1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Lincoln Mark VII. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Lincoln Mark VII.

1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII Review

Introduced in 1984, Lincoln's stylish rear-wheel drive luxury coupe got a revised grille and a driver-side airbag for '90. Antilock braking had been standard since 1986. Two five-passenger models went on sale: a sporty LSC touring coupe and a luxurious Bill Blass Designer series. Both continued to use a 5.0-liter V8 engine, making 225 horsepower, hooked to a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. Both models included a self-leveling suspension, automatic climate control, remote decklid release and power decklid pull-down, and 6-way power front seats. A power glass moonroof was optional.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Lincoln Mark VII: For 1991, the Bill Blass Designer edition adopted the LSC's firmer handling suspension, quick-ratio steering and larger tires.

1992 Lincoln Mark VII: Except for minor trim changes, nothing was new for Lincoln's luxury coupe. A completely new Mark VIII was expected for '93.

1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Antilock brakes	Rear-seat room

Quietness	Rear-seat entry/exit

Handling	Ride (except 1990 Bill Blass)

	Cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The brawny V8 engine and 4-speed automatic furnish strong acceleration during takeoffs, plus brisk passing response on the highway. On the other hand, you have to endure an unfortunate tendency toward tardy downshifts from the automatic transmission. Gas mileage is fine on the highway, but gets more dismal around town: in the 15-17 mpg neighborhood. Lincoln's coupes loaf along quietly at cruising speeds. Road manners are modern and competent. With its handling suspension, the LSC coupe corners flatly and promises a stable highway ride. Unfortunately, when rolling over bumps, that suspension also transmits some impact harshness to the occupants. The soft suspension and smaller tires on a 1990 Bill Blass edition might suit some drivers better. Ordinary braking causes the front end to dip down noticeably, and the pedal tends to feel spongy. Interiors are roomy enough. Front bucket seats are well-shaped and supportive, with ample space for each occupant. Power seat controls consist of separate buttons, shaped like the seat cushion and backrest. Leg space in the rear is ample for adults, but head room is minimal. Trunk space is small for a car of this size.

Value for the Money
All told, a Mark VII can still be a good alternative to the front-wheel drive Cadillac Eldorado, the Acura Legend Coupe, or the Lexus SC 300.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Lincoln Mark VII LSC	Rating

Performance	8

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	5

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	4

Total:	45

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Audio system: Whining noises in the radio speakers are caused by the fuel pump in the gas tank. An electronic-noise filter must be installed on the fuel pump. (1990-92)

Dashboard lights: The fuel "distance to empty" reading may be erratic or quit working due to a problem with the circuit board. (1990-92)

Engine temperature: Defective temperature senders cause the gauge to read low or be erratic. (1990-92)

Hard starting: In cold weather, the accelerator pedal is hard to depress because ice forms in the throttle-valve cable to the transmission. (1992)

Paint/body: The clearcoat paint tends to crack and flake off, especially on the hood and roof. (1990-92)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$325

Alternator	$425

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$880

Brakes	$300

Exhaust System	$540

Radiator	$290

Shocks and/or Struts	$235

Timing Chain or Belt	$220

Universal Joints	$470

NHTSA Recall History

: None

1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Mark VII	$1,300-1,800	$800-1,100	$200

1991
Mark VII	$1,500-2,000	$1,000-1,300	$200-300

1992
Mark VII	$1,800-2,300	$1,200-1,600	$300

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door coupe

Wheelbase, in.	108.5

Overall Length, in.	202.8

Overall Width, in.	70.9

Overall Height, in.	54.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	3782

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.0

Rear Head Room, in.	37.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Mark VII coupes held an overhead-valve 5.0-liter V8 engine, rated at 225 horsepower. The only transmission was a 4-speed automatic.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V8	5.0 / 302	225	300	4-speed automatic: 17/24	4-speed automatic: 15.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII Review:

Lincoln Mark VII

Lincoln Mark VII Road Test

Lincoln Mark VII Reliability

Lincoln Mark VII Prices

Lincoln Mark VII Specs & Safety

Lincoln Mark VII Photos

Lincoln Mark VII Full Review