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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  Best SUV Ive own! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By arts1 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The first SUV that the wife and I totally agreed on.Even gas mileage has improved.Started a 1200 hunderd mile vacation with 13mpg,and ended with 16.5. My South Hills salesman Jack was the best.Had several calls from him to check if everything was going ok.Even a birthday card. No problems sofar.

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  I love my towncar - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Pasquale - January 25 - 10:30 pm

  I have owned 3 Lincoln Towncars since 1990 and I have loved them all. The ride is as good as any and the value is great when you compare the price of a Linclon ($30,000) to a Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, etc... ($50,000-85,000). OK you get the prestige and one-upmanship with those foreign nameplates but personally I would rather drive a Lincoln and pocket the difference in cash, but then I am just an average middleclass American.

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  Big Mistake - 2007 Lincoln MKZ
  By TJ - January 25 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this to replace my Audi A6 2.7T. Trying to be patriotic with my first purchase of an American car in quite a long time. The difference is shocking! No comparison. My wifes minivan has a smaller turning radius than this car. The transmission is primitive and pops into gear upon a medium to hard acceleration. The car feels light with no road grip. The sound system (I got the premium THX II) is just plain awful. The xenon headlights are only fair. This cars gas mileage is only moderately better than a full- size American SUV. The only redeeming quality about the car is the exterior appearance. Once you peel that away, it is clear why the American auto industry is ready to fold.

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  Buy American and love it! - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By fruntha1 - January 25 - 1:00 am

  I drove all the crossovers and desided on the MKX.It has the best ride of all. I consider the MKX the best looking of all the crossovers.

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  You take the good, you take the bad... - 2009 Lincoln MKS
  By sully77 - January 21 - 6:04 am

  I purchased my 2009 MKS approximately one month ago. Thus far Ive had mixed reviews on it, but overall Im happy with it. I took it to the Appalachian Mtns of Virginia where I encountered 6" of snow. The front-wheel drive handled it without any issues or problems.

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  I bought and am sorry - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Hal - January 21 - 3:03 am

  Have owned many new cars over the years and the last few have been either Honda or Toyota. Thought it was time to return to domestic. This car suffers from intermittent problems, like in the 8 months of ownership, the front two windows have rolled down when unoccupied four times. In addition, the seat positioning does not work from the key all the time. Lincoln (Ford) refuses to repair problem that are not seen by the dealer. I have serious problems, the car is not secure with windows rolled down, and Ford is saying if they do not see the problem, they will not fix. I regret not purchasing a Lexus! Never again will I purchase a Ford product.

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  2 plus years of love - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By big baby - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This has been the most trouble free car Ive owned, and that includes Lexus, Acura, Infiniti. Change the oil, put gas in, stick the key in and start, enjoy miles of smiles. I get a lot of looks and comments about the exterior. Strong V6, great 6 speed transmission, comfortable ride. If you can find a used one at a decent price and with a clean record, buy it!

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  love it as much as the day I bought it - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By bee - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I drive a lot, and have had this vehicle for 3.5 years, and honestly love it as much today as the day I bought it. Fun to drive, I get positive comments often, and weve had no mechanical problems whatsoever. I love the large sun roofs too.

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  Great Car - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By execglenn - January 18 - 6:20 am

  190,000 miles and still moving. Only problem was the transmission went at 99K. Other than that, it has been super reliable. I think it will go 250,000 or more.

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  The Town Car the ultimate Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By donlemc - January 18 - 5:50 am

  This car is the Lincoln Town Car Ultimate Palm Beach Edition. What a car! It attracts constant admiration and comments. It is maroon with a half stone white top. It is one of the best cars Ive ever had in the 50+ years Ive driven. Quiet, smooth riding and handling. When I pass a slower car even my grandchildren are impressed with the pickup. The stereo is magnificent. I like especially the remote trunk and the easy to adjust clock. I have gotten up to 27 miles to a gallon, normal is 25.4. Ive had Packards, Cadillacs, and Chryslers over the years. Nothing comes close to the Lincoln in quality and dependability, and Ive had 7.