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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  Nice Car but beware - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By valkarie - March 18 - 2:01 pm

  I bought my 1998 Continental with 100k miles on it. I love the way it handles and the gas mileage is not to bad average 22.9. Premium fuel is expensive. Beware of the suspension. Rattle in the rear end can cost you over 1200 bucks. I had to replace my AC, Charging system, Battery, Tire rod ends wiring harness, all the pulleys and belts about 3k worth of work in 45k miles. It does not hold an alignment well and eats tires. The resale is TERRIBLE. I have 146k on mine now and lucky to get $1700 bucks RETAIl. I had a Grand Marquis before this and I am picking up my Town Car tommorow. I am done putting money in a hole. Although you can buy these cheap beware they can get very expensive.

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  Expensive Upkeep - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By NHContinental - December 14 - 11:46 pm

  Have 1999 Lincoln Continental, approx. 215,000 miles, second owner - bought with 22,000 miles. Very comfortable during long highway driving but expensive to keep up. On 3rd transmission, replaced water pump, replaced inner and outer tie rods and a bunch of other suspension parts, found out today that it needs ball joints, new serpentine belt and more suspension parts. Estimate Ive put about $ 8000. In repairs since 2001 purchase for 21k. Body has held up well, but mechanically its dollaring me to death.

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  Mediocre at best - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Mattius Maximus - October 4 - 10:36 pm

  Lincoln started sucking it up when they redesigned this car. Its got a good, reliable V8 engine but a 4 speed manual chokes the power. Its luxurious, good stock stereo, and relatively comfortable for long drives. If you are nice to it, its nice to you. Its no sports car, its your typical boat of a luxury car with a big engine. Im not shedding a tear at their discontinuation.

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  Pimp Daddy ride - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By clipper821 - August 15 - 2:20 am

  One of the cons of this vehicle is what prompted me to buy it. In 1998 this car had a MSRP price of about 44K. I bought it 3 years old in June of 2001 with 3K miles for only $17,000.00. Retail then was about 21K. That is a steal for what you get in this package. Overall I love it. Tons of features, tons of power, and a classy ride.

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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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  nice car - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By jw - October 18 - 8:46 pm

  Purchased this car from my grandmother a month ago and sold my new ES350. Love driving this car. While it is not very sporty and inside storage is non-existent, it has a very smooth ride, it is quiet, and very comfortable. I enjoy driving it and get plenty of compliments.

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  Late md Continentals speedometer error - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Tom Coomes - October 4 - 8:26 am

  My speedometer does not register the true speed of my 2001 Continental. 6 mph off. Used GPS to clock. My dealer told me that ALL Continentals speedometer are in error. Ford engineers told me a 10% error either direction was exceptable. Asked to put it in writing, they refused saying that it isnt written and they could not put it in writing. Chkd the Town Car and LS and they were within tenths of a mph off. So they can make a speedometer accurate. Better chk yours or you may get a ticket when you do not deserve one.

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  A Quality Car All Around - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Randy M. - August 4 - 10:56 pm

  I have enjoyed this car from the very moment I purchased it. The 2002 Lincoln Continental is truely deserving of its name. The responsiveness, econony, and comfort of the car in its class is nothing less of superb. While driving, the car is smooth and fairly quiet on even the noisiest highways. Handling the car on curves and corners, especially at higher speeds, does bring out the cars size, but is handled rather well with its electronic suspension system. It may not be a hot rod, but its not your dads Continental either! If you get one of these cars, make sure you get it with all the options, since this car is no longer available. All in all, this car is a good buy!

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  john - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By johng - June 22 - 3:00 pm

  Enjoyed the pick up and reliability of the vehicle. the pearl finish was excellent except for some paint peeling on the door bumpers. The select areas for fiberglass was a good choice and eliminated any potential rust areas. The auto recall on the seats was enormously helpful since Ive driven some without.