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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  1997 Lincoln Continental Base - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By hmeister - April 18 - 4:33 am

  Bought with 37k miles and car was only driven 2800 miles per year. Florida car and I have driven 10k in the first year. Car has plenty of power and runs great on the 4.6L 32 valve. Transmission was changed out but sometimes hunts for the OD gear on highway. Tracking on car at highway speeds is wonderful. Assisted steering is great. No stress driving long miles on highway. 26MPG on highway and 19MPG around town. Ride comfort is 10 out of 10. I changed out the original tires as they were dry rotted and replaced with Michlin MXV4 - drives even better! 13 year old car and very little so far for issues. Tie rods are dry and will be replaced soon. Very common on this car.

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  A GREAT value for a used car buy - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By aaack - August 26 - 2:00 am

  A lot of (used) car for the money. Many convenience/luxury features. Nice ride. Powerful InTech V8 engine easily overcomes Michelin tires, but traction control works pretty well. The engine is bulletproof, but transmission fluid MUST be changed every 15K miles to maintain shift quality and if you expect the transmission to last more than 50,000 miles. Handling is decent but not up to Lexus/Benz. Quality is quite good for American made car, but not up to the Japanese highline models. I would never buy a new one (even if they still made them) - too much depreciation - but for $9000-$13000 you wont find a nicer car with as many features.

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  Quite a ride for $2,900.00!!! - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By John - August 11 - 3:13 am

  I bought a 1997 used Lincoln Continental for a measly 2900 bucks in December of 2004. It has proven itself to be a reliable, comfortable, and quick automobile. I have put about 22000 miles on it in a year and 3 months and the only repairs it required were brakes and a set of tie rod ends. It also is fairly economical for a large sedan with a V8, I get about 22.5 MPG average.

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  AMERICAN COMFORT - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By STINGER - February 28 - 10:00 am

  DRIVABILITY IS COMFORTABLE AND QUIET. CONNIE ALWAYS FEELS IN CONTROL. LOTS OF POWER-ETC IS AN ESSENTIAL FEATURE. CONTROLS ARE LOCATED WELL. INSTRUMENT LIGHTING IS DIM IN DAYLIGHT W/HEADLIGHTS. COMPUTER SYSTEM AND DRIVER IDENTITY FOR SETTINGS/READOUTS IS GREAT. STYLING IS OK--CAR IS NOT VERY DISTINCTIVE--APPEARANCE OVERALL RESEMBLES A FORD CROWN VIC.

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  Better than average - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By speedboy3000 - January 25 - 4:15 pm

  This is my third car, and a hand-me-down from my father. I have been driving it for 3 years now. I hated it when I first got it, as a big, boat like sedan was not fitting for the outdoors man in me. However, its slowly grown on me. 175,00 miles on it currently, second transmission was replaced at 105,000. The air ride suspension went out on it and replaced with struts. The engine is strong and reliable. The 4 speed transmission was a horrible implementation. Its a beast in the snow, never failed up the ski mountain, and I have nicknamed it "The Snow Boat". Overall, compared to similar age and mileage cars I have seen, this has been, and I swallow my pride to say, superb.

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  Im glad I got the Continental - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Tom Tucker - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very happy with my Lincoln Continental for the past 18 months. I understand they have dicontinued this model, how sad. Its a great auti and worth the luxury experience and money.

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  Comfortable and classy - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Cody Marten - May 28 - 1:16 pm

  For a 15 year old car, she still gets around quite well. I bought mine with a salvage title with 42k miles. Have put over 15k on it so far and have had no mechanical problems other than one instance of a mysterious loss of power. Despite this hiccup, the only problems Ive had so far are cosmetic damage associated with having a 10+ year old car. My only complaints would be poor fuel economy and turning dynamics. Its a big car with a big engine, so I expect to pay a lot for gas though. Due to its size, it doesnt take turns well. Your rear passengers may go for a ride if you take them too sharply. Overall, its been a great car and Ive enjoyed owning it.

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  troubles,troubles for my 98 lincoln cont - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By ray suto - January 30 - 7:26 pm

  I have since 12/02 out of my pocket apprx $3600 in repairs to my 98 Lincoln Cont....I bought it with 58,000. It now has 112,500 mi as of 4- 13-09. Additionally, under warrenty, $1800 was incurred. In 2007 I spent $400 for body work. Totally, not counting normal oil changes and tires, this vehicle has apprx $6000 in repairs and body work. Included in repairs wass a $1300 transmission (2008) 111,000mi. Ignition coils, actuator, brakes (twice) front and back. rotors, etc. front coil spring broke, ball joints, tie rods, speed sensors, knuckle front wheel, etc, etc......Pretty expensive for any auto. Not a happy camper.

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  Not up to date! - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Eduard Emil - October 27 - 7:05 pm

  I think I purchased the first one sold in wisconsin. Its a beautiful smooth car with two problems. Using the push button shifter, its very easy to mistakenly push the Reverse button instead of the Park button. That could cause a serious accident if you dont double check which button you pushed before taking your foot off the break. Second annoyance is that the GPS is out of date because it doesnt accept addresses that my 3 year old Tom Tom in my truck or my PCs Mapquest does. It also displays out of date speed limits i.e., I-43 in Wisconsin is 70 mph, the GPS says its the old 65 mpg changed two years ago. I noticed this on other roads too, completely not up to date. I am sure they figured on this for a future upgrade for $400 in a year or so as they did with my old 2010 MKS. I complained about this to the dealer and they basically told me "what you got you got," I called the Lincoln company and they sent me to a website where I could have spent the next two years of my limited life trying to figure it out. I think for $74,000 they should take care of it!

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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 $