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:

• 

  LOVE MY HOT ROD LINCOLN - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Don Spry - August 27 - 10:56 pm

  I 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.

• 

  Great Car! - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By clujborn - June 18 - 3:44 am

  We purchased this car 5 years ago and its been the most reliable car we ever had.Its got 152 K miles and no problems.The looks of this car are timeless.I cant believe Edmunds calls it "boxy" what?Its got 4.6 lt v8 @275 hp and gets 25 mpg hwy.Need i say more?Awesome car but transmissions were kind of fragile in this car so make sure you change that trans oil no later then every 30K miles.

• 

  Great car if your rich - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Dr Rocket - March 6 - 10:06 am

  Excellent car but repairs are very expensive. Plenty of power but interior gadgets are confusing. Gas mileage is good for a v8. Much better then new lincolns.

• 

  You gotta get one or two - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Eric, Fairfield OH - January 15 - 2:56 am

  I brought this brute used and it was going to be the long trip car only. Well guess what, it is my everyday driver. The features on this car rival all the so called new tech opts even on the 6 figure imports. The best feature is the selectable rear susp and steering level. Wow! Only Lincoln drivers know what Im talking about. The steering wheel mounted controls for HVAC fan speed, temp, radio and cruise..all the things you need to keep any button pushing techy stoned with amazement and awe for years. I have been on Ohios northern snow highways and others spun while I run. When summer hits the clean paint and chrome blinds the sun.

• 

  Noisy and uncomfortable - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Billcars - January 12 - 2:00 am

  From day one this car has been a complete disappointment. Uncommon vibrations and very high ambient noise make it very uncomfortable. The selling dealer didnt want to hear the complaints and said the noise and vibration were normal. A second dealer replaced two front tires with flat spots and no mileage on them and put in new motor mounts. The vibrations were stopped but the road noise is unbearable. This was my first and last Lincoln.

• 

  My Outstanding 2000 Lincoln Continental - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By AlHa - August 21 - 6:30 am

  Purchased at at 56,000 miles and now at 77,000. Excellent ride quality (NY potholes become laughable), ride comfort (drove 250mi. to NY and back to PA numerous times without stopping), no service issues whatsoever, vast array of interior features (except cupholders, I have spilled a few drinks in a turn or quick stop), solid frame (no weird noises and doors close solidly), great Alpine system. I love the straight line acceleration from a stop and on highways but forget about any white knuckle excursions around back roads. Over-the-top interior and trunk space (Ive seated 4 fully grown adults in the back seat). 2 negatives: fuel consumption and fun factor

• 

  Nice car for the money - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By ED - August 5 - 1:33 am

  4 years of ownership and had very little issues with the car. 2 coil on plugs went bad $125 a pop. Front suspension overhaul( tie rods, sway bars) car had a clunk over bumps and never was fixed after 4 trips. I think its a design flaw as many other owners suffer this annoying noise. Alternator and battery at 110k other than that and a few other things the car is solid, especially now you can get one dirt cheap infact cheaper that a similar year Accord or sometimes Civic. Solid motor, guy I sold it to at 110k now has 180k on it without much work. makes me regret selling it. tranny can be iffy on some of these car so make sure if shifts good. Hold off for a 99 model many improvement

• 

  Continental Review - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Lincoln Owner - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Fortunately, this car came with a 4 yr/50K warranty. Under warranty, the following items have been repaired and/or replaced: windshield, A/C, Powertrain Control Module, battery, door keypad, top of trunk upholstery. On three occasions, I have had to use a rental car since my Continental was not available due to: no start, trunk popping open randomly, and A/C inoperative. I sincerely hope my experience isnt typical of all Continental owners. I will say that it is a very pleasant car to drive on trips when it happens to be running OK.

• 

  A great second owner car! - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By Bob - February 12 - 3:56 am

  This is the best overall car we have ever owned. A great used car bargin!At over 40K new the interior build quality is not there. We have put almost 100K on our car and other than replacing most of the front suspension parts we have had no problems. At about 80K miles parts of this car will let you know it was built in the Dearborn area! We would buy another if they still produced them.

• 

  New to "Ford" - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By JIHedstrom - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had three Cadillacs in the past. This is a good reliable car. Not a Cadillac, but still a good car.