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2018 Lincoln Continental review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Lincoln Continental highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Roomy rear seat
  • Powerful V6 option
  • Quiet and comfortable

Cons

  • Inferior build quality
  • Occasional rough transmission shifts
  • Lower-end trims don’t feel luxurious enough

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 24 highway, 19 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

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The 2018 Lincoln Continental is a plush full-size luxury sedan at the top of the Lincoln lineup

The Lincoln Continental was all-new for the 2017 model year, so the flagship luxury sedan comes into the 2018 model year unchanged. This legendary sedan has been part of the Lincoln lineup off and on since the 1930s, and when it returned in 2017, the Continental had been on hiatus since 2002. The stylish four-door boasts expansive rear-seat legroom with a quiet, comfortable interior and comes equipped with a full suite of high-tech convenience and driver-assist features.
The Continental is offered in four trim levels ranging from the Premiere to the top-level Black Label—all trims come standard with rear-wheel drive and can be upgraded to all-wheel drive. Base-level Continentals have an unimpressive standard engine and a smaller feature set, decreasing the overall value. The top-level variants with the more satisfying turbocharged V6 engine still have trouble competing against similarly priced luxury sedans like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class that offer more refinement and content than the Lincoln.

All Lincoln Continental years

What is new for the 2018 Lincoln Continental?

  • Continental trims have been upgraded with Panoramic Sunroof, Rear Seat Heaters, and Sunroof(s) as standard equipment this year.
  • Seat Massagers and Head Up Display features are now available as options on select trims.

2018 Lincoln Continental trims

Curious how Lincoln Continental trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premiere:

Select:

Reserve:

Black Label:

  • Includes all features available on the Reserve
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Sunroofs
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • CD Audio

Lincoln Continental photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Lincoln Continental

What We Like

Interior: As a big luxury sedan, the Continental focuses on the rear passengers, where there is more than ample legroom with comfortable seats that can be trimmed in soft leather. Access to the cabin is easy thanks to the large door openings, although the bigger doors can be a problem when trying to get in or out in tight quarters. Up front, the audio and climate controls are nicely laid out, and the driver will enjoy the multiple adjustments available for the steering wheel and front seats. Visibility is also good thanks in part to the sloping rear deck.

Driving: The base engine can be disappointing but opting for the 400-horsepower turbocharged V6 with all-wheel drive is a much more competent combination. The bigger motor delivers strong acceleration, and the brakes provide quick and confident stopping power. The Continental has reasonably good handling, although the steering doesn't offer much feedback. That said, the variable-ratio steering is quick and light for easy maneuverability.

Technology: The Continental features an eight-inch display screen that runs Ford's SYNC® 3 infotainment system. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto smartphone integration are included, and multiple USB ports are found throughout the cabin. A 10-speaker sound system comes standard with the 13-speaker Revel premium audio system available on higher trim levels. A full set of advanced driver-assist features comes standard on the Continental and includes adaptive cruise control, which works well in stop-and-go traffic.

What Needs Improvement

Utility: The Continental has several storage spaces in the cabin, but they can be small, especially the glove box. The exception is the generous center console box. Unfortunately, larger phones won't quite fit into the designated cellphone cubby. The trunk space is somewhat smaller than average, and the dimensions make it difficult to fit some bulky items.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

5 customer reviews
4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Lincoln Continental an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Lincoln Continental 3rd out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Lincoln Continental

Lincoln Continental features and specs

Black Label 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sync System
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear A/C Seat(s)
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.7L

Horsepower

335

Torque (ft-lbs)

380

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

19

Wheelbase

117.9"

Overall length

201.4"

Width

75.3"

Height

58.5"

Leg room

F 44.4"/R 41.3"

Head room

F 39.3"/R 37.7"

Front tires

P245/40WR20

Rear tires

P245/40WR20

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Lincoln Continental FAQ

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