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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  Luxury & Performance - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By sclark8 - August 30 - 5:36 pm

  This is the most fun car to drive I have ever owned. I find myself taking 80 mile trips just to get some milk. I have owned BMW in the past and will not go back to the overpriced German car. Great Car

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  Hot MKZ - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By Kris D - August 29 - 6:03 pm

  I like the strong and smooth quiet ride. Look at the consumer reports evaluation of this vehicle, it is a best buy and best of all it is not your grand dads car.

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  Awesome LS but... - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Pete - August 28 - 3:53 am

  04 LS is just awesome to drive and look at and want to be in all the time but, fuel mileage is terrible in city and transmission. Has been in dealer shop twice now and is going back again due to jerky shifts, bucking uphills even after replacing trans solenoids.

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  Young Lincoln owner LOVING the MKZ - 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
  By HybridZ - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I had a Lexus LS430 and a VW Jetta TDI and I decided to have the best of both worlds by combining luxury and efficiency. The MKZ Hybrid was what I kept coming back to, but I was not too keen on the "senior" stigma with Lincolns. I bit the bullet in 9/10 and ordered an MKZ Hybrid in Bordeaux Reserve with the Cashmere Executive Package and Ultimate Package. I LOVE this car and have no regrets. Lincoln may not command the snob appeal of other brands, but I am satisfied to be one of the first owners of a Lincoln Hybrid. As a pioneer (younger Lincoln owner) I hope to be a part of Lincolns renaissance. This car is great on many levels and the Lincoln Touch/Sync is amazing.

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  SYNC my ride - 2011 Lincoln MKX
  By JRboca - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Only had a few weeks! Gotta love the electronics inside this car. Got just the basic car which was loaded but no nav. Not sure why youd want nav since they give you turn-by-turn nav free for three years. The Sync system is better than ever (I had an 08 MKX) Ive found Im a much safter drive with Sync. Love the MyTouch system. Initial commuting mileage is about 22 so Ill take it.

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  Great Luxury, Workmanship, Handling - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Peter NM CT. - August 25 - 12:00 am

  This vehicle exceeeds expectation, I looked at the Lexus RX in Greenwich CT. It was small. The workmanship, quality, and fuel economy are great in this American product.

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  Best New car I ever owned. - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Lincoln MKZ - August 24 - 3:16 pm

  The outside and interior design is the best Ford Motor Co, ever has done for a new car in many years. The modern instrumentation is excellent with the added benefit of very modern computer that manages many of the previous problems like air prressure in the tires, oil, and other areas too numerous to name. Comfort is also excellent with the added benefit of the memory system in the drivers seat and outside mirror positions. The trunk size is extremely large and with the fold down rear seat backs adds excellent space. The steering wheel design is an extra design I really like.

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  MKZ Software Update Completed - 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  By zbrid2013 - August 24 - 1:35 pm

  Bought my new 13 Z four months ago and its great to drive, comfortable and quiet. I have the hybrid and it offers a smoother ride than the EcoBoost version. My MPG was under 37 MPG and I just had the update done at AutoNation in Clearwater on Friday and Im now averaging 42 MPG:-) In addition, they fixed a recall item on the fuel pump (something like that) and Ive got to admit that the car rides different (better all the way around) and its pretty cool to be pushing 80 MPH and be on electric:-) Maybe it took Lincoln a bit more time to get it right, but they did.

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  I love my MKX! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By Kansas Mom - August 24 - 1:40 am

  I am very pleased with the mkx. It is fun to drive (I used to drive a full- size suv). The ride is so smooth. There is some wind noise, but not like Ive had with past vehicles. Id say its a very nice, quiet ride -- unless the stereo is on. Its a great system. My kids & I like to play the THX demo before we "take off." I like the way the car handles. Id recommend it to anyone shopping for a new vehicle. I chose this over the rdx and enclave (my top 3) and I am so so happy that I chose the Lincoln. I was worried about cargo room, but I have the space for everything Ive needed so far. The seats are real easy to fold down (and they recline!)if needed. Final words - I love my mkx!

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  My favorite car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Stu - August 22 - 10:56 am

  Car is solid and fun to drive. The V8 engine provides effortless power. Ford has done a good job with this car and should advertise it more. Many of the cars features are available on other cars, but my Lincoln demonstrates a special quality, that justifies a premium price. My "LS Ultimate" is very quiet on the road and yet, you always feel secure and comfortable. Controls are convenient and easy to reach. The "LS" is not a big car, yet is good looking and commands a respect not seen in similar priced automobiles. It has all the goodies that belong on a premium automobile.