1995-2002 Lincoln Continental: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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1995-2002 Lincoln Continental ▼
- Price Range: $1,500 - $6,100
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Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes
- Acceleration
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Noise
- Climate controls
- Fuel economy
- Electronic steering and suspension
Vehicle Highlights
Still front-wheel drive, a redesigned Continental 4-door sedan debuted late in 1994, featuring a new V8 engine with dual-overhead camshafts. Less-conservative, contemporary styling now resembled the Mark VIII coupe. Developing 260 horsepower, the 4.6-liter V8 drove a new electronic 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment included dual airbags, antilock braking, automatic climate control, and an air-filtration system to trap dust and pollen. A redesigned instrument panel displayed virtual-image graphics. The driver could adjust ride quality and steering assist from dashboard buttons.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Lincoln Continental Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Lincoln evidently attempted to make the Continental both a sports sedan and a traditional luxury car. It's not quite either, but worth a look anyway. Because sales have been tepid, used-car prices may be appealing.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Lincoln Continental Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $435 |
| Alternator | $510 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $870 |
| Brakes | $320 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $470 |
| Exhaust System | $540 |
| Radiator | $290 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,165 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $795 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2002 | |||
| Continental | $6,000-7,000 | $5,200-6,100 | $2,500-2,900 |
| 2001 | |||
| Continental | $5,200-6,000 | $4,400-5,100 | $2,100-2,400 |
| 2000 | |||
| Continental | $4,500-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,600-1,900 |
| 1999 | |||
| Continental | $3,900-4,600 | $3,200-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 1998 | |||
| Continental | $3,300-3,900 | $2,600-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| 1997 | |||
| Continental | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
| 1996 | |||
| Continental | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1995 | |||
| Continental | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 109.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 206.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3911 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 18.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.2 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 260-275 | 265-275 | 4-speed automatic: 17/25 | 4-speed automatic: 16.3 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%.








