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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  faiths continental - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Faith - March 25 - 7:50 am

  This is a beautiful car. It is silver with a navy cloth top and gray interior. It has all the extras avilable including a five disk cd player. This car was pampered, always garage kept.

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  Hot Rod Lincoln - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Dr. Detroit - March 24 - 1:33 pm

  I bought this black over grey fully loaded Continental after driving a Park Avenue Ultra, Cadilac Seville, and Chrysler 300. This car was just plain faster and handled better. Itll run rock solid at 80 mph and still get 25 mpg. The user adjustable air-suspension and steering are valuable because you can get very good ride control. It wont float, bounce, or lean at speed. The engine is red-lined at 6,500 rpm and itll run that fast. Low-end torque, say below 1,500 to 1,800 rpm, is somewhat slight; so, if you are used to a standard normal V8 then youre gonna have to goose it a bit more than usual off the line. But, after that just hold on.

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  7 year owner of 1998 Continental - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By BILL HOWARD - March 8 - 3:03 am

  Had real problems with this car when I first bought it. Had to have it towed into the dealership 3 times, and their final answer was that I had had fuel pump problems. Also had a clicking sound at that right left front side of the car and they determined that a ball joint was cracked. Havent had any trouble along those lines since. My only complaint now is that the right front suspension is making a grunting sound that I notice when driving into the garage and also when driving slow and going over uneven road surfaces.

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  My Continental CE - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Robs - CE - February 10 - 10:00 am

  At first I was a little unsure about the comfort of this car. However, the more I drive it the more it fits me. It took all of the first 100 miles for me to completly enjoy this car. The Continental drives with litte effort, the vehicle handles like a car built to be smaller and more nimble. It doesnt "float" like other full size cars I have driven, it has road feel and is a car for all roads. Lincoln should reconsider their dropping of this car. The style and ride are 5 STAR.

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  2001 Lincoln Continental - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Jimbo - February 6 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased this vehicle as a "sometime" driver; have a company car to drive to work, and an old minivan for hauling stuff. So the Lincoln is used to go out with the wife, visit kids at college, or travel. I did not believe reviews I had read about this cars gas mileage, but I am getting around 24 mpg combined. This car effortlessly flies down the highway, and is like driving a leather recliner. The trunk is massive for suitcases, etc. I cannot believe that Lincoln stopped making this car. It is a luxury car, but people were probably afraid to buy it because of the V-8. And no, you do not need premium. I have no problem with regular unleaded in this thing. Buy one if you can!

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  Love this car - 2000 Lincoln Continental
  By Jerzeybob - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I leased my car when the 2000 models first came out. After having car for the first 3 months I thought that I have finally found a car that had all that I wanted. Size, Sport feel, comfort and all the toys a man could ask for, mine was loaded with everything. When I was ready to trade it in for a 2003 model was told they are not going to be making them any more I was furious. I see so many of them on the road dont understand why? Was told to replace it with LS, no way. So I bought the car but when it comes time to replace it I will go to Cadillac for they are the other luxury front wheel drive car. I love the car.

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  Keep Making It - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Gus - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful Car. Ive had a new one every 2 years for 16 yrs and Im only 44!

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  California Dream - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By 49erfaithful - January 16 - 11:20 pm

  Have always driven high end cars & saw this with 48,000 mi on it and want it. Got it for $7,200--No regrets. Great power, extremely reliable & very comfortable for short or long trips. Have 115,000 mi on it now with just regular routine maintenance, new brakes, new tires & new headliner. Exellent cost benefits ratio car to drive when bought used. Combined 20- 21 mpg at 60%/40% highway/city, not bad at all.

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  Beyond Expectations - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Bill - December 27 - 12:00 am

  I ordered the Continental in July. I was starting to get inpatient and wondering if it was going to be really worth the wait. Well, let me tell you that from the second I seen the Continental Pull up from getting out of detail, right away I knew it was worth the wait. This car is just BEAUTIFUL plain and simple. The pictures do it no justice, they do not capture the elegant curves that this Lincoln has. While I was waiting for it to be built, I was considering Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Cadillac. I am SO happy I waited it out and stuck with Lincoln. There is just something special when you stand back and look it at. It has many throw backs to the classic Lincolns while also including all of todays modern technology. The ride is so quiet and smooth. The massaging seats are AMAZING! I never wanna get out of the car! The door handles are awesome, just pull and the door opens effortlessly. All I can say is go to a showroom and go see it and drive one. Like stated above, all the elegant and classy curves are not captured on the photos that I have seen so far. Im SO impressed. By the way, Im 35yr old guy and Im proud to drive this AMERICAN CLASSIC! I have the Black Label, Diamond Black exterior, Thoroughbred interior (gorgeous combo), 3.0 AWD. I would recommend at least getting the Reserve if able, the Black Label is just incredible.

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  who would have told me? - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By al - December 26 - 9:33 pm

  As a younger person I would have never thought of a Lincoln but my friend at the dealer insisted I tested this car when I got fed up with my Mercedes and so I did and it was the beginning of a love affair: I love this car. I will drive it as long as I can. I also own a Jaguar and it sits mostly in the garage because this Lincoln is such as sweet ride.....I get 24 miles on the highway!! with a V-8? incredible but true. I had the software upgraded and the mileage is greater than before. I most definitely recommend this car and scold Ford for dropping out of the line in favor of what? the plastic-cheap LS? Fire the CEO!!