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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  MKZ Hybrid 2013, review, Edmunds is off the mark - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By dreamless - March 25 - 2:19 am

  When reading reviews, make sure the person has actually driven the car, and the competition. I test drove this car as well as the Lexus ES 300h, Mercedes C class 300 4 matic, Mercedes E class 350, Audi a6, and the BMW 3 series. Most of the professional reviews seem to be written by [non-permissible content removed]. After test driving them all by far the best overall was the Lincoln MKZ (hybrid). It was as comfortable as the Lexus ES350, It has more tech then any in its class or above it (deserves a 5 in that category), The Merc C class looks like a childs toy and feels like one comparitively. And it has the highest gov safety rating, stops sooner then EVERY CAR in its class, also should be 5.

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  best suv/crossover I could find - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By tx1949 - March 25 - 12:03 am

  I looked at a lot of SUV and crossovers and I liked the MKX best. The combo of style, performance, and features made it easy to "buy American." I like how it drives; more of a sedan feel rather than a truck- like drive. Cooled seats in Texas set it apart from all the others. I really like the Ipod hookup, satellite radio, nav system, and hands free phone functions. And they are all integrated & work perfectly. I averaged 19 mpg for the 36k miles I had it; and the 6 cyl had plenty of zip. Only negative is that the battery died after 2 years but the quick response I got from the dealer made up for even that one negative. I am spoiled and will not go back to a lesser vehicle.

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  Big mistake - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By JJ - March 24 - 3:16 pm

  When times were tough, I had to sell my 2002 Lexus LX470. But now I needed another V8 to tow my boat. I thought I would give an American made truck a chance. Bought one with only 87,000 miles at a reasonable price. Oh boy, big mistake. The radio and the temperature control work only occasionally. You have to bang on the dash to get them to work. In the last few months, it spent more time in the shop than on the road. My family got stranded by this truck so many times that Im ready to donate it. Piece of junk. No wonder the resale value is a joke on these cars. Im sticking with Japanese cars now.

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  My New MKX - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By James M - March 24 - 2:03 am

  I picked up my MKX leased vehicle on 3/20 with AWD and the luxury and technology is amazing. I had an SEL Edge for the prior two years, and liked it, but this is a whole other level.

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  Value of My Car - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Ann Taylor - March 23 - 11:26 pm

  The car has never needed any major repairs. Brakes one year old, new tires

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  2005 Town Car - Love it - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By GPM - March 23 - 4:33 am

  I purchased my 05 TC in 2007, with only 23K miles, so I got a steal of a deal. Would recommend purchasing used as such to allow for depreciation. I love this car, especially the newly designed grille--very striking and elegant, unlike the 99-02 jelly bean model. This new grille has teeth and can be a menacing sight when viewed from anothers reaw view mirror.

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  Excellent Luxury Sport - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By sax - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Wanted a bimmer, but couldnt afford it. This car is great! I cant wonder why there arent more of them on the road. An automatic chick magnet.

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  2013 MKz - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By ssgmike - March 22 - 8:08 pm

  My wife and I had 2 cars sitting in the driveway with one being a 2012 Ford Fusion with a lease expiring in March and also a 2011 Infiniti G37x which expires 9/2014. Last week we were out driving and passed by a Lincoln dealer, stopped in saw the one in the showroom, handed them the keys to our Fusion and drove out 2 hours later in our brand new 2013 MKz. Love the car, the style and quality seemed built into. The ride, the power for a 2.4 is outstanding. I have 2 Veteran friends who also have the MKz and love it. Have been riving Infinitis since 2003 and was seriously considering going for the new Q50, well seems I will be turning in our G early summer and staying with the Lincoln.

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  My Baby of a Lincoln - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By Shelly - March 22 - 1:56 am

  I had my mind set on the ML350 but went for the MKX after my first test drive. I am a commuter so I had to treat myself to something comfortable and classy to keep me sane. MKX fit the bill. Simply put, I love the car. Just a couple of improvements Id like to see.

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  Love this car - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Peggy - March 17 - 2:33 am

  Never owned a Ford product before. This car is 100% reliable. No major problems. Repairs have been routine wear and tear. I get 17mpg city and 27mpg hwy. Shes got 115,000 miles on her and still going strong. Its super comfortable for passengers. My only wish is for front wheel drive.