Overview & Reviews

The earliest Lincoln Continental was the automotive equivalent of Catherine Zeta-Jones -- it ought to have come with a warning label that read "May Cause Shortness of Breath." Based on the Lincoln Zephyr, the Continental got its start as a one-off drop top commissioned by Edsel Ford in the late 1930s. Serving as his vehicle of choice during his annual jaunts to Palm Beach, the car's exquisite shape generated so much buzz that Lincoln decided to put the Continental into production. Available as both a cabriolet and a coupe, the Continental debuted in 1940.

World War II and other events resulted in stops and starts in the car's production over the next decade or so, but by the mid-'50s, the Continental was back -- this time as its own brand. That arrangement didn't last (the Continental brand was folded back into the Lincoln marque in 1957), but the Continental did. For more than two decades, it served as Lincoln's flagship model.

As a recipe for ailing sales, the Lincoln Continental was redesigned in 1961. Now available as either a sedan or a four-door convertible (the nation's first in more than a decade) it was hailed for its clean good looks and winning performance. That era's photogenic First Family was often snapped riding in the Continental; it came to be known as the "Kennedy Lincoln" and enjoyed a wave of popularity. Another redesign took place for 1966 and again in 1970, which left the Continental with a blocky, more formal look (highlighted by hidden headlamps and a larger grille) and a coil-link rear suspension.

Fuel economy and emissions regulations forced Lincoln's hand, and the Continental was given makeovers in 1980 and '82. The car rode on a much shorter wheelbase, and offered improved gas mileage. In 1988, the car was given a new platform -- one shared by the midsize Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. This Continental was the first Lincoln to offer front-wheel drive and a fully independent suspension.

Unfortunately, this move to front-wheel drive eventually doomed the Lincoln Continental as it progressed through the end of the 20th century. Late-model Continentals didn't exactly crackle with the same desirability as that very first model, as consumer tastes had moved away from the soft-riding big-car brand of luxury that was the Continental's stock in trade. Even more notably, foreign rivals such as BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz had eclipsed the car in performance and refinement and had become top choices for shoppers in this segment. Dogged by weak sales, Lincoln's big sedan was retired in 2002.

Most Recent Lincoln Continental

The most recent generation of the Lincoln Continental luxury sedan got its start in 1995. This version distinguished itself from its predecessor with a sleeker, more upscale exterior designed to shed some of the sedan's stodginess and attract younger buyers. Other changes included a new suspension and a more powerful 4.6-liter V8 engine.

Sometimes luxury meant not having to worry about petty details, like, say, selecting a trim level for your mansion-on-wheels. Lincoln kept things easy for buyers by offering the Continental in just one trim level, which came with standard features like keyless entry, leather upholstery, full power accessories and an AM/FM/cassette audio system. The options list allowed drivers to raise the level of coddling with features like Alpine audio, heated seats, auxiliary steering-wheel audio controls, a CD changer and a power sunroof.

Literally keeping up with the Joneses wasn't a problem, thanks to the Lincoln's capable engine -- its 4.6-liter V8 brimmed with 260 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Sending this power to the front wheels was a four-speed automatic transmission. The Lincoln Continental also featured an air-spring suspension and an available Driver Select System that came with variable-rate steering assist and electronically adjustable shock absorbers that could be set for plush, normal or firm ride control. The air springs are known to wear out, so pay particular attention to the car's suspension during inspection.

Lincoln gave the Continental a few useful tweaks during these years. A 1998 refresh gave the luxury sedan a more streamlined look, with smoother lines, wraparound headlights and a new grille. This refresh also gave the Continental a nicer cabin, set off by elegant bird's eye maple wood trim. Audiophiles should choose models made in 1999 or later, since these Continentals were endowed with an improved sound system. The V8's output also increased slightly this year to 275 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.

Safety took a step up in 2000, when Lincoln's sedan gained standard side airbags, along with an emergency trunk release and child-seat anchor brackets. In 2002, its final year, the Continental got an optional (and now defunct) Vehicle Communications System that included hands-free cell phone communication.

Our editors appreciated the fact that this Lincoln offered a wealth of gadgets and features to use and enjoy. Strong acceleration was another impressive point. Still, this big car had its flaws. In reviews of the Lincoln Continental, we criticized its lack of maneuverability and dearth of interior storage. The sedan's gravest shortcoming, though, was its lack of refinement relative to its competitors. Though the Continental was perfectly adequate, cars in this price range from Germany and Japan offered a driving and ownership experience that was more polished and engaging.

Past Lincoln Continental Models

The previous-generation Continental ran from 1988-'94. The car was less grand than later-model Continentals -- not surprising, since it shared some design cues with its platform-mate, the humble Ford Taurus. As this generation drew to a close, power was provided by a 3.8-liter V6 good for 160 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, with two trim levels being offered -- the Executive and the top-of-the-line Signature. Those looking for trademark Continental opulence are advised to skip this model for more recent versions of the sedan.

User Reviews:

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  modern classic - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By bill m malachi, jr. - August 4 - 2:00 am

  this is a powerfully solid automobile, even-though my ls-400 is much quieter, it is not as much fun to drive,i cannot see an appreciable difference in build quality and i dont understand why the continentals didnt sale more

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  Comfort without style - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By gplant - July 24 - 8:43 am

  Absolutely comfortable car to drive. Fantastic fuel mileage for a big car with a V8 (22 mpg combined)! Not much to look at, but reliable and comfortable. Will do whatever you ask it to. I will get rid of it when it dies. I will probably cry a lot.

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  One of the Last Continentals - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Joe McLeod - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used with 19k on it. A wonderful car. Got some cracks about driving an "old mans" car, but I dont care. Just hit the pedal and leave those people behind. 32V8 really puts out thrust. Absolutely no flaws, rattles, anything. I will be in this car for a long, long time.

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  Lots Of Car For $$$ - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By BigRJ - June 26 - 3:53 pm

  The price that I paid for this car versus what it cost new must be heartbreaking for anyone who purchased them brand new, but for the features and the "amount" of car I got for what I paid are unbelievable!!! Power, looks, and overall comfort are un- matched in the price catagory I paid. May be the nicest vehicle I have ever owned!!! If you are looking for a reliable, feature laden, good looking car, and dont want to spend a fortune, look no further!!!

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  green99 - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By malcolmd - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased. No problems other than to replace a power window motor.

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  john - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By johng - June 22 - 3:00 pm

  Enjoyed the pick up and reliability of the vehicle. the pearl finish was excellent except for some paint peeling on the door bumpers. The select areas for fiberglass was a good choice and eliminated any potential rust areas. The auto recall on the seats was enormously helpful since Ive driven some without.

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  A vehicle with class - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Gary - June 21 - 10:50 pm

  Bought the car six years ago. It had 45,000 miles at that time. It now has 228,000 miles. I ran the vehicle to work 75 miles each way in snow country and it never let me down. Only thing I have had to replace is tires, and water pump. Other than that vehicle has run great. Check transmission light has come a few times but vehicle had over 200,000 prior to this issue. Great car, if I can find another one when this one stops I will buy another one just like it. I have driven Ford products for over forty years. I am an American and buy American cars, not Japanese cars built in America.

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  2 good continentals - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Paul - June 13 - 11:13 pm

  I bought 2 used continentals. Bought the 1998 model 7 years ago with 50,000 miles, now has 114,000 miles. Only had to replace a coil pack, spark plugs, & spark plug boots. 25 mpg highway, 17 mpg city, awesome car. I bought the 1999 model 3 years ago with 108,000 miles. The original owner towed a big boat, I expect he used overdrive while towing, transmission had to be rebuilt at 125,000 miles and rear sway bar bushings had to be replaced. Replaced several coil packs, spark plug boots, and the rear view mirror because the compass failed.

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  Feeling like a millionaire on wheels - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Peter Zuidema - May 12 - 10:40 am

  I had never so much trust in second hand cars after some negative experiences. But since I bought this Continental that has changed. The car feels very solid, safe and is very luxurious. Even for a car now almost 7 years old, this feels as a brand new, up to date car with all the toys of todays favorites. It is very powerful, has great brakes and handles good in bad weather. It is spacious and lets you feel that you are in control. It runs 23 miles on the gallon on the parkway at 80 miles an hour, with a 4.7 liter motor. And the audio quality is downright perfect.

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  Best Car Ever! - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By grolle - May 6 - 2:50 am

  I bought this 1998 Lincoln Continental in 2004 with 98,000 miles on it. Today (9-21-07) it has 227,000 miles on it and still drives as strong as ever! No doubt, the best automobile, hands down I have ever owned. I average around 30,000 miles a year and run my business out of this fantastic car! Great, great drive!