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:

• 

  I still love my Lincoln - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By mlabeau - September 17 - 3:53 am

  I bought my LS just over two years ago with just under 25k miles. Now it has over 75k miles and it still drives like new. I did replace the brake pads with carbon/ceramic pads about 30K ago and replaced the tires. Other than oil changes, thats it. This is an amazing car. I cant tell you how much love this car.

• 

  Impressive car! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Linc Zephyr 1 - September 11 - 1:26 pm

  After shopping a variety of cars, my choice came down to Cadillac CTS or Lincoln Zephyr. Both very nice cars but the Zephyr won out for ride, style, and build/materials quality. Also preferred the front-wheel-drive of the Zephyr over the rear-wheel-drive of the CTS. Car draws looks/attention more than any other vehicle Ive owned. The Zephyr should definitely bring in the younger demographic Lincoln is hoping for.

• 

  Upgrade from 00 Signature - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By izaclown - September 9 - 7:03 am

  Upgraded from 00 Signature to 02 Cartier due to a red light runner. The 02 is head and shoulders above the 00 model. The Cartier does have more hp and is quiter than the other models. My around town gas mileage seems to be better in the 02 than the 00. Firmer seats and smoother steering and lot smoother ride. Instrumentation is easy to read.

• 

  LS all the way - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Joe Pelligreeno - September 8 - 10:00 am

  it is a blast to drive and own.

• 

  Lincoln Continental - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By John428 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle about one year ago. I love the way this car handles on the hwy. Though its on the large side it handles like a smaller car but rides like a big car. Visibility is good all around. All the creature comforts are included. I have had absolutely no problems with this car as of now. Gas mileage is ok, I get 28 mpg hwy. / 16 mpg city. Maintenance expenses so far were for per oil changes $25.00 dealer & 30,000 mi scheduled service which includes, transmission & engine oil, fuel injector cleaning, air intake & cabin filters, engine coolant flush, tire rotation & wheel alignment for just under $600.00.

• 

  THE ULTIMATE IS THE ULTIMATE - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By .JAMES N. - September 8 - 10:00 am

  MY DREAM VEHICLE COME TRUE. I PURCHASED THE DOUBLE VISION TV SCREENS AND THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THIS SUV IS FUN, FUN, FUN. I FEEL LIKE IM RIDING IN THE LAP OF LUXURY. THIS IS THE HAPPIEST I HAVE EVER BEEN WITH A VEHICLE AND I HAVE OWNED MANY. IF YOU HAVE THE MEANS...I HIGHLY RECOMEND IT. J.T.

• 

  MKZ 4 Me! - 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  By CanYouMKZmeNow - September 5 - 6:03 pm

  Very happy with my purchase. The Black Label materials are exquisite. The interior is absolutely gorgeous. Black Label dealers go out of their way to make you happy. Fantastic experience. And the car is beautiful. Handles great. Rides great. Fantastic seats, especially the massage feature. Casket quiet interior. Sport mode is a gas on the expressway. Love everything about it.

• 

  Awsome!! - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By JosephMcBride - September 2 - 2:00 am

  What a great SUV. I feel like a king driving this thing. Wouldnt trade it for the world!

• 

  Love it to bits! - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By susan from maryland - August 30 - 7:03 am

  Saw the MKZ on the road one day on my way to work. Love at first sight! I got the alloy color and I absolutely love it. I am riding in style at a great price. I think Lincoln should advertise this car more. Most people are not aware that it exists! The style is classic and the comfort and quietness of the ride is wonderful.

• 

  Fun Classy Car - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By FL5100 - August 30 - 2:23 am

  Bought this car on a Wednesday and drove it from Minnesota to Detroit that Friday. 2 adults, 2 kids (3 & 5), dog (18lbs). Tight Compared to our 2000 Expedition, but 27 MPH out of the box (70-75 mph, w/ strong head wind) vs. 15-16 mpg hwy in Expedition. The THX II cert. stereo made the drive more enjoyable and controlling the I- Pod with the SYNC system w/ voice commands was fun for all! The HID Lights are a must, simply awesome! The ride was very smooth and quite. Im 6- 1 and the head room is not what Im use to, but w/ some adjusting I found the helm to be acceptable (Wife 5-3, she thought it was perfact, by the way, this is her car). Trunk space is great, good room for a weekend out.