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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  Lincoln Fan - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Elliott Dahle - December 12 - 6:10 pm

  I have 2,000 miles on my 2008 MKX. I have the front wheel drive with both the Ultimate & elite packages. Car gets a lot of compliments. Fun to drive, smooth ride, no problems. Vapor Silver color is very sharp. Technology is impressive and works very well. Panoramic sunroof is like a convertible. Gas mileage a little less than what I hoped for but much better than my Aviator. I compared to MDX, RX 350 & new Murano - this is best ride and value for the money. Ford Lincoln Mercury got it right this time!!

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  Theres Hope for the Big 3! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By MKXBob - December 12 - 5:33 am

  It was very important to consider an American manufacturer with this purchase, and I have no regrets! Looked at just about every CUV on the market, and the MKX fit the bill. Dont let anyone tell you its just an Edge with a Lincoln grill in it. All the reviews that said that scared me away - finally a friend talked me into driving one, and then I was sold. Much smoother ride, nicer appointments, better warranty, quieter interior, and trans shifts better than the Edge. This vehicle really has exceeded my expectations in all regards - even fuel economy - have already averaged 24.6 mpg driving on the Northeast Extension thru Philly. Not too big, not too small - JUST RIGHT! No problems!

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  Great Car - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bob - December 9 - 12:40 pm

  I love the car. It is very well styled and comfortable and fun to drive. Ive received many compliments from outsiders.

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  Take a bow Ford - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By mel hidlebaugh - December 8 - 7:00 pm

  After owening a Chrysler for four years from 2002 to 2006 i thought i would never by american again .After that car at age fifty i bought my first import car a Honda Accord .I owned my Honda for three and a half years and needed a new car for my job .Three months before i bought my MkZ and while i was car shopping i took one for a test drive just .That was it i was sold and hooked, what a beautiful car .The car has excellant performance ,the fit and finish is hard to beleive it is American .What a stunning car to look at the grill and led tail lights "outstanding" .Take a bow ford beautiful car ,i love it . I can hardly wait for the snow .I am dying to experiance the all wheel drive

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  Great Car! - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Richard - December 5 - 12:26 am

  2002 Lincoln Continental. 17,000 mi. This is a great car! It is fun to drive, 26 mpg hwy, runs like a hot rod, nice to look at and has a comfortable good looking interior. This is one more example of Fords poor marketing. This car should have been a success and still in production. TOO BAD! Mine has warrenty until 2009. I hope they still make the parts! Anyway, I love it!

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  Really Have Enjoyed It - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By LuvMyNavi - December 3 - 5:56 pm

  I bought this Navigator in 2002 and have really enjoyed it; I would keep it forever if I could. It is comfortable, quick to respond and a smooth ride. It continues to a reliable and comfortable family vehicle, with only a few minor problems in 7 years! It is just now beginning to show its age - just a little. I wish I could keep it forever, and maybe I will now that gas prices are dropping.

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  MY LINCOLN LS V8 - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By ED EBERT - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY 2003 LS, IT HANDLES GREAT, ITS QUICK AND THE BRAKES ARE INCREDIBLE. THE ADVANCED TRACTION CONTROL IS A MUST. YOU CAN NOT SPIN OUT IN THE RAIN NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY. THE INTERIOR IS VERY COMFORTABLE AND HAS EASE OF CONTROLS.

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  Head Turner - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By jaguartim - December 1 - 1:30 pm

  It is unbelievable how much attention this car gets. The pictures dont do it justice. Almost every day total strangers just walk up and start asking about it; one lady actually came up to me and asked me if she could sit in it. People give me the thumbs up when Im driving down the road. Ive been waiting for Lincoln to enter this category for a loooooooonng time; it was worth the wait. Driving it is a great experience. On the highway it cruises like a much larger car, and off the freeway it handles the demands of city/suburban driving with incredible agility. Handsome, well-mannered, athletic, and adult. Not your fathers Lincoln.

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  Navigator # 6 !! - 2013 Lincoln Navigator
  By Bill tyndal - December 1 - 1:56 am

  After 6 navigators starting in since 1997 I have had only one mantinence issues in all 6 Navigators. It was fixed promptly and professionally. You just put gas in them and drive ... Very reliable !!! Very comfortable ,spacious & safe. Good value for the price. Cant beat them !!

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  Beautiful for the price, none better - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bob - November 29 - 2:40 pm

  I just bought the car and have received many comments from co-workers on how beautiful it is. I feel very comfortable in this smaller car, my previous car was a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria, a much larger car. I dont feel you can find anything better or more beautiful for the price.