1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Quietness
- Antilock brakes
- Handling
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Rear-seat room
- Cargo room
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Ride (except 1990 Bill Blass)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII.
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.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Lincoln Mark VII is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Lincoln Mark VII includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lincoln Mark VII .
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 |
Our price chart for this generation Lincoln Mark VII details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1992 | |||
| Mark VII | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Mark VII | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Mark VII | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Lincoln Mark VII include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Lincoln Mark VII include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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