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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  Worst Lincoln I ever owned - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Joe owner - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I hav had and continue to have electricial problems,front end problems,body noise problems. I have owned the car for 4 months and it has been in the shop for almost one month. I have put in a claim with Ford Motor company and will let you know what happens.I also have owned 7 previous Lincolns and never had a automobile so bad. Had car towed when allternator went our, got stopped by the police twice when tail lights were out. Rear tail gate does not always lock. Gas gauge sticks, wheels in front end vibrate steering wheel,hun now in front end.

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  Lovin It - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By twotrees - May 16 - 4:13 pm

  After being sure that my next car would be the Acura MDX, I drove the Lincoln MKX at my husbands request...and now I own a fully-loaded Limited Edition MKX. I found the MKX to have a softer, quieter ride, better visibility, and easier to use features- -not to mention an amazing panoramic sunroof. With the addition of SYNC on the 2008, the deal was sealed. Although many do not consider the MKX a competitor for the MDX, a side-by side comparison reveals a more luxurious feel and all the option--for considerably less. Although many feel American cars are not as reliable..I decided not to trade my 1999 Navigator with 165,000 that is still going strong!

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  Nice Car, Worth Checking Out - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Ken_W - May 10 - 12:40 pm

  I traded an 06 Zephyr for an 09 MKZ. I obviously liked the Zephyr well enough to come back for more! While the 06 was a bit underpowered, the engine change back in 07 took care of that. They finally added vehicle stability control in the 09. The MKZ is a good balance of price, comfort, and features.Gas mileage on my Zephyr averaged 24 mpg combined, the MKZ is already matching that with less than 2000 miles on it. Im no hot rodder, but I dont waste any time on the road. MKZ isnt for everyone, but its worth a look!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By DAH1 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Great handling and performance, really fun to drive. Test drove the BMW 5 series, preferrred the LSs handling, ride and interior comfort to the BMWs. The air conditioned front seats are nice on a hot day. The CD changer behind the Navigation system display is pretty cool.

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  Grandmas Hot New Wheels - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By milobeans - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the first time that grandma has had an SUV for a vehicle. The grandchildren love it, her co-workers love it, and her sidekick (grandpa) loves it. The Aviator makes her want to take a trip but so far it has been used primarily for traveling to work. However, lunches with the gals from the office allow her to show off her new wheels. But the best is having the grandchildren with her and going to places to eat and the movies. Yep, she loves it best of all.

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  1996 Lincoln Town Car Cartier - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Scott - May 8 - 10:00 am

  My grandparents bought this car brand new as soon as it showed up at the dealer. I think the original list price was $47,000. My grandpa has since died, and in 2005, my grandma didnt feel safe driving anymore at the age of 88. She loved that car and wanted to keep it in the family, so she gave it to me, knowing Id take the absolute best care of it. It had 31000 miles when she gave it to me. This is the most luxurious car Ford ever built. Has been very reliable, but when things have to be replaced, its very costly for parts. It now has 102,000 miles and still drives like a dream. I never cared for the newer body style that started in 98 or 99. Im very grateful to own such a classic car.

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  We love our Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Kentucky Fried - May 5 - 5:40 pm

  We purchased our black Zephyr 4 weeks ago and we just love it. It is a car that you notice on the road, very sophisticated yet sporty. Gas mileage is great both city and highway. Offers a tight drive and comfotable ride.

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  Best of Lot - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jim - May 4 - 10:23 pm

  Test drove Infinity, Lexus, and Avalon..None surpassed or matched the overall comfort and ride of this car. Infinity more fun to drive but too small for cross country cruising

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  The Best Ever - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Tommy Girl - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive had in 15 yrs.Ive been driving since I was 16 and never have I been able to handle a car as well as I can handle the 2002 Lincoln LS.

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  Great Car - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By jjj - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I compared it to BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. It was a much better value. I got an American car with better styling and performance for at least $10k less. I can also find my car in the parking lot because there arent 1000 others just like it.