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:

• 

  The SUV Ive been waiting for!! - 2009 Lincoln Navigator
  By Big Jim - July 12 - 4:56 am

  I have owned and driven GM, Chrysler and most recently a 2004 Expedition Eddie Bauer. Each of these has lacked something significant to make the driving experience perfect. I just bought the used 09 Navigator and drove it home (850 miles). I got 16.5 mpg at 73mph plus some town driving. That mpg is what I used to get in my AWD Town and Country. This vehicle is the epitome of the SUV. I have driven the new cross overs including the Lincoln MKT. Nothing rides like the Navigator, or feels like the Navigator. I will update as the ownwership process continues.

• 

  2017 Lincoln MKX is a winner - 2017 Lincoln MKX
  By JohnC - July 9 - 10:24 am

  I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKX a week ago and it surely is a pleasure to drive. It has all the safety features including backup camera, warning on cars in other lanes, collision alert, and even will call 911 if the airbags deploy. Since it is push button start and push button transmission a lot of space was made available for storage between the front seats including two "pass thru" storage bins. The Sync 3 entertainment is excellent and is also voice activated as is the navigation system. I really appreciate the radar weather maps which give "in the moment" maps of the local radar--very useful. In summary, the Lincoln MKX is a joy to drive and extremely quiet in city traffic or on the road. Everything works perfectly including the liftgate which has multiple ways of opening it(including waging your foot under the bumper). The 2017 Lincoln MKX is a true winner.

• 

  Excellent American option compare those - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By topo5a - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Drive off[roads like fliying 1st class. Excellent overall performance. Superior safety. Beautiful interiors (only with GPS option). Acceleration feels smooth changes and confortable, responding quickly to your needs.

• 

  We Love This SUV - 2008 Lincoln MKX
  By Cynthia - July 8 - 4:10 am

  This is our first purchase of a Ford factory car and now we would consider another Lincoln at a later date. We enjoy driving this SUV because it is not too big or too small. It is very well built, good looking and has the feel of luxury. People are constantly saying that they like the way it looks and ask us how it drives. We tell them it has a very smooth drive and that it has terrific features.

• 

  Its A Great Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Dan Sullivan - July 5 - 1:53 pm

  its a great car, it goes very fast and i like it a lot the only thing is that it is not good in the snow but other than that i love it, it has a v8 and a very nice interior and a nice exterior look

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2004 Lincoln Aviator
  By John Correia - July 3 - 10:00 am

  A joy to drive and a huge step up from my Explorer. I have had "zero" problems with the Aviator and its stability, handling, and acceleration are excellent. The internal "creature comforts" are excellent too(dual climate controls, excellent radi/CD, DVD player, cool or warm seat controls for driver and passenger, controls on steering wheel for radio/cd, cruise control).

• 

  Best Used Car Out There - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By JPF - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the best used car for the bucks out there. Only had a buzz in the radio but found a lose wire under the rear shelf. Besides that oil and gas are the only things this car needed to go 30K miles.

• 

  Great Car - 2014 Lincoln MKT
  By william creekmore II - June 27 - 5:40 pm

  Never own a car that I enjoyed more. I have owned Cadillacs for over the last 30 years. I use to trade every two years. I have complaints of Cadillacs , but this Lincoln rides the best of any car I have every owned.

• 

  is there a ford in your future ? - 2008 Lincoln MKZ
  By charles - June 26 - 6:03 am

  was driving a mercury sable and missed the lincoln style ride, saw the mkz at my local dealer and it sold itself made the deal and the rest is pure driving pleasure.

• 

  2006 Mark LT - 2006 Lincoln Mark LT
  By Barry McCahill - June 25 - 10:16 pm

  Love this truck. Fit and finish are outstanding. Nothing to take back to dealer for adjustments. Get lots of "thumbs up" from onlookers. Very comfortable ride Very satisfied and I would buy again.