I have always been a fan of the big body cars. The Lincoln Continental fully embodies exactly what it means to be big and luxurious with its 3.8L V6, air ride suspension, leather interior, wood grain trim and all digital gauges. The particular model I own also has a all black ragtop.
The first thing you notice about the Lincoln Continental when you approach it is its size, its a huge car, weighing approximately 3500lbs. While it is part of Ford's luxury line, you will immediately notice that it is missing one important feature, or 4 to be exact. The original wheels are very underwhelming. They are advertised as "alloy" wheels, are not aesthetically pleasing, and they are only 15 inches.
Driving the vehicle is a wonderful experience. The handling is incredibly soft, the leather seats are very comfortable, and digital gauges are very easy to read and provide some additional info not traditionally seen with analog gauges. The estimate MPG and total miles left in the gas tank are nice features.
You will immediately notice, due to the size of the vehicle, that this car does have a wide turning radius and some extra care must be taken when parking in or pulling out of parking spaces.
While the engine is not as large as its Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria counterparts its still has decent pickup but make no mistake about it this car is not about getting to your destination quickly as much as it is about getting to your destination in style.
This car seats six full size adults comfortably, so hauling passengers on long road trips is actually pleasant. The amount of cargo space in the trunk is also very nice, having no issue accommodating multiple suit cases.
All doors, locks and seat adjustments are power and while this is to be expected in a luxury car it is a nice adjustment coming from the old and crank windows.
At the end of the day, despite its lackluster wheels and engine power that can leave you wanting more, this vehicle has been wonderful to own and drive, both in the city and on long trips.
George
Norwich, Connecticut
3.0
Living Room on Wheels
My wife and I bought the 2002 Lincoln Continental used about 18 months ago. It is basically 15 years old with about 175k on it. It is super comfortable. It rides nice, however given the age we fixed a few things. I would buy another though considering how well it's held up. We live in New England and it has no rust and still runs.
Oh No
Groveport, Ohio
3.0
A gas guzzler. Didn't help that the car was used.
I was desperate to get into a car after I totaled the last one hitting a deer. This car was all I could afford at the time. Looking back on it, I should have made a better choice. There was an oil leak, the tie rods were mangled in the front (it probably explains the uneven tread wear on the tires. And to top it all off the alternator sounded like it was ready to go.