carpeting features a plethora of electronic doo-dads and high-tech instrumentation.
Even everyday instruments offer surprises. Switch on the ignition and a blank area where the instruments should be
lights up with instruments. But with a difference! The numbers are lighted from behind and the red pointers for the
tach, speedometer, fuel and temperature gauges seem to float above the gauge faces. That may sound a bit gimmicky,
but it makes the gauges very easy to read and we applaud the technology.
A set of controls are mounted on the dash just to the right. This is the fun center. It's used to set variables for
ride quality and power steering assist along with trip information, such as miles to empty, average mpg and instant
mpg. Push the check button and the status of various systems is shown.
Owners can program a myriad of functions such as whether to have the doors lock when the car moves forward, or to
have the horn chirp when the remote locks the doors, or to have the rear view mirrors dip when the transmission goes
into reverse. And all of that can be stored in a pair of memory buttons so that different drivers can have the car
tailored to their preferences, eliminating potential trouble spots between spouses. Simply push the driver ID button,
select 1 or 2 and all your preferences will be selected.
Our test car came with comfortable bucket seats covered in handsome leather. Both seats offer power adjustments and
the driver's seat has a two-position memory. We liked the seating position and visibility was good in all directions.
With lots of rear seat leg room, three adults can sit in back with reasonable comfort. The interior can hold six when
a front bench is selected. Either way, the leather is standard.
An optional Remote Satellite Cellular Unit, called RESCU, is automatically activated when the airbags are deployed.
It combines satellite locating with an active voice to bring assistance. The options package includes the run-flat tires, an upgraded sound system and a garage door opener.
The Continental delivers on the promise of comfort, ride quality and good handling. And we can't leave out performance.
The 32-valve V8 has plenty of power to move this 3,868-pound sedan with some authority. Merging on to the freeway is
easy and there's plenty of power in reserve for passing on two-lane roads. The Cadillac Seville has an edge in the
power department, however, with 300 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm.
The Continental is a big car, but it doesn't feel heavy, unwieldy or sloppy on the road. And while it is roomy inside,
the design of the instrument panel, the real wood accents, and the leather work together to provide an intimate
interior that we found most pleasant.
The semi-active suspension with adjustable ride should appeal to owners who want more control and driving excitement.
On the highway we preferred the firm setting for a more controlled feel. In the plush setting, swales in the road,
gentle undulations set up a porpoising action, but for low-speeds on rough roads the plush setting absorbed the bumps
and thumps nicely. Adjusting the steering effort between high and low effort is most noticeable in tight maneuvering,
such as turning into a driveway. On the highway, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering automatically increases
steering effort for improved road feel.
Overall, the Continental's drive feel is not as taught as a BMW or Mercedes. It's tuned toward traditional American
tastes. The adjustable steering and suspension are an attempt to let an owner dial in some European feel.
The Lincoln Continental is a luxury car in every sense of the word, but a luxury car with a difference. The difference is the unusual exterior design and the integrated feel of the interior. There is more than sufficient performance and its over-the-road manners are impeccable. If more luxury car intenders would take a Continental for a test drive, Lincoln would sell more Continentals.
