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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  troubles,troubles for my 98 lincoln cont - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By ray suto - January 30 - 7:26 pm

  I have since 12/02 out of my pocket apprx $3600 in repairs to my 98 Lincoln Cont....I bought it with 58,000. It now has 112,500 mi as of 4- 13-09. Additionally, under warrenty, $1800 was incurred. In 2007 I spent $400 for body work. Totally, not counting normal oil changes and tires, this vehicle has apprx $6000 in repairs and body work. Included in repairs wass a $1300 transmission (2008) 111,000mi. Ignition coils, actuator, brakes (twice) front and back. rotors, etc. front coil spring broke, ball joints, tie rods, speed sensors, knuckle front wheel, etc, etc......Pretty expensive for any auto. Not a happy camper.

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  Best of the Lincoln Line - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Tom - January 22 - 10:00 pm

  Excellent Gas milage. Very comfortable on long trips. Sporty look and feel. The options of three ride modes and steering modes were a great feature that all sport enthusists will enjoy. The V-8 performance is a great engine to satisfy the high performance person. Why oh why did they stop making this line?

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  DeLinc - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Derrick Dobbins - January 20 - 10:00 am

  It is a great vehicle. The ride, performance, as well as the look of the vehicle is great. I really like the message center and power driver/passenger seat, and the double arm rest. Overall, I made a very wise choice.

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  Great used car! - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Tom - December 26 - 8:40 pm

  Like the car, has been fun to drive and is in very good shape! Everyone thinks its new. Took on a few trips and car did great. Look forward to keeping it.

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  Excellent Car!!! - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Joe - December 13 - 12:20 pm

  No problems what so ever, very well maintained, no complaints, good pickup, very safe full frame

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  Not up to date! - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Eduard Emil - October 27 - 7:05 pm

  I think I purchased the first one sold in wisconsin. Its a beautiful smooth car with two problems. Using the push button shifter, its very easy to mistakenly push the Reverse button instead of the Park button. That could cause a serious accident if you dont double check which button you pushed before taking your foot off the break. Second annoyance is that the GPS is out of date because it doesnt accept addresses that my 3 year old Tom Tom in my truck or my PCs Mapquest does. It also displays out of date speed limits i.e., I-43 in Wisconsin is 70 mph, the GPS says its the old 65 mpg changed two years ago. I noticed this on other roads too, completely not up to date. I am sure they figured on this for a future upgrade for $400 in a year or so as they did with my old 2010 MKS. I complained about this to the dealer and they basically told me "what you got you got," I called the Lincoln company and they sent me to a website where I could have spent the next two years of my limited life trying to figure it out. I think for $74,000 they should take care of it!

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  My Lincoln - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Dena - October 9 - 10:50 am

  This car drives good. It has a wonderful pick up on the road. It has a great engine.

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  lincoln carter excellent - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By lincoln - August 20 - 4:23 am

  bought 1999 lincoln carter towncar used from friend whose wife died. 12,000 miles. better to drive than i thought, good mileage, surprising small turn radius. easy to maintain

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  Luxury at its finest - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By jdw - August 12 - 2:00 am

  A perfect Luxury car. This car is very comfotable and performs well with the V8.

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  Great Luxury Sedan - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By PDV - July 18 - 9:50 pm

  Bought this 02 Conti from private owner w/13K miles, w/every option available i.e. driver select, Alpine CD chgr, moonroof, etc. Looked for 2 yrs to find one w/low mileage, mint condition & color (ivory parchment) knowing it was being discontinued!! Its superior (ride, options & performance) to other makes at thousands more. Cant believe theyre not building them anymore. Get with it Ford!!