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:

• 

  Almost Got It Right - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By First Lincoln - October 19 - 9:00 pm

  We have just about put 10,000 miles on our MKX and overall I am pleased with our choice. It was a toss-up between the Caddy SRX and the Lincoln. My wife liked the visibility out of the Lincoln better so we went with it. The MKX interior is not as refined as the Caddy and the exterior design is pretty generic, except for that beautiful front grille. Would like to see softer seats and more leather inside and a bit more classic lines outside. Fuel mileage has been less than I had hoped for, the best I have gotten on the highway is 22.9. That was over the course of a 2-day 700 mile trip.

• 

  Classy Truck - 2007 Lincoln Mark LT
  By david fulks - October 19 - 1:43 am

  Beautiful truck on the inside and outside. Lots of features including moonroof, navigation, satellite radio, traction control, park assist, and excellent seating with good leg space in front and back. Rides good, looks good and get lot of people who see the exterior and want to see interior. All who look say wow! Nice truck. Driver and passengers have good seats with a good view. Has a four year bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5-year roadside assistance and 70,000 mile powertrain, plus first year maintenance is free. Beats the warranty on most other trucks. Glad I bought my Lincoln Mark LT. Love it!

• 

  Excellent Design and Quality - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By John - October 16 - 11:46 pm

  Just bought the vehicle without knowing much about it and was thoroughly impressed by the quality, comfort and engineering. Outstanding acceleration, great handling and typical Lincoln Town Car style quiet ride. Excellent safety features are part of a unique package assembled by Ford. I have owned 4 Town Cars and currently have 2 Jaquars XJ series. This MKT hadles as good as the XJ8 and is as much fun to drive. Highly recommended,

• 

  Ultimate Lincoln 2004 - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By chucks ultimate - October 15 - 7:03 pm

  Excellent car. Most impressed by constant 25 to 28 miles per gallon. Lots of luxury feel. Easy cruising on highway and sharp turns in town. Looks good at 4 yrs old. Ggood acceleration for big car

• 

  Love it! - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By marie - October 14 - 2:46 pm

  I was debating between a Volvo S40 and the MKZ. The MKZ was the better deal but also provided more head room. My requirements were comfortable, safe and something my husband would also enjoy driving. I went with the MKZ and I have not regretted it. I love my car, I feel like I finally have a real car for the first time. I already drove it in the snow and ice and it handled beautifully. I would recommend getting the brushed nickel interior- it looks awesome and much better than the tacky fake wood that is standard. Also love the bluetooth & the heated seats. There is also little to no road noise and gas mileage is okay- I get about 21mpg with a mix of highway and local driving.

• 

  LUXURY AT ITS Best! - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By john - October 14 - 6:37 am

  The extra cost is worth every dollar. We tend to keep a car a long time, and the quality of this Lincoln Continental tells me it will last like our Towncar did.

• 

  bling-bling - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By mac -d - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my navigator in june and it is by far the best driving experience i have had so far.I test drove the esclade,denali xl and they just do not measure up.as the ad says,there are does that travel and those that travel well!

• 

  Awesome - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Fingerd - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my LS in March, 02 about 120 miles from home. Incredibly fun to drive. On a recent trip in the mountains, my 3 passengers were hanging on for life, but the LS hugged the curves as if at home. Im still breaking it in, but get >26 mpg on the interstate. Each time my wife rides in it, she comments on the smooth ride.

• 

  Impressive Lincoln! - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By PatrickJR - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I like the big car "feel" with the flair of sportiness...an exuberant drivetrain...robust acceleration...NOT quite as gutsy as my 2001 Mustang BULLITT GT, though...Ford, keep-up the good work!!!

• 

  nice car - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By terry - October 7 - 8:50 pm

  just bought the car, and it broke down the first 3 hours I had it. They gave me another one and so far so good I just love a Lincoln. Its the first Lincoln I have owned I just hope I still love it.