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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  Undeniably Great Car - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By Winter - July 1 - 2:33 pm

  I had been driving a Lincoln LS and loved the car so in my search I started with the MKS. I loved it immediately, but test drove the VW CC and Acura TL. The TL was a decent car, but did not offer the same quality for the price. Having owned the car for one month, I continue to be amazed at the beautiful look of the car, the great Sync technology, and the comfortable feel of the car. I did not want to buy another Lincoln, but it was an undeniably great car. I actually got giddy when I drove into the Lincoln parking lot for another test drive. I love it.

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  2008 MKZ Fantastic - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Jerry - June 29 - 7:23 pm

  Im 29, 6 tall, and I was going to buy a used Zephyr because Ive never bought a new car before. I test drove the Zephyr and it was fine, then I test drove the MKZ, and I ended up buying a new 2008 MKZ! The safety features were explained, and they are thorough down to the "air-bag curtains" that drop to shield everyone from broken glass. I have a 1 yr old son. The design may be bland, but other cars like the Lexus are too. The curves of an Acura are nice, but otherwise its bland. I actually like the design. Not elegant, but luxury and strength. The chrome is nicely placed on the side mirrors and underneath windows across the doors. I love the light leather, dark gray dash, ebony wood.

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  Nice Work!! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Rob - June 27 - 8:36 pm

  Extremely pleased with this car. First looked at the Mercury Montego, but for only a couple thousand more the decision was easy. It is quick and rides real smooth.

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  Best Auto Owned - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Derek - June 27 - 3:50 pm

  Ive driven in a Cadillac CTS-V 07 love the ride, less room than the Lincoln MKZ. The MKZ has a nicer interior, the power is very good thou Im used to the v8 power, this car has many toys that I love, LOve the hands free phone, you can hook your cell phone to the mp3 player press the line in button and speak through the speakers of auto awesome, cool and heat seat great. Im nearly 6 and plenty of room, front and back. I just miss my Lincoln ls the v8 power, but this car has enough power that Im very happy with this car.

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  Outstanding SUV - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By MikeyM - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is simply awesome!!! Its ride is quiet and smooth,handling is great, and it has all the luxury of a Limo. The 300+ horse 32 Valve American made V8 along with the five speed O-Drive transmission delivers all the power anyone could want and has too many more nice features to mention here...Driving is actually fun again for me!!

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  Great SUV - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Michelle M. - June 22 - 9:06 pm

  I traded my 05 Expedition 4X4 for the MKX. We all love our new "Lincoln" as my kids (8 & 3) lovingly refer to the MKX. It is an exceptionally stylish car with very sharp look. Recently we took it on our first overnight trip. The rear seat comfortably held 2 car seats and the center arm rest was perfect for their cups. The front seats are very comfortable, as my husband and I are very tall 62 and 510. He is now looking at the Lincoln truck!

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  Airbags I agree... - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Patrick B... - June 22 - 9:53 am

  I have owned a 2000LS 3.9V8 in 2006, it had around 100K miles and had a fatal wreck...I coded out twice on the way to the hosp., yes I slid off the road and into a ditch, rolled into a tumble, in to a tree...Photos upon request, NO airbag deployment at all. 24days in the hospital, many broken bones yet IF I would have been in a foreign vehicle, I truely feel that I would not be alive. I just purchased my used 2005LS V8 with 60K mile on it and feel safer now then ever before. regardless of airbags, this is a very safe car. so I do agree with "Stacy M" "have airbags checked" and Lincoln please bring the LS back. Patrick...

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  A good start - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Dick - June 21 - 7:23 pm

  I am a prior Lincoln owner and a most recent Toyota Avalon owner. So far the two are about equal with the Lincoln feeling more solid. Acceleration is good, but the Avalon seemed quicker. Lincoln feels better on the long trips. Large back seat seemed wasted in the Avalon which has less trunk space. Lincoln handles better around the curves.

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  2004 Aviator Luxury - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Phil Zima - June 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a very capable, luxurious and performance oriented SUV. Fit and finish is top notch and dealer service has been outstanding. Fuel economy is about what I expected (About 14 City and 21 highway) for a vehicle of this size.

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  Last Car - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Ricverde - June 15 - 7:56 am

  Im getting on in years so this will probably be my last car purchased. I absolutely love the vehicle! The ride is smooth, visibility great, and handling precise. The gas mileage isnt too hot, but I knew it wouldnt be before I bought the Aviator. The black beauty has drawn admiring looks and positive comments from passers-by in parking lots, which sure helps me feel good about spending the money for a vehicle I probably really didnt need.