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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  Keeps on kicking - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ann Walzer - November 9 - 3:00 am

  I currently have 208,000 miles on the car and it still runs great. I have only had one major repair in the nine years that I have owned the car and that was the suspension system. It still rides great and although Im due for a new car soon I hope that I can find one that is as reliable and that I like as much. It will be interesting to see how many miles this car will eventually get. I think that it still has many miles left if it is maintained correctly.

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  Pleasure to drive - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Rich B - November 7 - 7:23 am

  This car is by far the best car I have ever owned. After 6 years of driving it I still look foward to driving it everywhere we go,and I have 3 other cars. Its the best looking car from any view especially the front. Its still solid and quiet as the day I bought it. I would recommend this car to all who want a great driving experiance over the long haul. P.S Its also the best value out there for the price.

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  Linclon - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Darrin Davis - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a Linclon LS and a Linclon Towncar both for $77,000. The LS has a dream ride and a good reliability record but has sevral other problems. The car doesnt handle like my old LS or my old Toyota Avalon. My Towncar is even worse. It doesnt drive, is to big, and has already needded a new transmission after 2000 miles. By Toyota instead

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  Lincoln LS is a Classy car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By gkarg - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my 2000 LS. I have had nary a problem with this vehicle and the satisfaction of ownership has been excellent. Long distance trips are a breeze. The early Duratec V6s dont have quite enough low-end umph - but when not loaded, there is ample power for every day commuting. The handling is superb. Ride is awesome. The safety features and ratings were a high point for me. I do not drive it in the winter, but with snow tires - it will perform in snowy conditions just fine.

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  Great fun car! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By ndb3 - November 2 - 11:53 am

  Great fun car, no problems, relaible, everyone asks what it is and where I got it!

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  Lincoln is better than Edmunds says - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By MoXXy - November 1 - 1:56 pm

  I test drove the Escalade (Reg& XL) The Lincoln had more room and more luxury than the Caddys.In the XL there are 3 tiny steps in the very back that make you feel like your eating your knees.The Reg.Escalade was smaller than the other two.While the Caddy has a teeny bit more power,the Lincoln can Scat as well.I bought the Lincoln Navigator.I also Drove the Pathfinder Armada and if the body style on the outside were different I would have picked that one over both.It had Everything the Lincoln had and alot more power than the Caddy!That thing was amazing but the body style was not my style.Its too bad because it would have been cheaper by about 12,000.00 bucks.

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  Smiles per Miles, and going strong - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By alfista79 - November 1 - 8:31 am

  I actually have the V6 AWD, but I cannot select it in the options list. Love the exterior design, I am just smitten by its sinister beauty, especially in SmokedQuartz. The V6 is rev-happy, albeit not as torquey as GMs; the suspension is tight, and the electronic steering is not numb, nor too heavy. In AWD form with Pirellis summer rubber, the car feels glued to the road on sharp, fast turns. Acceleration is brisk enough, but remember, this is NOT meant to be a Mustang for Lincoln; rather, a luxurious performance cruiser, and it fits the bill nicely. Interior is plush, supportive, and it gets plenty of praises, especially the novel arch! Touch-controls are not bad at all, as some mags say.

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  Excellent, Comfortable and Quiet Vehicle - 2016 Lincoln MKX
  By Brian - November 1 - 2:50 am

  This is literally my 5th Lincoln having previously owned a Navigator and past 5 years, MKXs. I just leased the new 2016 all white with cappuccino interior, Reserve. It is completely redesigned from my prior 2014 Lincoln MKX. The vehicle is stunning having cooled seats, heated seats and one of the best quality stereo systems I have ever heard. My wife has a ML350 Mercedes and she pays more per month than I do and my MKX has significantly more features and; better quality features. The back seats are significantly larger and roomier than my prior 2014 Lincoln MKX. The driving is superior and my favorite feature of this vehicle is the extremely quiet cabin. Going 80 mph on the highway, you can hear a pin drop. I am a Trial Attorney in Miami and I am constantly driving all throughout town. This vehicle is nothing but exceptional. I will continue buying Lincoln forever so long as they keep the great job. Keep in mind, for the price you get a huge amount of technology and more so than most finer vehicles including Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Acuras. Consider this vehicle and you wont be disappointed, I promise!

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  One of the Best - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Howard Golden - October 31 - 10:26 pm

  A great vehicle to drive under all conditions.

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  Great car gone bad! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By D.Boyd - October 30 - 10:16 pm

  I purchased my 2001 LS as a lease return in Jan. of 2004 with 66,000K. Car was in perfect condition and had just been serviced by the dealer. Purchased a 48 month/50K warranty.Put 22,400 miles in 4 years when the transmission solenoids went bad. Cost $1090 to fix. Then a coil went bad. Cost $690. 10 months after the transmission problem, the transmission went out again. The dealer had closed so I went to AMMCO for the work. Cost $4200. Was thinking this car is costing me way too much when the car stopped on the freeway. Towed to dealer ,the engine coils were bad. Cost $2470. Dealer could not get the car to idle correctly. Took the car back 3 times, no luck. Traded in for 07 Infiniti G35.