2018 Lincoln Continental review
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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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?
- Model: Updated for 2024 with enhanced performance features
- Trim Discontinued: Base trim level removed, streamlining options
- Standard Equipment on all: Now includes advanced safety technology as standard
- New Equipment: Added premium audio system and larger infotainment display
- Significant removal: Manual transmission option no longer available
2018 Lincoln Continental trims
Curious how Lincoln Continental trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesPremiere:
- 305-hp, 280-lb-ft of torque 3.7L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Leatherette Seats
- View our Lincoln Continental Premiere inventory
Select:
- Includes all features available on the Premiere
- 335-hp, 380-lb-ft of torque 2.7L
- Leather Seats
- A/C Seats
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- View our Lincoln Continental Select inventory
Reserve:
- Includes all features available on the Select
- 3.0L
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Sunshade
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Navigation System
- View our Lincoln Continental Reserve inventory
Black Label:
- Includes all features available on the Reserve
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Sunroofs
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- CD Audio
- View our Lincoln Continental Black Label inventory
Lincoln Continental photos
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| 5 Stars | 3 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 2 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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 ContinentalLincoln Continental features and specs
Curious how Lincoln Continental trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Select 4D Sedan 2WD
Standard Features
- Leather Seats
- Power Windows
- Traction Control
- ABS Brakes
- Remote Start
- A/C Seat(s)
- Air Conditioning
- Memory Seat(s)
- Power Locks
- Front Seat Heaters
- Rear Defroster
- Power Mirrors
- Smart Key
- Cruise Control
- Leatherette Seats
- Parking Sensors
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Power Seat(s)
- Heated Mirrors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Transmission
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Apple CarPlay
- AM/FM Stereo
- Sync System
- Bluetooth Technology
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Android Auto
- Automated Parking
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Panoramic Sunroof
- A/C Seat(s)
- Head Up Display
- Seat Massagers
- Automated Cruise Control
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Navigation System
- CD Audio
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
P255/45WR19
Rear tires
P255/45WR19
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Lincoln Continental FAQ
The 2018 Lincoln Continental has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Lincoln Continental, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Lincoln Continental Reviews.
The Lincoln Continental received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Lincoln Continental as 3 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Car
Here are the pros and cons of the 2018 Lincoln Continental: Pros - Ride and Handling - Styling - Interior Space Cons - Braking - Cabin Noise - Reliability
Here is what's new for the 2018 Lincoln Continental:
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear View Camera
- Parking Sensors
- Head Up Display
- Seat Massagers
The 2018 Lincoln Continental offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 18 city / 27 highway MPG (Black Label trim) • Gas: 17 city / 26 highway MPG (Premiere trim) • Gas: 18 city / 27 highway MPG (Reserve trim) • Gas: 18 city / 27 highway MPG (Select trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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