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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  Great Car - 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
  By Ralph - November 25 - 4:43 am

  I purchased the Zephyr to replace my Mercury Sable that seems to last forever and just keeps going. Most noticable about the Zephyr is the quiet and comfortable ride. Bumps and road noise have just about disappeared. I have the standard sound system that seems adequate for FM but is outstanding with CDs. It is embarrassing to get so many stares of approval as I drive around. The trunk is large enough to hold an entire order from Costco with room to spare. The air conditioned seat makes me feel like my pants are wet, but is quite effective. The air conditioner is quite powerful even in 99 degree weather. My only complaint is that the vision in the rear is poor, like most other 2006/7 cars.

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  Blows away the BMW X3 - 2017 Lincoln MKC
  By MAC - November 23 - 2:15 am

  I drove and priced BMW,MB, Lexus and more. I was about to buy the X3 when I took the MKC for a spin. OMG - love this SUV beyond comfort and great ride.

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  LS Review - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Tim - November 20 - 11:13 am

  The car is sweet on the highway, at 70 mph i can get 28 mpg, at 60 i get 29 mpg, at 45 i get 32 mpg. In the city i get 19-22 depending on stop lights and traffic. I wish the display showed instantaneous MPG readings, instead it just shows average. the radio plays CDs but not MP3s. Stereo Rocks, nice sound. The trunk does not always "pop" open when i hit the button, i have to lift it (really no big deal) Brakes squeak, i dont know if it would get better if i stuck different pads on it, i have not tried, but i asked about it. I should have gotten the GPS built in, but cash was an issue.

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  Finally, Sporty American Luxury - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By phantom - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great looking car that does not disappoint when you drive it. I have the V-6 and dont feel like Im missing any power. Its just as smooth at 100mph as it is at 50mph. Very quiet ride that is a joy to drive. The only downside I can find is the lack of rear leg room. Makes you proud to be an American.

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  I love this car !!! - 2009 Lincoln MKZ
  By Martin mccowan - November 18 - 2:15 pm

  Ive been driving Lincolns for over 20 years as a limousine driver. Both stretch limos and sedans Drive for a limo service that had the MKS.. Loved them This is my FIRST personally owned Lincoln and I absolutely love this car. Fun to drive, handles great, PLENTY of features. Looking forward to seeing how the AWD gets me around this winter.

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  MKX Owner - 2007 Lincoln MKX
  By LJ - November 17 - 5:00 pm

  Havent had it long but love the way it drives. One thing they need to replace in a hurry are the front seats. Starting with mine. The drivers seat as well as the passengers is tipped up where your back of your knee is. By 45 minutes in driving your legs tingle then go to sleep. Not good! There should be a movement as such, designed in the lever so you can tip it down.

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  Excellent Value - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Happy in Ohio - November 16 - 2:33 am

  My last two cars were Jags (XJ and S- Type). I thought the LS was a poor copy of the S-type, but huge rebates lured me to take a test drive . I was shocked. The 2006 LS corners and handles better than my S-Type with less wind and engine noise. The 3.9 V8 has a sportier feel than my Jags 4.0. The interior is less "euro," but still clean and luxurious, with a few nice touches my Jags didnt have. When I learned Id get an extended 6-year drivetrain warranty AND $14,000 reduction off the $43K sticker ($29,000 !!!), it was -- "duh"-- impossible to pass on such an excellent value! If you can live without a European nameplate, buy this car while they last and bank your money.

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  The Most Fun Car Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By vipbrettp - November 15 - 10:00 am

  In 2001 I got out of a Ford Taurus SHO and into a 2000 LS. I have to say that despite the signifigant drop in horsepower, and increase in weight (the LS weighs over 4000 lbs) the LS is still more fun to drive. I only say this as I have the 5 spd manual tranny. The engine is too weak for the automatic, which I think feels very underpowered (though newer models have steadly increased horsepower). The rear wheel drive and surperb balance make cornering a dream. Have had several interior trim issues as have been noted elsewhere. All window regulators have been replaced. I do have oil in the spark plug wells, causing the car to missfire. Now the break l

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  Fun to drive quality SUV - 2015 Lincoln MKC
  By loucatfan - November 12 - 9:02 pm

  I love my MKC.I searched for a year and drove every luxury brand small SUV. This one is the best. Solid with all of the cutting edge technology in a Small SUV. The HID headlights and interior lighting are the best I have ever seen.Love the Blind spot cross traffic feature. With the Lincoln Drive Control option(which is a must) the car drives as smooth as a large sedan like the Avalon I traded in. The engine is peppy and equal to my wifes 2012 BMW X 3. The workmanship the best I have seen on the interior and exterior.I love the styling and how it drives. Tremendous value for the money and No it is Not an Escape warmed over. This car is unique and I could not be happier with it

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  Suprisingly Sporty - 2011 Lincoln MKS
  By Joe Brodell - November 12 - 3:42 am

  Really nice car with excellent performance and handling. Nav and entertainment package is great. Steerable headlights was a surprise. Havent had long enough to comment on reliability. So many automatic featues there are lots of things that could go wrong. Hopefully they wont but time will tell. Back seat room is awesome. Paddle shift in manual and adaptive cruise. The only thing I dont like is location of trunk release in glove box. Im in car love!