix it".appealing to the Yuppies isnt what a Lincoln Town Car was all about...its for "The Establishment" we earned it and wanted it..and you have taken the elegance away

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  Quality car for the money - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By KJN - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I drive about 20,000 miles a year and need a dependable car that looks good. The town car does the job for a lot less money than most of its competition. Only 1 minor problem over the last 5 1/2 years. Just get in and go in style and grace. Ill keep it until 150- 200,000 miles .

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  great truck - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By joe kelly - May 17 - 10:00 am

  love it not great on gas but all else is nice