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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  Thumbs up for 2001 Continental - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By syzygy9 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  My Continental is absolutely without question the best overall vehicle I have ever owned (it is my 33rd vehicle!). I look forward to the commute home at the end of the day - quiet luxurious comfortable performance. Reliability has been without incident and I have confidence this will continue. The 4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty from the factory and complimentary maintenance services for the first 3 years/36,000 miles as well as a loaner car from my dealer when service is performed just adds to my Lincoln Continental ownership experience.

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  Decent Car - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Paul - October 9 - 4:50 am

  Tranny fluid must be changed at 50k mile intervals with new filter, not just flushed. Front seat backs have lousy lateral support. Nice inside & outside style. Suspension air bags way better than my 1990 Continental. Rear doors definitely are harder to open from outside than front doors. Compass and "Day-night" fluid in rear view mirror just failed. Top 1/2 of mirror is always bright & bottom 1/2 is dark. With 140k miles, no big repairs yet, although the air bag light is on since when I reclined the drivers seat all the way down - must have pinched a wire. Important: Wet sand the plastic headlight lenses with 1600 grit or finer to restore that new look.

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  Im glad I got the Continental - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Tom Tucker - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very happy with my Lincoln Continental for the past 18 months. I understand they have dicontinued this model, how sad. Its a great auti and worth the luxury experience and money.

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  HOT ROD LINCOLN - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By DUANE ASHMORE - September 5 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR MAKES DRIVING FUN AGAIN.THE PEOPLE WHO CAME UP WITH THE PHRASE 4DSC {FOUR DOOR SPORTS COUPE }DO NOT HAVE A CLUE UNTIL THEY HAVE DRIVEN A LINCOLN CONTINENTAL.THIS CAR GETS EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE ,ABOUT 19 OR 20 IN THE CITYAND UP TO 29 ON THE HIGHWAY. NOT BAD FOR A 2 1/2 TON V8.

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  1999 Lincoln Continental - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By jrussell - August 4 - 2:40 pm

  I love my Lincoln Continental. It is fun to drive, has all the options that I could ever want and gets decent gas mileage for a larger car.

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  linc cont - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By william warren - July 15 - 10:00 am

  A great luxury car. What a shame they stoped making this car.

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  Comfortable and classy - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Cody Marten - May 28 - 1:16 pm

  For a 15 year old car, she still gets around quite well. I bought mine with a salvage title with 42k miles. Have put over 15k on it so far and have had no mechanical problems other than one instance of a mysterious loss of power. Despite this hiccup, the only problems Ive had so far are cosmetic damage associated with having a 10+ year old car. My only complaints would be poor fuel economy and turning dynamics. Its a big car with a big engine, so I expect to pay a lot for gas though. Due to its size, it doesnt take turns well. Your rear passengers may go for a ride if you take them too sharply. Overall, its been a great car and Ive enjoyed owning it.

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  1998 Was a Great Continental Year - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Sandra Moody - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Although the maintenance of the Lincoln Continental is more expensive than some other cars, this car is worth it. Its great to drive, comfortable, and dependable. Regency treats their customers well - even though their prices are on the pricey side. Overall, I cant imagine ever driving anything but a Lincoln.

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  High Quality and Value - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Mike - April 1 - 10:56 pm

  Purchae from Ford Executive coming off 2 yr. lease. Front wheel drive with traction control is better than on the Saab 9-5 I owned before. 24 mpg highway, 19-20 mpg in town...not bad for a big V-8. Comfortable in town or on the expressway. Maintained by a local Ford dealer with no surprises. Love the electronic ride control, too. Better than a Caddy at a lower price! Too bad they quit making them.

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  Had BMW 7 and Lexus LS - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Mark - March 13 - 11:56 pm

  After owning a BMW & and several Lexus LSs I found those care to be very good, however I thought for the dollars spent the Lincoln was a great value for the money. I am very bid on how a car rides. And have found the Lincoln to ride very well, and the interior very quiet. Bluetooth, and technology works great, and the electric doors are very nice. Definitely best seating in any car I have owned, I have the upgraded seating. Not like a foreign car, this car is very American. I am not a bid fan of the sporty rides, and since I do not need a car that does 150 MPH, this is a pure luxury car and a better value for the money.