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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  Love to Drive - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By NormC - April 19 - 10:00 am

  In the 1st month it had an oil leak which was a major repair (engineering defect). Since then no problems. It is very comfortable and love to drive. It is a V6 but plenty of get up and go. I have a 3 year lease but am going to lease another year.

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  In Love with my Town Car - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By olejamesw - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I would be amiss if I didnt say I have a love affair with the big Lincoln for over 35 yrs. This is my 1st one. I am not dis appointed in the least. The ride is close to Heaven; The handling for a car this size is unthinkable; The little 4.6 liter engine is remarkablly fun too to punch it when necessry. The room is more than adequate. The service is free during the entire time of you warranty. Tis an awesome vehicle and just when you think you have found a flaw, you get a solid 20 mpg in the city. The one trip I did take up to the Panhandle of out State of Tx. you can get over 25mpg if you keep you foot out of it

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  This car has guts - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Razbo - April 18 - 7:00 pm

  Love this vehicle. Its a muscle car disguised as a sedan. Quiet, comfortable ride. The luxury youd expect from a Lincoln but this car moves. No major problems/repairs. Im passing this car down to my daughter soon and Im going to miss it.

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  Dont Trust the editor. Test firsthand - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By rbpharmd - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt believe the comments presented by some of the "experts" concerning the assembly and performance (power & handling) of the LS. While I nearly bought a new 2003 5-series BMW, the bottow line was that I got, in my opinion, the best performing and handling car for the money in the LS. The only edge I would give to the 5- series is the interior.

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  First Town Car - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By izaclown - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought a used Signature with 44k miles a couple of weeks ago (wanted one for several years). I just took it on my first trip. Handled wonderfully in the mountains. On flat land, the gas mileage was over just over 25 mpg dropped to 24 in hilly land. With the cruise control on, the transmission never shited out of OD going up any of the steep hills and held the speed steady. Great ride and handling.

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  LS Sport - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall very satisfied. The prep by dealer prior to delivery could have been better.

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  Better drive then the Escalade!!! - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Trust1421 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This a such a smooth ride. I test drove the 2003 Escalade and the ride and comfort doesnt compare to the 03 Navigator! Best SUV out for the $50,000 price range!

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  better than cadillac - 2000 Lincoln Navigator
  By little leo - April 12 - 7:03 am

  well this is a very beautful car its pretty good on mileage i went to palm springs and i only had to put gas twice!

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  Love my MKX - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Kat - April 11 - 6:06 am

  This is an easy crossover to love. Excellent acceleration and power curve. Great visibility. Glorious sunroof! This great machine handles like a dream come true with the ultimate package with its 20 inch wheels. Great steering feel and a quiet cabin. The interior and controls are well thought out and very comfortable. Brakes are better than people say but have some progressive fade. Body roll is minimal for the height of the vehicle. My husband is 6,5" and is comfortable driving. Styling is fine and its very easy on the eyes! All in all we love our MKX!

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  Your Dream is now My Reality - 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  By mrzephyr - April 10 - 8:35 am

  Ford, and now Lincoln Motor Company will never admit it but they now offer us vehicles that drive themselves. Between the available Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assistance I have in my 2013 103A Zephyr, Im driving with more confidence than ever. My wife and I took delivery today, we chose the Ecoboost in a FWD as we have quite the commute. She had three stipulations: Has to have the BLISS, Rear Camera and Rear Sensors that I currently have in my Fusion. I can never live without them, she stated. My only stip was the Adaptive Cruise because of our inconsistent traffic in the metro area, I easily get frustrated with the stop, start, increase speed, CONTINUED under Favorite features: