Who Makes Lincoln Cars?

Lincoln cars are made by Ford Motor Company. Ford has owned Lincoln since February 4, 1922, when Henry Ford purchased the struggling luxury marque for $8 million at a bankruptcy auction — a moment that would reshape American automotive luxury for the next century.

Today, Lincoln operates as Ford's luxury vehicle division with dedicated American manufacturing plants, its own design philosophy called "Quiet Flight," and a focused lineup of four SUV models: Navigator, Aviator, Nautilus, and Corsair.

Over 17,500 American workers craft these vehicles, continuing a tradition of domestic craftsmanship that began when Henry Leland first turned precision into art.

Who Founded Lincoln Motor Company?

Henry M. Leland founded Lincoln Motor Company in 1917. At 74 years old, Leland had already earned his reputation as the "Master of Precision" in Detroit through his earlier work co-founding Cadillac, where he pioneered interchangeable parts in automotive manufacturing.

He named the company after President Abraham Lincoln — the first president for whom he had ever cast a vote, in the election of 1864. The choice reflected both personal conviction and national aspiration.

Leland founded Lincoln after resigning from Cadillac over a dispute about patriotism. When General Motors, Cadillac's new owner, refused his proposal to manufacture Liberty aircraft engines for the Allied war effort, Leland walked away from everything he had built.

Within months, Lincoln Motor Company secured a $10 million government contract to produce 6,000 Liberty V12 aircraft engines for the war effort.

How Did Ford Acquire Lincoln?

Ford acquired Lincoln in a bankruptcy auction on February 4, 1922, for $8 million. The transition from wartime production to luxury automobiles had proven financially devastating. By late 1921, Lincoln was bankrupt — caught in a postwar recession with a product that, while mechanically excellent, lacked the styling flair that luxury buyers demanded.

Though Lincoln had been valued at $16 million, Henry Ford was the sole bidder. His wife Clara had encouraged the acquisition. It was a personal victory of sorts: Leland had once led the investor group that forced Ford out of the company that would become Cadillac.

Edsel Ford took the helm as president of Lincoln Motor Company. Where his father had revolutionized accessibility, Edsel would revolutionize desirability. He commissioned custom coachwork from the finest design houses of the era — Brunn, Dietrich, Judkins, LeBaron, and Willoughby — turning each Lincoln into a rolling sculpture.

Lincoln Heritage Milestones

By the late 1920s, Lincoln had achieved what Edsel envisioned. The Model K competed directly with Rolls-Royce, Duesenberg, and the finest European marques. In 1933, Lincoln became the first manufacturer in the world to produce vehicles exclusively with V12 engines, positioning the brand at the absolute pinnacle of American luxury.

The 1936 Lincoln-Zephyr democratized that luxury with its streamlined design and accessible price point. Then came Edsel's masterpiece: the 1940 Continental. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who bought two, called it "the most beautiful car in the world." The Continental would define the personal luxury segment for decades to come.

Today, Lincoln continues under Ford ownership with the Navigator, Aviator, Nautilus, and Corsair — each embodying over a century of American luxury heritage.

Does Lincoln Still Make Sedans?

No, Lincoln discontinued its sedan lineup in 2020. The last Lincoln sedans — the Continental and MKZ — ended production as the brand pivoted entirely to luxury SUVs.

The decision reflected a fundamental shift in the American luxury market: by 2019, SUVs accounted for over 70% of Lincoln's sales. Rather than spread resources across a declining segment, Lincoln chose to concentrate engineering and design investment where buyers were actually spending.

The Continental's departure was particularly notable. Its revival in 2017 had been celebrated as a return to Lincoln's grand touring roots, complete with coach doors on the special Black Label edition.

But even nostalgia couldn't overcome market realities. Today, every dollar that once supported sedan development goes into refining the SUV lineup — and Lincoln's climb to #7 in the Consumer Reports Overall Brand Report Card suggests the bet is paying off.

What Happened to the Lincoln MKZ, MKC, and Town Car?

The Lincoln MKZ was discontinued after the 2020 model year. The MKZ had been Lincoln's best-selling sedan and a strong entry point into the brand, known for its hybrid powertrain option and competitive pricing.

For buyers who loved the MKZ's blend of luxury and efficiency, the Corsair serves as its spiritual successor — offering a similar size, available hybrid powertrain (the Grand Touring PHEV), and a starting price in the same range. Used MKZ models from 2017–2020 remain available and benefit from Ford's proven powertrain reliability.

The Lincoln MKC was replaced by the Corsair in 2020. The name change wasn't just cosmetic — the Corsair brought a completely new interior, improved ride quality, and Lincoln's Quiet Flight philosophy to the compact luxury segment.

Buyers cross-shopping used MKC models should note that the Corsair offers significant improvements in technology, materials, and refinement over its predecessor.

The Lincoln Town Car was discontinued in 2011 after a legendary run that made it synonymous with livery service, executive transport, and understated American luxury. The Town Car's combination of body-on-frame construction, a silky V8 powertrain, and extraordinary ride comfort earned it a devoted following that persists to this day.

Many Town Cars have proven remarkably durable, with well-maintained examples regularly exceeding 300,000 miles. For buyers who miss the Town Car's commanding presence and smooth ride, the Navigator carries that legacy forward — offering the same philosophy of effortless comfort on a larger, more modern scale.

A Century of Innovation

Throughout its history, Lincoln has pioneered technologies that would later become industry standards. From the first electric gauges to hands-free driving, Lincoln has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a luxury automobile can offer.

Where Are Lincoln Cars Made?

Lincoln cars are made in America at three Ford manufacturing plants. The Navigator is built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, the Aviator at Chicago Assembly Plant, and the Corsair at Louisville Assembly Plant. Over 17,500 American workers build Lincoln vehicles, continuing a tradition of domestic craftsmanship that began in 1917.

Are Lincoln Cars American Made?

Yes, all Lincoln vehicles sold in America are American made. In an era of global supply chains and offshore production, Lincoln's commitment to domestic manufacturing represents both heritage and philosophy — the belief that American luxury should be built by American hands.

Lincoln is not a foreign car. Lincoln was founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1917 and has been owned by Ford Motor Company — an American company headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan — since 1922.

Unlike some competitors that import vehicles from overseas factories, Lincoln builds its Navigator in Louisville, Kentucky, its Aviator in Chicago, Illinois, and its Corsair in Louisville, Kentucky. Lincoln is one of the oldest American car brands still in production.

Where Is the Lincoln Navigator Built?

The Lincoln Navigator is built at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky. This 500-acre facility has produced vehicles since 1969 and currently employs over 9,000 workers. The plant shares production with Ford Expedition and Super Duty trucks, but Navigator units receive additional quality checks and finishing processes that reflect their luxury positioning.

Many employees represent multiple generations of the same families who have built American vehicles for decades — a continuity of craftsmanship that machines alone cannot replicate.

Where Is the Lincoln Aviator Built?

The Lincoln Aviator is built at Chicago Assembly Plant on Chicago's South Side. This facility underwent a $1 billion modernization specifically to accommodate Aviator production.

The investment included new robotics, paint facilities capable of deep metallic finishes, and dedicated quality inspection areas for the luxury line. Today's Aviator delivers 400 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6.

Where Is the Lincoln Corsair Built?

The Lincoln Corsair is built at Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky. This facility employs over 4,500 workers and produces both the Corsair and Ford Escape. While they share a platform, Corsair receives distinct interior materials, unique body panels, and the attention to acoustic refinement that defines Lincoln's Quiet Flight philosophy.

The Grand Touring PHEV variant, with its 27 miles of electric range, represents sophisticated hybrid engineering — proof that sustainability and luxury need not be mutually exclusive.

Lincoln Quality Standards

Three factors distinguish Lincoln production from high-volume Ford vehicles. First, inspection protocols: every Lincoln undergoes additional quality checks before leaving the line. Second, materials sourcing: Bridge of Weir leather, real wood trim, and premium acoustics. Third, finish quality: paint processes that require additional clear coat layers and extended curing times.

The result is a vehicle that meets luxury standards while benefiting from Ford's manufacturing scale and reliability — a combination that few other luxury brands can match.

Are Lincoln Cars Reliable?

Yes, Lincoln cars are reliable.Consumer Reports' 2026 Overall Brand Report Card ranks Lincoln #7—a jump of 17 positions and the highest-ranked domestic American brand. This overall score combines road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety ratings. Lincoln outranks Hyundai (#8), Audi (#16), and Mercedes-Benz (#19) in the overall rankings.

The Navigator earns strong marks for long-term durability, with iSeeCars data showing it among the longest-lasting luxury SUVs on the road.

Lincoln Reliability Rankings 2025-2026

Consumer Reports evaluates 17 trouble areas across each vehicle, from engine and transmission to electrical systems and body integrity. Lincoln's scores improved in nearly every category, with particular strength in powertrain reliability and build quality.

• Consumer Reports 2026: #7 Overall Brand Report Card (jumped 17 positions)
• Highest-Ranked American Brand: Lincoln outranks all domestic competitors in Consumer Reports overall rankings
• Safety Verdict: Lincoln ranked #5 in CR's new Safety Verdict brand rankings

Is the Lincoln Navigator Reliable?

Yes, the Lincoln Navigator demonstrates strong long-term reliability. iSeeCars analysis of millions of vehicles shows the Navigator among the longest-lasting luxury large SUVs, with many reaching 200,000 miles.

The Navigator's combination of Ford's proven 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and Lincoln's luxury refinements has created what many consider the most dependable full-size luxury SUV on the market.

Is the Lincoln Aviator Reliable?

The Lincoln Aviator benefits from Ford's refined twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 powertrain. This engine, shared with high-end Ford performance vehicles, benefits from years of development. With 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, the Aviator delivers confident performance while maintaining Lincoln's signature refinement.

Is the Lincoln Corsair Reliable?

The Lincoln Corsair shares its platform with the Ford Escape, one of Ford's most thoroughly tested architectures. The standard Corsair benefits from this proven foundation.

Note: Consumer Reports 2026 data indicates the Corsair PHEV variant has shown some early reliability concerns — a common pattern with new plug-in hybrid technology that typically improves over time. The Corsair Grand Touring PHEV is backed by Ford's 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

Is the Lincoln Nautilus Reliable?

The redesigned 2024 Nautilus is too new for long-term reliability data. Its 2.0L turbocharged engine is Ford's most-produced powerplant globally, with millions of units proving its durability worldwide. Note: The Nautilus Hybrid, being new technology, should be evaluated with typical first-year caution.

Why Did Lincoln Reliability Improve?

Why the Improvement?

Lincoln's gains stem from three deliberate choices. First, platform consolidation: sharing architectures with high-volume Ford vehicles means millions of miles of real-world testing before a Lincoln version ever launches. Second, focused investment in quality control and manufacturing processes.

Third — and perhaps most significant — a simplified lineup. By focusing on four SUV models rather than a sprawling range, Lincoln concentrates engineering resources where they matter most. For help choosing between the four models, see our 2026 Lincoln SUV comparison guide.

What Is Lincoln's Warranty Coverage?

Lincoln offers comprehensive warranty coverage that rivals or exceeds European luxury brands. All new Lincoln vehicles include 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage, 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain protection, and 8-year/100,000-mile battery coverage for hybrid and EV components.

Is Lincoln a Luxury Brand?

Yes, Lincoln is a luxury brand. Lincoln competes directly with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Audi, and Cadillac in the luxury automotive market. Lincoln's luxury credentials include 30-Way Perfect Position Seats (the most adjustable in the industry), Revel Ultima 3D Audio with 28 speakers, Active Noise Control, Air Glide Suspension, and the Lincoln Black Label premium tier.

Lincoln has been a luxury brand since 1917, making it one of the oldest luxury automotive brands in America — older than Mercedes-Benz (1926), Lexus (1989), or Cadillac's current incarnation.

What Makes Lincoln a Luxury Brand?

Lincoln differentiates from European luxury brands through its "Quiet Flight" philosophy—a deliberate rejection of aggression in favor of sanctuary. Where a Mercedes-AMG emphasizes performance through exhaust note and handling dynamics, a Lincoln Navigator prioritizes serenity. This approach attracts buyers who value comfort and refinement over sportiness.

Lincoln Luxury Features

Lincoln's luxury credentials include:

• 30-Way Perfect Position Seats: More adjustability than BMW (20-way) or Mercedes (18-way), with ventilated cooling that Florida executives particularly appreciate
• Revel Ultima 3D Audio: 28 speakers developed with Harman for spatial audio
• Active Noise Control: Standard equipment that creates whisper-quiet cabins
• Bridge of Weir Leather: Scottish hides sourced from cattle never exposed to barbed wire
• Digital Scent System: Cabin fragrances including Mystic Forest and Violet Cashmere (Nautilus)
• BlueCruise 1.5: Hands-free highway driving on 130,000+ miles of roads
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wireless smartphone integration is standard across all Lincoln models, with the Nautilus featuring a 48-inch coast-to-coast panoramic display

Lincoln vs. BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz vs. Lexus

The comparison reveals Lincoln's positioning. Lincoln isn't trying to out-German the Germans. Instead, it carves a distinct space where tranquility trumps sportiness.

For buyers who've spent careers navigating high-pressure environments, this distinction resonates deeply. Our executive buying guide breaks down which Lincoln SUV best matches different professional profiles.

Lincoln vs. Cadillac: Two Visions of American Luxury

Lincoln and Cadillac represent fundamentally different philosophies of American luxury. Cadillac has leaned into performance with its V-Series line, chasing BMW M and Mercedes-AMG with aggressive styling, track-tuned suspensions, and increasingly loud exhausts. Lincoln has moved in the opposite direction entirely — toward silence, smoothness, and what it calls "sanctuary."

The difference becomes tangible in the showroom. Sit in a Cadillac Escalade V and you'll find bolstered sport seats, a 682-horsepower supercharged V8, and an interior designed to remind you that you're driving something powerful.

Sit in a Lincoln Navigator and the experience is deliberately calming: 30-way adjustable seats that feel more like first-class airline seats, Active Noise Control that eliminates road noise, and a cabin that asks nothing of you except to relax.

Neither approach is objectively better — they serve different buyers. Cadillac appeals to those who want their luxury to announce itself. Lincoln appeals to those who've had enough announcements for one day.

The Consumer Reports 2026 Overall Brand Report Card ranks Lincoln #7 versus Cadillac at #17, suggesting that Lincoln's quieter approach is resonating with both reviewers and owners.

What Is Lincoln Black Label?

Lincoln Black Label is Lincoln's highest luxury tier, available on Navigator and Aviator. Black Label represents a curated ownership experience that extends beyond the vehicle itself. Each Black Label model features exclusive interior "themes" — designer-curated combinations of materials, colors, and finishes that aren't available on standard models.

Black Label interiors use Bridge of Weir leather, sourced from a single Scottish tannery that supplies Aston Martin and Bentley. The hides come from cattle raised without barbed wire fencing, eliminating surface imperfections that would mar the leather's natural grain. Real wood and aluminum accents replace the simulated materials found in lesser trims.

Beyond the vehicle, Black Label membership includes complimentary annual vehicle detailing, a dedicated Black Label liaison at participating dealerships, curated culinary experiences, and access to the Avis President's Club for travel.

It's Lincoln's answer to the question of whether an American brand can compete with the white-glove treatment of European luxury. View Black Label inventory at Parks Lincoln.

The Lincoln Way: Ownership Beyond the Vehicle

Lincoln's ownership experience is designed to eliminate friction from every interaction with the brand. The Lincoln Way app serves as a digital concierge, offering remote start, vehicle health monitoring, and the ability to schedule service appointments from your phone. But the real differentiation is human, not digital.

Lincoln Pickup & Delivery means you never need to visit the dealership for routine service — a Lincoln representative collects your vehicle from your home or office, leaves a Lincoln loaner, and returns your car when service is complete.

For Central Florida executives managing packed schedules, this alone can justify the brand. Mobile Service brings the technician to you for minor maintenance, handling oil changes and recalls in your driveway.

These aren't premium add-ons; they're standard benefits of Lincoln ownership available through Parks Lincoln's Pickup & Delivery program.

The Presidential Motorcade: Lincoln's Most Exclusive Client

For nearly four decades, Lincoln held an honor no other automaker could claim: the privilege of carrying the President of the United States. From Franklin Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter, eight American presidents traveled in Lincoln limousines — a relationship that transformed both the brand's image and the very concept of presidential security.

The relationship actually began earlier than most realize. In 1924, Calvin Coolidge chose a Lincoln Model L as his presidential car, the first time any president had used a vehicle on an official basis. But it was Franklin Roosevelt who would establish Lincoln's enduring association with the White House.

The Sunshine Special (1939-1950)

In 1939, the White House commissioned a custom Lincoln K-Series for President Roosevelt. Dubbed the "Sunshine Special" for its convertible design (FDR believed Americans deserved to see their president), the vehicle represented an entirely new concept in presidential transportation.

Built on a 160-inch wheelbase and powered by Ford's formidable V12 engine, it featured running boards for Secret Service agents and a specially reinforced frame.

December 7, 1941, changed everything. Within weeks of Pearl Harbor, the Sunshine Special underwent a transformation that would establish the template for all presidential vehicles to follow.

Secret Service agents added 1,600 pounds of armor plating, bulletproof glass measuring 2 inches thick, and steel-reinforced tires. The convertible top gained metal reinforcement. The age of the armored presidential limousine had begun.

President Eisenhower's Lincoln Cosmopolitan introduced an innovation that would become iconic: the transparent "bubble top." Eisenhower had grown frustrated with enclosed vehicles that prevented crowds from seeing him.

His solution — a Plexiglas roof that could be attached or removed — offered both visibility and weather protection. The bubble top would remain a feature through the Kennedy administration, its fate forever linked to the events in Dallas.

The Continental: An American Icon

No presidential vehicle has achieved the lasting recognition of John F. Kennedy's 1961 Lincoln Continental. Built at Lincoln's Wixom Assembly Plant in Michigan and modified by the coachbuilders Hess & Eisenhardt in Cincinnati, the X-100 (its Secret Service designation) represented the pinnacle of American automotive design.

Clean lines, understated elegance, and unmistakable presence — the Continental embodied everything Lincoln aspired to be.

After November 22, 1963, the Continental was returned to Hess & Eisenhardt for extensive reconstruction. A permanent roof replaced the removable top. Titanium armor plated the body. Bulletproof glass — two inches thick — enclosed the passenger compartment.

The rebuilt vehicle returned to service and would carry Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter until its retirement in 1977.

Today, that Continental resides at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, a sobering artifact that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Its presence there serves as a reminder of both Lincoln's finest hour and America's darkest.

What Is Lincoln's Quiet Flight Philosophy?

Quiet Flight is Lincoln's design philosophy introduced in 2019, focused on creating sanctuary rather than performance. The philosophy rests on four pillars: Beauty (timeless design), Gliding (effortless movement), Human (intuitive technology), and Sanctuary (the cabin as a third space).

Quiet Flight technologies include Active Noise Control, 30-Way Perfect Position Seats, Revel Ultima 3D Audio, the Lincoln Embrace welcome sequence, and Digital Scent systems.

The concept draws from the golden age of commercial aviation, when flying meant white-glove service and spacious cabins. Lincoln's designers wanted to recapture that sensation — the feeling of being cared for, transported not just physically but emotionally.

The Four Pillars of Quiet Flight

Quiet Flight rests on four interconnected principles, each informing every design decision from door handle placement to suspension tuning:

Quiet Flight Technologies Explained