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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  2 plus years of love - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By big baby - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This has been the most trouble free car Ive owned, and that includes Lexus, Acura, Infiniti. Change the oil, put gas in, stick the key in and start, enjoy miles of smiles. I get a lot of looks and comments about the exterior. Strong V6, great 6 speed transmission, comfortable ride. If you can find a used one at a decent price and with a clean record, buy it!

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  love it as much as the day I bought it - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By bee - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I drive a lot, and have had this vehicle for 3.5 years, and honestly love it as much today as the day I bought it. Fun to drive, I get positive comments often, and weve had no mechanical problems whatsoever. I love the large sun roofs too.

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  Great Car - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By execglenn - January 18 - 6:20 am

  190,000 miles and still moving. Only problem was the transmission went at 99K. Other than that, it has been super reliable. I think it will go 250,000 or more.

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  The Town Car the ultimate Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By donlemc - January 18 - 5:50 am

  This car is the Lincoln Town Car Ultimate Palm Beach Edition. What a car! It attracts constant admiration and comments. It is maroon with a half stone white top. It is one of the best cars Ive ever had in the 50+ years Ive driven. Quiet, smooth riding and handling. When I pass a slower car even my grandchildren are impressed with the pickup. The stereo is magnificent. I like especially the remote trunk and the easy to adjust clock. I have gotten up to 27 miles to a gallon, normal is 25.4. Ive had Packards, Cadillacs, and Chryslers over the years. Nothing comes close to the Lincoln in quality and dependability, and Ive had 7.

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  Anns Navigator - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By adharrell - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Other than the side mirrors that may not always roll back to original position, I love my Navigator. I have always loved the grill on Navigator so have wanted one ever since I saw the very first Black Navigator in Norfolk, VA.

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  Best Car I have ever Owned - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Lenny - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several Licolns in my life, but the 1999 Continental has exceeded every expectation. Its comfort and beauty meet any expectation of luxury and its performance and handling are outstanding. I am anxious to see what Lincoln has in store for the 2004 model.

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  Johnny Mack - 1999 Lincoln Navigator
  By johnnymack - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage is a killer but the suv is quite nice. A good amount of power from the 300hp dohc 5.4L V8. It handles quite well for such a large suv and it can stop very quickly for a fairly heavy vehicle. I realy enjoy driving this suv.

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  continental - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By drrios - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Great features, in top model. Not lacking in comfort Wood steering wheel makes driving fun

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  Millions of retired guys cant be wrong - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By K Kraus - January 8 - 12:03 am

  Just brought home my "new too me" 97. Previously owned a 91 and two 85 Crown Vics. Im 42 and have owned nearly 40 cars in my life, without question the 91 to 97 Town Cars will go down as legends. They strike the perfect balance of ride, fuel milage, comfort, dependability, performnce and just about every other catagory I can think of. The only short coming is driving in snow, but thats only because of RWD, but really, if you have half a brain, youll be fine. If you dont get 22-24 MPG and 250,000 miles out of one of these, you arent trying. And trust me, once you drive one, you will want to put 250,000 on it. All other cars will fall short, way short. If you are looking to buy one, DO IT

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  Sassy Car - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Heltonkj - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car, I purchased a black on black and get tons of comments on the car-all positive. I love driving the car and it handles well; except it is missing front wheel drive and unfortunately I purchased the car on a winter that we received 12 plus inches of snow in one day and it does not handle well at all compared to the Taurus that I had in snow. It actually did well up to 6 inches of snow tho. The car runs so quiet folks dont even know that the engine is running.