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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  Exclnt. Quality for the money - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By dar357 - June 24 - 2:26 am

  Large car with very comfortable ride & quiet at hiway-speeds. Drive normal & I can get 28 MPG Hwy. & 18 City.

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  Good car - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By ale11 - June 11 - 4:25 am

  I got this care used with 350,000 KM on it as I needed a cheap car for a new driver in my family. Paid just1,000 bucks for it. The engine still runs like a clock, tranny is still OK; hope the tranny will last for couple of more years... Evrything (except drivers eat not being heated and the rear window) is working in this 14 year old car!!! It has lots of power and cruising nicely on the highway. My family loves this car and prefers to drive it to a much newer ones! Ive had to fix the rocker panels as they were rusted through, painted the car and it looks very good now. I know it is old, but I still cant think of it as a clunker... Gas milege in the city is a pain of course with gas $

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  Fun Drive, Fun Ride - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By robertkelly - May 18 - 3:00 am

  A super car. I owned a 1993 Continental and felt it was underpowered, with the V-8 the problem was solved. The car was purchased new and presently has 146,000 miles.It runs great. The only major problem is the electrical; always a door ajar and the interior lights stay on. Help! I have replaced a hub bearing, starter, alternator, brakes, and power steering pump.

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  lincoln continental - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By gary bauman - May 4 - 2:00 am

  great car....love the motor

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  Nice Car but beware - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By valkarie - March 18 - 2:01 pm

  I bought my 1998 Continental with 100k miles on it. I love the way it handles and the gas mileage is not to bad average 22.9. Premium fuel is expensive. Beware of the suspension. Rattle in the rear end can cost you over 1200 bucks. I had to replace my AC, Charging system, Battery, Tire rod ends wiring harness, all the pulleys and belts about 3k worth of work in 45k miles. It does not hold an alignment well and eats tires. The resale is TERRIBLE. I have 146k on mine now and lucky to get $1700 bucks RETAIl. I had a Grand Marquis before this and I am picking up my Town Car tommorow. I am done putting money in a hole. Although you can buy these cheap beware they can get very expensive.

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  Not my Mark VIII - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By rriproarin - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Lincoln has been good to me. My first one was a 93 Mark VIII. I had the car for 6 years and it was a fun and unique car. Unfortunately it got wrecked. Such is life. I have a family now with 2 kids so I needed a sedan anyway. The Continental is a fun drive for a sedan. Its interior ameneties are good and it is a comfortable ride for both short and long trips. The exterior lacks the pizzaz of the Mark but it is still a pretty car. Ive put 18,000 miles on it in 6 months without a single service issue.

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  Expensive Upkeep - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By NHContinental - December 14 - 11:46 pm

  Have 1999 Lincoln Continental, approx. 215,000 miles, second owner - bought with 22,000 miles. Very comfortable during long highway driving but expensive to keep up. On 3rd transmission, replaced water pump, replaced inner and outer tie rods and a bunch of other suspension parts, found out today that it needs ball joints, new serpentine belt and more suspension parts. Estimate Ive put about $ 8000. In repairs since 2001 purchase for 21k. Body has held up well, but mechanically its dollaring me to death.

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  Great car - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Liam - November 23 - 10:53 pm

  Its amazing

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  Great Vehicle! - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By Janaya - November 8 - 10:23 pm

  Purchased car used. This is Lincoln No. 5, the first were new and this Continental is the best car I have ever owned. Would love to have another. A dream come true. It has given me some wonderful times behind the wheel between NY and NC. (Hope my luck continues now that it is paid off).

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  98 Continental - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By salesman - November 4 - 10:00 am

  After owning and maintaining four Volvos, three Nissans , a Toyota, a Chevrolet, and a Pontiac, I can say that the Silver 1998 Lincoln Continental that takes a beating seving as my mobile office has been, per operating mile, the cheapest,most reliable car Ive ever owned. After 156,000 brutal miles it runs & rides like a champ. No torn seats. No cracked dash. No burning oil. Tranny shifts the same as when I drove it off the lot. Lincoln got it right on the 1998-2003 Continental. Im going to keep on driving it. But I am seriously considering looking at an Aviator when the time comes because of my experience with the quality of the Continental.