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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  Love it !! - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Tim - November 7 - 4:30 pm

  Bought this car mainly for the 4 door, just had baby. Absolutely love it! Only complaint I have is the front drive. I much prefer rear drive, but couldnt find a decent Lincoln LS at the time I needed the car. Had it a year now and love it more every time I drive it. Great gas mileage for the level of comfort, 20 around town 28 on highway usually. No problems at all with this fine auto. Ford did a horrible job promoting this, hence its unfortunate demise.

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  LUXURY AT ITS Best! - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By john - October 14 - 6:37 am

  The extra cost is worth every dollar. We tend to keep a car a long time, and the quality of this Lincoln Continental tells me it will last like our Towncar did.

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  Impressive Lincoln! - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By PatrickJR - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I like the big car "feel" with the flair of sportiness...an exuberant drivetrain...robust acceleration...NOT quite as gutsy as my 2001 Mustang BULLITT GT, though...Ford, keep-up the good work!!!

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  Lincoln Continental - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By John428 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle about one year ago. I love the way this car handles on the hwy. Though its on the large side it handles like a smaller car but rides like a big car. Visibility is good all around. All the creature comforts are included. I have had absolutely no problems with this car as of now. Gas mileage is ok, I get 28 mpg hwy. / 16 mpg city. Maintenance expenses so far were for per oil changes $25.00 dealer & 30,000 mi scheduled service which includes, transmission & engine oil, fuel injector cleaning, air intake & cabin filters, engine coolant flush, tire rotation & wheel alignment for just under $600.00.

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  Amazing beautiful car! - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By BJR - August 27 - 9:21 am

  Currently have less than 1,000 miles on the car and couldnt be happier with it. Initially got lousy gas mileage the first week but the dealer assured me it would get better and was stunned to get 32.6 mpg driving down I95. Usually runs about 20 to 24 mpg around town which I am pleased with. The car is extremely comfortable riding and people fight over who will sit in the front seat to get massaged. Still trying to figure out all the gadgets and functions. Love that people stop and walk around the car and always comment on it. I have the white gold color and it is stunning. Did 6 months of research on about 10 different cars, luxury, sporty, muscle cars, etc. and am very pleased with our choice.

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  Continetal Divide - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By wjpolte - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I Test drove every make and model for the last 4 months and nothing compares to the Continetal. Acura, Lexus, BMW, Audi, Volvo etc are all the same. Same interior, Same box exterior, might as well build a generic sedan just change the nameplate. The Continetal is different. It has room, luxury, driviablity, sportablity and an American style of its own. Its a shame some maketing genius doesnt capitalize on the uniqueness of the Continetal.

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  Nothing beats this Lincoln! - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Greg - May 20 - 2:16 am

  Car had 97k on it when I bought it. Today it has 173,000 and still runs excellent. Zero problems! Zero. Had to replace tires of course and I believe maybe the tie rod ends are ready to be replaced. Expensive, but big deal compared to what Ive saved.

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  Value for the money - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Dave - May 18 - 8:40 am

  This is my second Lincoln, Gave the first one to my son who still drives it with no problems. I liked it so much I bought another one for myself. First time I ever purchased 2 of the same types of vehicles. I have nothing negative to say about them

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  Simply Awesome!!! - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Scott G - March 7 - 6:17 pm

  What a car! Was leaning towards a BMW 7 series and drove the Lincoln hands down a way better car for way less money.

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  Surpising Improvement - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By JRBoca - February 28 - 4:45 am

  My fourth Lincoln in the past 10 years and first impressions are very positive albeit limited miles on the car so far. Of the two MKXs and the MKZ hybrid I owned prior to this car, the new Continental is a winner. The fit and finish inside and out are of the level of a higher priced vehicle. I also own a 2015 SL 550 which I used as a benchmark. Ive got the 2.7L which I find to be quick and smooth for its size and a little noisy on takeoff. The updated Sync 3 system is solid compared to the previous ones Ive owned. All still much better than what Ive got in my MB. Ive got the perfect position seats and theyre pretty perfect. These seats make this car and a must if youre considering buying one. I got the standard radio which is disappointing for the overall price of the car. Ill switch out the speakers with better aftermarket as a workaround. I would have bought the Revel radio if they had one. After I log a few thousand more miles, Ill update this review.