1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

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

1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Review

Lincoln launched the Mark VIII after the 1993 season began to replace the aging Mark VII. Rear-wheel drive was retained, but a new V8 engine was installed along with standard driver- and passenger-side airbags. When compared to the Mark VII, the Mark VIII rode on a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase and measured 4.1 inches longer overall. Under the hood sat a twin-cam, all-aluminum 4.6-liter V8. The only available transmission was a 4-speed automatic with electronic shift control. Handling features included an all-independent electronically controlled air-spring suspension, antilock brakes, and speed-sensitive power steering.

Year to Year Changes

1994 Lincoln Mark VIII: Changes for 1994 include the addition of wood trim to the center console, plus a remote keyless entry that recalls the settings for both the power driver's seat and the power outside mirrors.

1995 Lincoln Mark VIII: Among the additions to the 1995 Mark VIII are a redesigned instrument panel, complete with a new stereo. Arriving in midyear is the 290-horsepower LSC version, with a firmer suspension, new alloy wheels, perforated leather upholstery, a monochrome exterior, and high-intensity-discharge lamps.

1996 Lincoln Mark VIII: A special Diamond Anniversary Edition model highlights the changes for the '98 model year.

1997 Lincoln Mark VIII: Bolder in appearance, the '97 model came with a more-rounded "power dome" hood, with subtle character lines to highlight the larger, more-aggressive chrome grille. The rear had a revised full-width neon light bar, while the industry's first "puddle lamps" cast a glow on the ground from their position on the bottom edge of the sideview mirrors. Suspension changes included the addition of firmer shocks, larger stabilizer bars, and standard all-speed traction control.

1998 Lincoln Mark VIII: Mark VIII saw no changes for 1998. During the season Ford announced that the Mark VIII would be dropped for '99.

1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear visibility

Steering/handling	Fuel economy

Antilock brakes	Rear-seat room

	Wet-weather traction

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

With its new 280-horsepower V8 (290 with the LSC), the Mark VIII is quick off the line and once above 15 mph, really flies. The engine is silky smooth, has a sporty growl in hard acceleration, and delivers outstanding passing power at highway speeds. However, we averaged just 17.9 mpg, with our highest reading being 20.1 mpg. When we tested this car on snow and ice, we were disappointed with the performance of the optional traction-control system. The rear wheels spun readily in snow, making takeoffs slow and laborious. The rear-drive Mark VIII is as agile as the front-drive Cadillac Eldorado, but has a more-supple suspension. Steering and braking are top notch. As with many sport coupes, interior space is not one of the Mark's strong points. Tall passengers don't have much head room, even without the optional moonroof. Rear leg room is also limited. Taking a closer look at the interior, the gauges on the sweeping 2-tier dash are clearly marked and controls are intuitive. Directly astern visibility is mediocre.

Value for the Money
Despite its excellent drivetrain and smooth suspension, Mark VIII has failed to impress us when compared with the less-expensive Buick Riviera or more-refined Lexus SC 300/400.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Lincoln Mark VIII	Rating

Performance	8

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	5

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	8

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	5

Total:	48

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.

1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII 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.

Alternator belt: The drive-belt tensioner pulley or idler pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather. (1993-96)

Automatic transmission: Transmission shudder or vibration under light acceleration or when shifting between third and fourth gear above 35 mph can be fixed by replacing the transmission fluid with Mercon fluid. (1992-94)

Automatic transmission: The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when the transmission shifts into fourth gear, which can often be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1993-95)

Blower motor: Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. (1993-94)

Engine stalling: The in-tank fuel-delivery module may cause low or no fuel pressure. (1995)

Hard starting: If the engine does not want to start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle-air control valve may be sticking. (1995-96)

Heater core: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1993-98)

Odometer: Because of a software problem, the odometer may quit registering after 65,531 miles. (1995)

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	$400

Alternator	$455

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$720

Brakes	$305

Exhaust System	$485

Radiator	$465

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,060

Timing Chain or Belt	$445

Universal Joints	$160

NHTSA Recall History

1993-94: Headlights can flash intermittently as a result of a circuit-breaker opening.

1993-98 Mark VIII w/speed control system: The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.

1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1993
Mark VIII	$2,100-2,500	$1,500-1,800	$400-500

1994
Mark VIII	$2,400-2,900	$1,700-2,100	$500-600

1995
Mark VIII	$2,700-3,200	$2,000-2,400	$600-700

1996
Mark VIII	$3,200-3,800	$2,500-3,000	$800-1,000

1997
Mark VIII	$3,700-4,300	$3,000-3,500	$1,100-1,200

1998
Mark VIII	$4,200-4,800	$3,400-3,900	$1,400-1,600

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.

1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door coupe

Wheelbase, in.	113.0

Overall Length, in.	207.3

Overall Width, in.	74.8

Overall Height, in.	53.6

Curb Weight, lbs.	3768

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	37.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	32.5

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

Powertrain Options and Availability

The Mark VIII is the recipient of the finest of Ford powertrains, the DOHC, 32-valve 4.6-liter V8. First placed in the Town Car, the aluminum-block engine also powers the Lincoln Continental, Ford Crown Victoria, Thunderbird, and Mustang. Two separate versions make their way under the hood of the Mark VIII. The basic engine delivers 280 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 285 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. Select the optional LSC version and you find the 290 horsepower version with a torque rating of 290 pound-feet at 4500 rpm. The extra power results from a true dual exhaust system, which reduces back pressure. The only available transmission is an electronic 4-speed overdrive automatic.

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

dohc V8	4.6 / 281	280	285	4-speed automatic: 18/26	4-speed automatic: 17.9

dohc V8	4.6 / 281	290	290	4-speed automatic: 18/26	4-speed automatic: --

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 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Review:

Lincoln Mark VIII

Lincoln Mark VIII Road Test

Lincoln Mark VIII Reliability

Lincoln Mark VIII Prices

Lincoln Mark VIII Specs & Safety

Lincoln Mark VIII Photos

Lincoln Mark VIII Full Review