1997 Lincoln Continental from North America - Comments

I was pleased to find only ONE small defect with this car when I purchased it. All of the complicated systems and electronic accessories work flawlessly EXCEPT the electronically controlled glare-reduction rearview mirror. The mirror surface is clouded in a blurred, golden colored "fog". It is usuable, in that you can see cars behind you in the mirror, but it is somewhat bothersome, particularly at night. I have done some investigation and found that a replacement is about $250.00!! Wow!

This is a remarkably satisfying automobile. I was originally in the market for a Cadillac Seville, but I found the Continental to be a bargain compared to the Cadillac. After 62,000 miles, the car is nearly like new in and out. The leather looks like it just came out of the dealer. My car is black with tan leather.

I just had the windows tinted and it looks great!

Also had my muffler shop install a set of 40 series Flowmasters. They were reluctant to install these free flowing (and louder) mufflers on a Lincoln. They wanted to know if I could get them a premission note from my wife! (lol) I was a little aprehensive until I started it up for the first time. I was instantly pleased. The sound is just right... you get a mellow note from the exhaust, NOT LOUD. At highway cruise it is barely noticeable until you apply the power. The quiet nature of the cabin is still aparent; just a little mellow tone from the rear of the vehicle.

This car is fast for a luxury sedan. The DOHC, 32 valve V-8 (essentially the Ford Cobra powerplant) is very smooth and responsive. Passing from any speed is almost "thrilling"!

Be glad that you didn't buy that Cadillac! Just look at the late model Deville and Seville comments and see the numerous mechanical problems they've have. My '98 Continental hasn't been mechanically perfect (P/S pump & outer tie-rod ends in 76k miles), but it shines compared to the Caddy's records. It's a shame that a well built car like the Continental gets discontinued due to poor sales, while the Caddys have poor reliability records, but continue to sell well.

I have a 97 continental, and it has been a great car for me. It only has 83000 miles. My Lincoln is in showroom condition and performs flawless. I think every one should drive a continental!!!

Wow!! Talk about scary. I too was looking into buying a Cadillac Seville. Blind fate guided me to buying a 1996 Diamond Anniversary edition Continental. Its black with tan interior, I just tinted the windows and it has that same broken mirror goop splashing around. Turns out it was a fleet vehicle for some huge corporation.It's got 100K and still looks and rides like its fresh off the showroom floor. Loaded and Cleeeeeeeeeen!Took it straight to my mechanic because I thought this car was too good to be true. Turns out the only thing wrong with it was the CD Changer didn't work. I said "What CD Changer?" Like I said, Loaded and Cleeeeeeeeeen!

Anybody having a problem with their rear view mirror should call Donnelly Mirror at (616) 786-7000 and ask for Steve Chenlo. Apparently they had a defect in this mirror and they will replace it for FREE!! He will just need some info from you about the kind of mirror you have. I just bought a 1997 Continental and the mirror was all cloudy. Thorough the internet I found out about the Donnelly Co. doing this and you couldn't deal with a nicer group of people. Good Luck!

I just purchased my 98 green Continental with tan inside about two months ago. The car had 94,000 on it. The leather seats, and interior are in excellent condition. There are a few problems:

The review mirror works intermediately, the compass and the reading lights are at issue. Sometimes I have to "play" with the wires to get the mirror to work, suspect a short in the wires.

The Driver's Select System will not stay programed. I have to reprogram it every other day. Any help with this?

I had to replace the CD Changer, found a site on the net that sold factory changers and radios. Be care full when replacing the radios as there are many different types. The radios MUST match or it will not play.

I get about 14mpg city and have gotten 26mpg highway.

I do love this car so far, worried about all of the problems outlined here.

I own a 1997 Spinmaker Edition Continental that cost me only $2500! One of the best deals around. Some of the problems were:

- Cloudy rearview mirror

- Alternator

- Idler pulley

AND that's it!!!

Not bad for 120k+ miles! Please contact me about other issues about the Conti (factorybuybacks@yahoo.com)

Thank You.