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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  5 years of ownership - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By scopen - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great power for a big car. Great trunk size. I always had trouble with brakes every 20M miles. rear view mirror stopped working and will cost $500 to replace. I havent, still looking for a used one. Other than that, still a great car. I have 95M now. Id buy another one, but they stopped making them.

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  Best ride of my life - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By tncontint - April 9 - 8:50 am

  This is the second Lincoln that I have owned. The first was a 78 town car. This Continental is without a doubt one of the best looking cars on the road. It is a very powerful, and fun filled car to drive. I have put nearly 100,000 miles on it since I purchased it. I would take it around the world if they had bridges to do so. I have that much faith in it. I dont foresee me purchasing another vehicle to drive, since they cant compete with this one that is paid for.

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  Great Car - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By BillJ73 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of these used. Obviously the resale value is low, but I have no idea why. This is a great, comfortable car. Having the V8 under the hood, and the comfort and reliability of a Lincoln at the prices these are going for used is a great deal. You cant go wrong buying this car.

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  Dont brother with this one... - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By Frank - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving this car. For a large car the handling and acceleration are wonderful. However, I have just been told that the transmission needs repaired...for the 3rd time. This will be my last Ford product. Enough said.

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  Luxury at a great price - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Patrick - March 3 - 3:01 am

  Lincoln built a great vehicle. The 30 way seat with the buit in message was genius.The comfort is unbelievable. First time since 2001 this vehicle built. Lincoln continental is truly a luxury automobile.

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  Golden Girls Lincoln - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Golden Continental - January 19 - 10:20 am

  When my husband purchased this care for me, I was surprised, I put the car on the highway the same day...I was impressed about the performance and gas mileage, it handled the road very well. When my husband is driving, I feel like Im sitting in the living room, not to mention Im five eleven (Head room a plus). Our kids enjoy the space in the back seat and the pull down cup console. Just unbelivable. I thought it was a granny car, but I soon found out...This is the car for me. My husband is searching for one for himself.

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  Decent Car - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Mac - January 8 - 8:56 am

  I had to purchase a new car after my 89 Buick bit the dust. I shopped around and found this at a local dealer ship and they had an excellent price on it. The car was purchased with 80K on the dial and it is now up to 90K. I have had two MAJOR problems and those are as follows: 1) PATS module that tells the car that the key is in the ignition failed costing 400. 2) A bad airbag sensor in the passenger airbag costing 350. Overall it has been a pretty decent vehicle.

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  ALARMING SITUATION... - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By SFABB - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad car, I enjoy the ride, and looks. The major problem Ive been experiencing is the alarm goes off at any given time. Ive taken the car to the dealer on two occassions, since they cant duplicate the problem theres not much they can do. I believe the problem is in the ignition. When I shut the car off the alarm sounds.The door ajar does not go on. If anyone is aware of the cause, please e-mail me.

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  Doing The Continental - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Larry Staunton - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I was wonderfully pleased by the luxurious interior of my Collectors Edition. Leather and suede seats are a super nice touch. The build quality is impeccable along with it beautiful charcoal gray exterior paint. I installed a walnut wood interior trim kit which makes the vehicle even more unique and luxurious.

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  INEXPENSIVE LUXURY CAR!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By SCARLETT - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I have always had full sized luxury cars. this one is by far the best Lincoln yet. I love the controls on the steering wheel( cuts down on distractions!) I love being able to choose, ride steering and overall handling of the car. I also regret that this is the last year for such a fine automobile. and the excellent service is great.