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:
Showing 11 through 20 of 194.00-
Greatest Car - 2000 Lincoln Continental
By Milton - June 30 - 10:00 amBring it back PLEASE!!!!
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1997 Lincoln Continental - 1997 Lincoln Continental
By dbel - June 26 - 11:36 amNice car....bought recently with low miles 76k....idles extremely smoothly....lots of power....great gas mileage...22.7 average..mostly highway....cruises well at 74mph....very pleased so far with the car.
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Very Impressive ! - 1998 Lincoln Continental
By Dave B (Mr D) - June 14 - 3:03 pmOnly had this vehicle for a few weeks, but Im impressed. Had 107k miles when purchased, but still looks new and a great ride too. Gray with chrome really sets it off! If you ask me, this is just as luxurious as the Town Car. Thank you Lincoln.
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Love this car - 2001 Lincoln Continental
By George N - June 11 - 10:00 amBought this new. It has been dependable and dealer support has been the best I have ever had. This is the 4th Lincoln we have purchased and the best. 3 have been front wheel drive. I will only buy front wheel or all wheel drive. Sad that Lincoln has no more front wheel. Next purchase will probably be Cadalac.
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A fantastic Automobile - 2002 Lincoln Continental
By don38 - May 22 - 10:00 amBest Car I have owned to date. Lots of power for merging after rest stops on the interstate.
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Big Dollar Bang for the Buck - 1998 Lincoln Continental
By M2EnhanceU - May 7 - 2:03 amI got this car at such a good price that every time I drive it I feel like I stole it! For having over 180,000 miles when I bought it it runs and drives great! The wife ran it into a tall median so I had to get an alignment which required replacing the lower ball joints & inner tie rods as well and new front tires as the wifes "median job" caused the not that old ones to prematurely wear out about 700 miles later. Great engine! The old song "Hot Rod Lincoln" frequently comes to mind. Turn the traction control off and itll smoke the front tires on dry pavement, really surprises the hot rods at stoplights! All in all a great car, at 10 years old its stayed in great condition. Fun and style!
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Dont make them like this anymore - 1997 Lincoln Continental
By rich - January 29 - 11:56 pmI have 113,000 miles & except for tune ups (which I do myself) & a paint job, the car runs great. Its fast (4.6v8) yet I get 17mp city & 24hwy, for a 1997 it still purrrrs like new. Also I change the oil & filter every 3 thousand miles.
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Loving your lincoln - 1997 Lincoln Continental
By Lincoln4ever - December 27 - 2:00 amThis is my second Lincoln my first one was a 93 Town Car, and so far this car well exceeds my expectations. The rear view mirror needs to be replaced, but it is still useable. It also needed 2 O2 sensors but the dealership replaced both. The car is a joy and and a pleasure to drive. The steering is effortless and the ride is just as stated plush. And for the 6,200.00 price tag it has been a bargain so far.
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Very good but not great - 2002 Lincoln Continental
By brxv - December 22 - 10:00 amA BIG car ride and drive. A truly excellent dollar value, lots of toys, driver select system is quite good. Driver information center is very easy to operate and love the compass. Gas mileage for the 275 HP Intech is quite good. And...the Continental is smooth and powerful on take off. Front-wheel drive leads to slight oversteer. Thus you dont have the feel of a great American luxo-cruiser. Good....not great. Much, much better value than Audi A6, Acura any model, Volvo, Jaguar, Lexus or any of the other mid luxury cars. THE VERY BEST CLIMATE CONTROL AND AC of any vehicle I have experienced.
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Lincoln is back!! - 2017 Lincoln Continental
By Thomas - November 10 - 2:43 pmThe Continental is by far the best car I could have purchased for the money. Silky smooth/quite ride, excellent performance and top notch materials. And as always the treatment and service you receive from your Lincoln Mercury well Lincoln dealer is always superior to anyone else. I highly recommend the Continental to anyone who is looking for a comfortable and luxurious sedan. Also 400 horsepower is a great thing to have on reserve as well. So glad Lincoln brought back the Continental.
