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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  Neds Review - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Ned - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the fifth cosecutive Continental I have leased. I am upset that Ford is discontinuing the model.

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  Nice Job Lincoln - good Riddance Benz - 2012 Lincoln MKX
  By vegasboys - June 13 - 5:23 am

  I traded in a Mercedes Benz ML-320 Disel on this car and could not be happier! The Benz was nothing but trouble and they could not get the transmission to work right after at least 20 visits to the garage. It was the 3rd Mercedes I owned and NO MORE. Lincoln has done a great job with the MKX. Its comfortable, smooth and fits me perfectly! I appreciate a comfortable car that does what its supose to do. The MKX fits the bill. Not to mention the fact that an oil change doesnt cost 250.00 a whack. Im very satisfied and so glad to get the Mercedes monkey off my back. The MKX is a perfect fit for someone looking for a smaller car than the Navigator (had that before the Benz)

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  Excellent car, love the syle but.... - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By BBernstein - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my 1999 Lincoln Continental, however, I have had an annoying transmission alert from the computer indicating a problem and then obvious lurching at 30-40 mph. Dealer checked it out a half dozen times at least and it is still going on. It is under warranty and we are dealing now on a new transmission to correct the problem.

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  LINCOLN NAVIGATOR better than escalade - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By the man - June 4 - 10:00 am

  the lincoln navigator is the best car on theis planet.the intrior is on of the best and the extrior is the most beautiful i have ever seen.

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  Switch from an Avalon - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By John Hanna - June 1 - 3:43 am

  We have owned the Zephyr for a month. Handling is better than an Avalon. We traded an Avalon for the Zephyr. The ride is quiet. The style is one that people notice. The sound system and navigation system are fine additions. My wife, who drives it more than I do, and I are happy we purchased the Zephyr.

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  Compare one - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Jerry R - May 30 - 7:36 pm

  Im really impressed with the MKZs styling and overall design. The ride is smooth but stable though acceleration isnt as strong as the Acura or Lexus I test drove.The interior is clean and well laid-out with everything within easy reach and easy to see. The THX certified stereo has nice sound. Hours of MP3s can be loaded into the 6 disk player. I have to say, for the price, I feel you cant beat the options (standard or optional) that are available. Theres lot of American cars that really do compare in quality to the Japanese. Theyll have a tough row to hoe to convince everyone to pass up the Acura or Lexus lines but I think theyre well on thier way.

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  Why i like my lincoln towncar - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By PAUL TERRAULT - May 28 - 8:26 am

  I love the styling. The ride is excellent, like riding on a sofa in your living room. Ive owned Lincolns in the past and theyre great. You can keep your Japanese or German cars, give a good old America automobile anytime!

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  simply the best - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By chrisfun8 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  it is the best suv i ever drove

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  Navigator - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By GIGI - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Wonderfully, Luxurious vehicle. A pleasure to drive

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  City and Highway comfort - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Robert A. - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Impressed not only with the roominess but the very comfortable ride city as well as highway. Fuel economy is excellent for a large, 4400 lb. car. While not intended to be a sport car, performance is more than adequate for most. The classical reservedinterior and exterior styling will appeal to conservative owners and will fit in almost anywhere.