1990-1994 Lincoln Continental: Road Test

The six-passenger interior is quite accommodating and the 19.1 cubic feet of trunk space is generous, but the missing ingredient was the kind of powertrain that could inspire confidence. With nearly all luxury rivals boasting V6 and V8 engines with at least 200 horsepower on tap, the Continental failed to generate much enthusiasm. Despite this drawback, the car's standard computer-controlled suspension soaks up most bumps and ruts easily, providing a stable highway ride. The body tends to float over wavy surfaces, even though the suspension is calibrated to stiffen automatically to control bounce. The steering feels light and numb, but it centers easily after turns. Though the all-season tires are not designed for slalom racing, they grip well on wet surfaces and the front-drive Continental feels surefooted in tight turns. Many accessory switches are difficult to see at night, because they're unlit.

Value for the Money
Even with its big-car looks, posh interior, limousine-style rear seat, and aerodynamic styling, the Continental lacks the performance needed to compete against other premium front-drive sedans.