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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  Not all its cranked up to be !!!! - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By TheCaneMan - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Before buying -- test it for at least a day and I think youll go with another vehicle. I sure wish I did !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  06 Zephyr 3500 miles - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By fitco - December 22 - 6:26 pm

  This is one of the nicest cars Ive ever owned. Quiet, great ride, ample performance, very surefooted on wet pavement, every option available and under $35K. No expense was spared on the interior. The car in and out is a flat-out show stopper. Everywhere I go, car wash, supermarket, etc. people stop me and want to know what it is and salivate over it. Handles very well. No problems with it so far. Gas mileage disappointing in the beginning (18 MPG around town) but went up to a consistent 22 MPG after about 2000 miles and have reached 28 MPG highway. Could be a little quicker off the line, but really moves once in motion. This car is definitely not a fluffy Fusion. Its all Lincoln.

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  One of the Best - 2005 Lincoln Aviator
  By Geroge G - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Great to Drive. Powerful, responsive.

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  Good idea - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
  By mdsamitchell - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Why did they wait? The improvement over my 1997 Merc Mountaineer is incredible. Ride is very car like, but still has the substaintial truck feel. Interior is a retro-American luxury treatment. The interior and exterior treatments let you know that this is not just a dressed up Explorer, but a significantly unique and different truck.

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  Happy for 3 years - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By mdsamitchell - December 14 - 10:00 am

  First time in this catagory of vehicle and first Lincoln (now have an Aviator). Bought for the price in catagory and like made in USA. 38000 trouble-free miles.

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  High Class. Low Price. - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By Bojiphil - December 14 - 9:30 am

  This SUV is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have 90000 miles on it and its suspension still holds tight. No leaks. I am very pleased with my purchase. Even with gas over $4.50 a gallon the space and comfort is well worth it.

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  Love my Zephyr - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Zephyr Owner - December 13 - 6:13 am

  My new Zephyr handles really well in town as well as on the highway. I also love the styling -- Ive had many other drivers really check it out as they have passed me on the highway.

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  Lincoln Fan - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Elliott Dahle - December 12 - 6:10 pm

  I have 2,000 miles on my 2008 MKX. I have the front wheel drive with both the Ultimate & elite packages. Car gets a lot of compliments. Fun to drive, smooth ride, no problems. Vapor Silver color is very sharp. Technology is impressive and works very well. Panoramic sunroof is like a convertible. Gas mileage a little less than what I hoped for but much better than my Aviator. I compared to MDX, RX 350 & new Murano - this is best ride and value for the money. Ford Lincoln Mercury got it right this time!!

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  Theres Hope for the Big 3! - 2009 Lincoln MKX
  By MKXBob - December 12 - 5:33 am

  It was very important to consider an American manufacturer with this purchase, and I have no regrets! Looked at just about every CUV on the market, and the MKX fit the bill. Dont let anyone tell you its just an Edge with a Lincoln grill in it. All the reviews that said that scared me away - finally a friend talked me into driving one, and then I was sold. Much smoother ride, nicer appointments, better warranty, quieter interior, and trans shifts better than the Edge. This vehicle really has exceeded my expectations in all regards - even fuel economy - have already averaged 24.6 mpg driving on the Northeast Extension thru Philly. Not too big, not too small - JUST RIGHT! No problems!

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  Great Car - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By Bob - December 9 - 12:40 pm

  I love the car. It is very well styled and comfortable and fun to drive. Ive received many compliments from outsiders.