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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Last Ford for us.............. - 1999 Lincoln Continental
By vroy - December 8 - 2:00 amIve owned many Ford products but this one is the best on luxury and the worst on performance quality. It is the end of an era. With 71,000 Im replacing a transmission $2200.00. Ford cant make up its mind to rebuild or replace, duh, the torque converter failed and ruined the transmission and they cant decied what to do???? Power seat tracks that failed, outside power mirrors failed, and two of eight coils failed at $120.00 each to replace at less that 50K miles. I never had that much trouble with a Mercury Topaz with 200K miles or my F-150 with 125K miles, or my Mercury Cougar with 130Kmiles.
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2000 Lincoln Continental - 2000 Lincoln Continental
By rbandy - November 15 - 2:00 amFord holds America alive in the vehicle market with Lincoln.
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The best car I have owned - 1997 Lincoln Continental
By Lee W. - November 8 - 2:00 amI have to say my Lincoln is the best car I have owned. There is nothing like a big luxury car. Ride and performance are exceptional. The black paint is decent for the 110,000 miles on it. I have recently had the rear- view mirror problem everyone else is experiencing. Also, the front passenger door has a bad connection which causes the door to show ajar when it is not. This is not a big deal except the interior lights come on when stopped. If anyone can tell me how to economically replace the rear-view mirror, I would appreciate it. I would defineately buy another, though. Great car!
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Good Large American Sedan - 1997 Lincoln Continental
By steven7753 - September 27 - 2:00 amI bought this car with 50,000 miles at one quarter of the original new price- i.e., ten grand for a 40 grand car with 50,000 miles. So far it has been a great large sedan. I wanted a large comfortable car with front wheel drive to commute in and for frequent trips where I take people and "stuff"...have put 16,000 miles on it and only brake work so far and transmission fluid changes...
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No other car compares - 2002 Lincoln Continental
By Veritas - September 25 - 10:00 amThis is an absolutely outstanding car. I am a 33 year-old male (not the stereotypical buyer). This car far exceeds any Japanese or German luxury car. The comfort, ride, reliability, and amenities make this car an absolute joy to drive. It has great power (275 hp). As a front-drive car it has a bit more noise than a rear- driver. But, the car can get through all types of weather. No traction control can beat front-wheel drive. I think the car is beautiful. The interior is restrained, elegant and tasteful. The exterior uses chrome and other accents that sets it apart in a way that is distinctiveness and classy.
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LOVE MY HOT ROD LINCOLN - 1998 Lincoln Continental
By Don Spry - August 27 - 10:56 pmI bought this car in Arizona in summer, 2008. It had 85k on it. It was during the time of rising gas prices at $4/gallon and paid $5000. Having never owned a Lincoln, I thought now was the time to give it a whirl. The car is stunning to look at - with a Southwest Edition update. Folks tell me regularly how beautiful it looks. It is red, cream interior,cream faux convertable top, wrapped in chrome, and has some faux gold trim too. Very fetching. I have now driven the car 35k. Only problem was a minor sensor with the tranny that cost $10. The vehicle average about 20 mpg, which is okay for me. Biggest problem I have with it is the suspension. It bottoms HARD.
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NICE CAR - 2001 Lincoln Continental
By TIM - August 14 - 10:00 amPLENTY OF HORSE POWER IN THIS V-8 270 HP. PLUS MORE IMPORTANT ITS FRONT WELL DRIVE WHICH IS A NECISSITY FOR CHICAGO WINTERS. VERY COMFORTABLE ON LONG TRIPS.
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My Continental - 2000 Lincoln Continental
By mgummy - August 1 - 4:23 amThis car is my first car, and i love it. Being almost 7 feet tall, this car is the perfect size for me. The trunk space is mafia style (3 dead bodies)! It has a few issues like the airbag light that keeps coming on. Its actually easy enough to parallel park, suprisingly.
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Really Like this car! - 1999 Lincoln Continental
By Tony - July 14 - 1:36 pmIm really sorry to learn that this car will no longer be built. I was looking forward to purchasing a new one. The car rides great, looks great and has very good performance. For a car of its size, it also gets pretty good gas mileage.
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Love My Linc - 2000 Lincoln Continental
By EHP - July 11 - 6:53 amI bought the car 2 years old with mileage in the high 30s to replace my ailing Buick. I have never been sorry for a minute that bought this car, it was way ahead of its time technologically and my now 8 year old car with 153K miles on it under my foot still put most to shame.
