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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  great car/needs some quality work - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By triman - June 15 - 10:00 am

  this car is a blast to drive, and ive put 36,000 in just under two years. it holds the road wonderfully through the twisting turns of upstate ny and new england, and has superb power to tackle the changes of terrain. the drivers seat is, without a doubt, one of the most comfortable seats in any class, adjusts easily and with memory recall, even those boys at the car wash can play with the seat without upsetting me! im planning on buying the 2003 model in a week or so!!!

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  My 2nd Lincoln MKZ - 2010 Lincoln MKZ
  By Lee - June 13 - 10:00 am

  My 3 year lease was up on my 2007 mkz. The 2007 was a great car so I was back to buy a 2010. I could see many improvements on the 2010, and I like the handling of the sport package. I like having a car that you dont see at every stop light. I get compliments on the car all the time. I like the size and performance of the mkz, and that it runs on 87 unleaded. I drove a Cadillac cts and when the same as the mks its $5,000 more. I also checked out the Buick lacrosse which is priced about the same as the mkz but didnt seem as nice.

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  Wow, I love my new car!!! - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By D. Taylor - June 11 - 1:43 am

  I just purchased my Zephyr. I can say that I am very happy with my new car. The interior is beautiful and roomy with many options at the base level. The engine is more powerful than I expected at 221 hp. The car feels a bit faster than 221 hp. People looking at the CTS, should take a look at the Zephyr before signing the check.

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  comfort city - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By ronny - June 7 - 10:00 am

  THE TOWNCAR IS DEFINITELY A CLASSIER VERSION OF THE BASIC ENTRY LEVEL GRAND MARQUIS. IF YOU LIKE LOTS OF ROOM, COMFORT, SAFETY, CLASS, EXTENDED WARRANTIES AND FREE MAINTENANCE PLUS A REASONABLE PRICE WITHIN THIS CLASS, THEN THIS IS THE CAR FOR YOU. THE CAR IS NIMBLE, AND REASONABLY FAST FOR SUCH BULK... THE DESIGN COULD USE SOME UPGRADE AS WELL AS THE FRONT DASH, BUT OVERALL THE CAR IS WORTHY OF THE CONSUMER REPORTS RECOMMENDED LIST. BY THE WAY I NOT AN OLD TIMER AND I HAVE HAD MY SHARE OF SMALL TO MIDSIZE UPSCALE FOREIGN CARS, FOR THE PRICE, VALUE, SAFETY AND THE FUN OF DRIVING A BIG BOAT (CRUISER) YOU CANT GO WRONG.

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  Looking to buy my third - 2005 Lincoln Navigator
  By bernermom5 - June 6 - 11:19 pm

  I ordered my first Nav sight unseen, 1999...first year of production.. My only disappointment was the second row did not fold flat. Loved the color, cashmere. PERFECT color...never looked dirty. Next 1 folded flat, was a 2005. Had to settle for a lighter color, French Silk...FABULOUS Navigation system...the first was great and the second even better. Intuitive. Not enough cupholders upfront, really wonderful ride. We have 128,000 miles on it as we drive back & forth from South Carolina to NY and its always a pleasure. It doesnt get more comfortable. Also love the 6 CD player. New models only have single. Whats up with that??? Now in the midst of negotiating my 3rd. LOVE IT! (obviously):)

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  Best car I ever had and Edmunds helped me find it! - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jeffrey Bautista, AIG Financial Representativ - June 6 - 2:22 pm

  The car was thousands below original asking price. Bought it after Thanksgiving at Crown Lexus, Larry and Rose from their internet department held the car for me until I arrived. Paid it in full so the price I got was the only price I paid for. Edmunds.com gave me a $200 prepaid visa card which arrive in about 10 days. What more can I ask for. Love Edmunds.com! I will use Edmunds.com again.

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  Better than Mercedes - 2010 Lincoln MKT
  By Calgirl - June 5 - 6:53 am

  Comfort....luxury......fun to drive.... FAST. Love it. Leg room is ample in all three rows. Love the double moon roof.

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  Happy to have it - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By HH - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I agree with your overall review of the vehicle. I enjoy driving and riding in my town car. It insulates you from the outside world in comfort and luxary. I mainly drive on the highway and its rough keeping it under 70mph. Im getting 17mpg combined highway/town milage. I guess Im most impressed with the dealer service. No questions asked, its just fixed. Now I know what the Lincoln experience means.

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  lincoln LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By llsrunner - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Well made car. no issues at all, still solid as a rock

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  Best Ride Ive Ever Had - 2004 Lincoln Navigator
  By garyfahle - May 31 - 5:10 am

  The ride is ultra smooth. The vehicle is totally responsive and surprisingly easy to maneuver. The load leveling feature is remarkable. The comfort is the best Ive had in 40 years of driving. It has more features than I imagined and a CD to show off the vehicle.