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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  Continntal - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By Continental - December 11 - 5:46 am

  Lincoln Continetnal is a fun to drive comfortable car. I love to look at it and would recommend it to anyone as the best value in Luxury Sedans

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  The best car ive drv - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By jing chen - November 12 - 10:00 am

  low price vs bmw and benz Good looking than any bmw more comfort than bmw lot of unbelieveable funtions I love my car.

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  Great Real Family Sedan - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By JB Ben - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle. I like the real seats(heated also) very comfortable. No console to collect dirt and just gets in the way. This is my wifes vehicle but I really like the auto set seats, mirrors, etc. I dont get in trouble for moving the seat because her key gives her back her settings. LS was too small, and we are not big people, 175 lbs, 5 9". We also like the handling. Hate floor consoles. Cant by an LS w/o one. Plenty of power to pass.

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  Last of the breed - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Jim O - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have owned,in the past 10 years, Lincoln Town cars. I decided to get a slightly smaller car and choose the Lincoln COntenintal. Is has met and exceeding my expectations. I could find no fault with this vehicle. I do miss my Town car but this car handles better at the loss of some minor comfort. I can adjust things to fit my personal needs.

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  Hall - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By JH1 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle is great. It has luxury and style all in one. Comfortable but still stylish with a lot of room.

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  Second Lincoln Ive Had - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By M Olson - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Our first Lincoln was a 1987 and we traded it in for the 1998 only because we had put almost 185000 miles on it. We really never had a problem with the 1987 except for replacing the front and rear airbags. (ouch $1,500.00) for for front and same for rear. Our 1998 we have had only 1 major problems is all, (replaced front sway bar) other than that we just have done regular maintenance (oil changes every 3000 miles, rotate tire every 4000 miles and etc.) Always garage kept and washed and waxed regularly. This car rides and drives like a dream. Plenty of power when you need it and you seem to float down the highway.(Because of it being white lots of people on interstate think its a cop car.)

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  2002 Lincoln Continental - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By Bubby/Naquin - July 30 - 8:03 pm

  Lincoln has missed the mark only in the market they are trying to reach. I am a 46 year old male and this car equipped with the Drivers Select, 5 passenger seating and moonroof is my car. This car isnt made for 60+ crowd and shouldnt be marketed as such. Comfort easily beats the LS (my choice prior to discovering the Continental). Had I not heard about it from my brother, I may have overlooked this jewel.

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  what a buy - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By janice - July 5 - 8:10 am

  we bought this lux.car with 64,000 for less than 5000. people at my husbands job were saying who got the new lincoln, and when he said it was 11 years old now body believed him,,they actually looked at the inspection sticker...it is such a pleasure to own this luxury car, handles great all the giggits and gaggets and very roomy, love the heated seats great car

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  Great used car purchase - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By fvcg - May 19 - 10:00 am

  After having owned this used vehicle for a year, I can say it is a good used car purchase for the value. Drove from Michigan to Houston, TX and back. It is comfortable on long drives and does well at highway speeds. It is sporty on stop and go traffic as well. Bought extended warranty from Warrantybynet and still have not used it. It is nice to have the peace of mind. Now has 72K miles on it. Plan to keep it for a while to get return on investment. It has features that a similarly priced new vehicle would not have. The V8 Intech engine has a good track record and it has been reliable for me.

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  Excellent Automobile - 2002 Lincoln Continental
  By WIDOLLAR - April 14 - 6:50 pm

  Its most unfortunate that Ford Motor Company could no longer build and offer this fine automobile. Design, comfort, safety, and fun to drive, this car has it all! Maybe some day Ford can offer the Lincoln Continental once again! I would sure take one for a testdrive, and if it passed all my tests, I would not hesitate to buy one! Ive had two of them.