- 146,105
- 724 below average
- 2,994 good
- Cincinnati, OH
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- autoshopper.com
- 724 below average 146,105 red automatic
2001 lincoln continental review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. The higher-tech alternative. introductionhigh-tech equipment is a requisite for a luxury sedan these days, but lincoln's continental is on the cutting edge with computer electronics applied to nearly every facet of the driving experience. These whiz-bang electronics are not intrusive, however, as owners can choose to use them or ignore them. Either way, driving the continental is a satisfying experience. lineupthe continental is available in just one model, which retails for $39,380. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard. Side-impact air bags are also standard, in addition to the dual front air bags. For 2001, lincoln has further sweetened the ride with complimentary regular maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles, which it claims is a first for a domestic luxury brand. walkaroundthe lincoln continental makes a distinctive design statement. Front fenders, hood and decklid are made of a sheet-molding compound that is more resistant to dents and dings. This material allows lincoln to revise the styling more often to keep the continental in step with evolving aesthetic trends. In the continental's current incarnation, a rounded interpretation of the lincoln waterfall grille blends with the headlamp clusters to sweep into a brightly trimmed smile, while massive tail lamps wrap around into the muscular rear quarter panels. The trunk lid raises high and out of the way, while a low lift-over height makes loading and unloading a lot easier. raising the hood reveals an attractive engine compartment filled by a 4. 6-liter v8. Washer fluid, the oil filler and other necessaries are out in the open and the cooling system is maintenance-free. interiorthe continental's interior is handsome. The design of the instrument panel, the real wood accents, and the leather work together to provide a pleasant atmosphere. The seats in luxury appearance package 1,105) continentals are swathed in two-tone connolly leather. Light coming in from the moonroof and windows adds to the bright, open feeling. electronics aid driving and comfort. Switch on the ignition and a blank area where the instruments should be lights up with seemingly three-dimensional gauges. The instruments are lighted from behind, and the red pointers for the tachometer, speedometer, and fuel and temperature gauges appear to float above the instrument faces. It looks slick, and it's highly legible. mounted on the dash just to the right is a set of controls used to adjust ride quality and power-steering assist to the driver's preferences. In the same cluster is a trip computer that calculates miles to empty, average mpg and instant mpg, among other road-trip data. Push the check button and the status of various systems is displayed. owners can program a myriad of other 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. Moreover, all of that can be stored in a pair of memory buttons, so two different drivers can have the car set up for their individual preferences, eliminating potential trouble spots between spouses. Three adults can sit in back with reasonable comfort, and shoulder belts are available at all three positions. a passive anti-theft system uses an encoded radio frequency between the key and the ignition capable of generating 72 quadrillion codes, making it virtually impossible to be beaten by even the most persistent bad guy. driving impressionthe continental delivers on the promise of comfort, ride quality, handling and performance. the 32-valve v8 provides plenty of power to move this 3,848-pound sedan with authority. Merging on to the freeway is easy. Passing on two-lane roads is never an issue. The double overhead-cam engine produces 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The ignition system has a coil for each plug for reduced maintenance and a cleaner appearance. A constant dialogue between engine and transmission means shifts are remarkably smooth. The semi-active suspension with adjustable ride should appeal to owners who want more control and driving excitement. The soft, normal and firm settings controlled by the driver adjust the rear shocks. On the highway, we preferred the firm setting for a more controlled feel. On rough roads, we liked the plush setting for absorbing bumps, potholes and vibration. The front suspension is independent with macpherson struts. The change in 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 effort for improved road feel. overall, the continental is tuned toward traditional american tastes. It does not feel as taut as a bmw or mercedes, but the adjustable steering and suspension allow an owner to dial in some of that european feel. flat tires are less of a concern with optional run-flat tires that can run more than 100 miles after losing all of their air pressure. A personal security package 640) equips the continental with run-flat tires and an air pressure alert system. An overhead console lamp alerts the driver when the pressure in any tire drops below 18 pounds of pressure; it starts flashing at 10 psi in case the driver didn't notice the light. summarythe lincoln continental is a luxury car in every sense of the word. There is plenty of power available and its over-the-road manners are impeccable. More people would buy a continental if they took one for a test drive. model lineupcontinental 39,380). assembled inwixom, michigan. options as testeddriver select system 605) includes semi-active suspension, driver adjustable ride control, memory profile system, steering-wheel audio and climate controls, automatic dimming left outside mirror; alpine sound system 575) includes dsp, subwoofer amplifier, two rear subwoofers, front and rear door speakers; bucket seats and console (no charge with previous two options); luxury appearance package 1,105) includes chrome six-spoke wheels, wood trim, two-tone leather seating surfaces, special floor mats, chrome/argent grille; power moonroof 1,525); heated front seats 400). model testedcontinental 39,380). Tachometer✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Bucket Seats✔ Sunroof/Moonroof
2,994 Cincinnati, OHCincinnati, OH at autoshopper.com