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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  Lincoln Got it right! - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Gary - April 2 - 7:56 am

  The Lincoln Continental has been one of the most enjoyable, low cost per mile luxury autos Ive ever owned. It now has over 130,000 miles on the car and does not leak anything - still gets 25-26 mpg on the highway. It has been one of the least expensive luxury cars to maintain that Ive ever owned. I put Michelin Hydroedge tires on the car and it handles better than when new! Wish Lincoln still manufactured this automobile. Not too large, not too small. Wonderful automobile!

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  Great Buy - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By Art Stauber - February 5 - 10:00 am

  surprised at the lower price of such a fine luxury car just a few years old.Also the fuel economy for such a performer is outstanding.On trips average about 29 mpg,in town about 22mpg.Great ride and great dealer support.Lots of electronics and appointments.I would highly recommend this car...

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  Luxury without Wealth - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By Teach - December 21 - 6:05 am

  The Continental rides beautifully. It handles the road, pot holes, like a Trojan horse. Its cool, calm, heavy, and stately. I have driven the Mercedes S class and have found this car to exhibit the same feel, and road manners as its Bavarian neighbor with out the big excessive money down, or astronomically high monthly note. Compared to my 2013 MKZ this car drinks gas, but for the power, acceleration and poise which it exudes, I smile everytime I stand next to it. This car is a Beast, and I mean that in a great way. From some angles it looks like a Bentley. I am more than pleased, I am humbled to have such an awesome ride. The interior space is a dream come true. My family fits without the adjustment of the front seats. It offers the best seat in the house while on the road.

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  best vechile i ever owned - 1998 Lincoln Continental
  By listephens - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I am disabled due to a vechile accident, so i went looking for a bigger car. believe it or not my lincoln gets between 25 to 27 miles per gallon . Just about what my galant got. amazing warm seats when you have a long trip and back problems.

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  Whats not to like! - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Bill Holt - November 22 - 9:26 pm

  We bought our 1999 Continental about 2 years ago for $7,500. Low mileage on the car when we bought it. Weve had no trouble with the car at all. Good power, nice-looking, decent gas mileage, large trunk, comfortable for 5, just the right size.

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  The continental is so nice, I bought one. - 2017 Lincoln Continental
  By DC - November 18 - 5:05 pm

  This is an update to my original review several months ago. I continue to marvel at the comfort, quietness and performance of this car. It is so comfortable, smooth and quiet that now my other four cars seem noisy and rough. I just love the perfect position seats. I had been looking for a luxury sedan for about a year. I test drove almost every model of every luxury brand and finally decided on the Lincoln Continental. I bought the Reserve model with the 2.7 liter twin turbo engine (380 lbs. of torque) and the perfect position seats (Extra cost, but worth every penny). The Continental is a really high quality, fast, quiet and comfortable car. It is perfect for long trips, where you can enjoy the extremely quiet cabin and amazingly comfortable seats. I tried every seat on the market and the heated and cooled Lincoln Continental Perfect Position seats are the best available anywhere. I have owned seven Mercedes, several Cadillacs and Lincolns. This Continental is by far the nicest of them all. The quality of the leather and wood is outstanding as is the fit and finish of the entire car. The safety and convenience features of the car are wonderful. Lincoln has invested a lot of time and money to design the new Continental and it shows. Lincoln also has put a lot of money into their dealerships and I was pleased with how helpful the dealership and sales staff were. I spent a lot of time driving every model to find the one I liked best and they were most accommodating. I like the fact the Continental has six year power train warranty and a four year, 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. When the car needs an oil change or service, the dealer will pick up the car at my home, perform the service, wash the car and return it to my home. There is no fee for this service. The car also comes with lifetime roadside assistance. If needed, Lincoln will provide a loaner car. This gives me assurance Lincoln has confidence in this vehicle and backs it with a very good warranty. There is one more thing I like about my Continental. It is built in the USA by American workers. If you are looking for a really nice, comfortable and well made luxury car, you should try the Lincoln Continental.

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  Thumbs up for 2001 Continental - 2001 Lincoln Continental
  By syzygy9 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  My Continental is absolutely without question the best overall vehicle I have ever owned (it is my 33rd vehicle!). I look forward to the commute home at the end of the day - quiet luxurious comfortable performance. Reliability has been without incident and I have confidence this will continue. The 4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty from the factory and complimentary maintenance services for the first 3 years/36,000 miles as well as a loaner car from my dealer when service is performed just adds to my Lincoln Continental ownership experience.

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  Decent Car - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By Paul - October 9 - 4:50 am

  Tranny fluid must be changed at 50k mile intervals with new filter, not just flushed. Front seat backs have lousy lateral support. Nice inside & outside style. Suspension air bags way better than my 1990 Continental. Rear doors definitely are harder to open from outside than front doors. Compass and "Day-night" fluid in rear view mirror just failed. Top 1/2 of mirror is always bright & bottom 1/2 is dark. With 140k miles, no big repairs yet, although the air bag light is on since when I reclined the drivers seat all the way down - must have pinched a wire. Important: Wet sand the plastic headlight lenses with 1600 grit or finer to restore that new look.

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  HOT ROD LINCOLN - 1997 Lincoln Continental
  By DUANE ASHMORE - September 5 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR MAKES DRIVING FUN AGAIN.THE PEOPLE WHO CAME UP WITH THE PHRASE 4DSC {FOUR DOOR SPORTS COUPE }DO NOT HAVE A CLUE UNTIL THEY HAVE DRIVEN A LINCOLN CONTINENTAL.THIS CAR GETS EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE ,ABOUT 19 OR 20 IN THE CITYAND UP TO 29 ON THE HIGHWAY. NOT BAD FOR A 2 1/2 TON V8.

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  1999 Lincoln Continental - 1999 Lincoln Continental
  By jrussell - August 4 - 2:40 pm

  I love my Lincoln Continental. It is fun to drive, has all the options that I could ever want and gets decent gas mileage for a larger car.