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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  Homicidal car at best - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By sebago588 - April 5 - 6:14 am

  I purchased this "Florida driven" vehicle in April of 2011. It had 70k original miles on it which was one of the selling points. The minute I drove it off the lot, the problems began. Power drivers seat died $360, a/c compressor $500, engine manifold cracked and leaked coolant all over engine damaging spark plugs and cylinders $2000+, bi-polar alarm system $450, engine shuts off randomly when driving but starts back up instantly(??) and this weeks newest problem is an exhaust leak which was estimated to be about $250 at local garage. Next sedan will most definitely be either a Cadillac Deville or Mercedes S-Class. This Town Car is a death trap on wheels.

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  cyberfrank - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By cyberfrank - April 4 - 5:00 am

  Only a few minor improvements needed except for a dangerously underpowered engine.

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  I Love this Car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By mixls00 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic car. This is also my second LS. My first was a 2000; now I own a 2003. I find that the car is reliable, responsive, and a real joy to drive. It is not the greatest car on gas, but you know what they say, "You have to pay the cost to be the boss." The sheer look and feel of elegance while driving this car totally outweighs everything else.

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  Stay Away! - 1998 Lincoln Navigator
  By ScrewedbyFORD - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Many of the Ford engines built in 97 and 98 had a defect in the cylinder heads causing spark plugs to blow out. I have researched hundreds of cases. Ford will take no responsibility for it. Hence the owner is stuck with a $3000.00 - $5000.00 repair. I have owned Fords all my life. Never again!!!!

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  highclass SUV - 2003 Lincoln Navigator
  By Powersink - April 2 - 10:00 am

  great performance with nice design but this surely drink gasoline so much as its powered eninge. Its really worth for some who afford $45,000 or more

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  It was time - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Byron Steele - April 2 - 5:50 am

  I purchase this car because everything I had read about it intrigue me. I was impressed with the interior design as well as the exterior design. Now that I own it I have a few hundred miles on it all I can say is I made the right purchase. It right is fantastic.. its the nicest car Ive ever been in.

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  I LOVE MY LUX TRUCK - 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
  By John Chaplin - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I am a General Motors man who was very disappointed that the Cadillac EXT was built in Mexico. I decided to check out the Blackwood. I fell in love with it immediately and drove it home as its proud new owner. I am so proud to show it off to whoever wants to see it and there are many wherever I go. It is absolutely flawless and so beautifully designed.

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  Stinkin Lincoln - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Sokratez - March 27 - 10:00 am

  In the two years that I have owned this pre-owned car, I have had nothing but headaches. Luckily the car was under warranty when the A/C went up. Now the warranty has expired, I am up the creek with no paddle having to get a transmission that doesnt have 65K, on it rebuilt. This is a sorry excuse for quality. This is my first American car, and it will definitely be my last FORD. FORD motor needs to get their priorities in order. This car is a good- looking hunk of junk.

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  New Lincoln Owner - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Dave - March 24 - 6:26 am

  I just purchased this car and am very impressed with it. Ive already driven 100 miles and the gas gauge has barely moved so Im hoping for some good MPG once I refill. The THX sound system is wonderful and has so many useful features that Im still learning. I love the light colored interior and the heated and cooled seats are the best. My other car choices were a 2009 Camry SE and 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Those cars are also good but this Lincoln had more features for a lot less money. Even though its basically a Ford Fusion, I like saying I own a Lincoln. Little more prestigious.

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  owner - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Terry - March 22 - 6:26 pm

  I have owned three of these Lincolns, a 95 & Two 97s. As far as i;m concerned its one of the best buys out there, for the money, comfort. very good gas mileage for a large car, At 60 mi per hr. you can get as high as 30 mpg. I have done it many times, Got 15 mpg. pulling a 2500 # trailer to Florida