TL;DR
The Lincoln Continental, particularly the 2020 Coach Door Edition, is considered one of the best and most luxurious sedans from Lincoln [2:1].
Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental has been a flagship model for the brand, representing luxury and comfort. The 2020 Continental Coach Door Edition is noted as the most expensive and luxurious sedan Lincoln produced before discontinuing their sedan lineup in favor of SUVs [2:1]. This model features unique coach doors and offers a high-end experience with prices starting in the high $60s
[2:2]. Despite its discontinuation, the Continental remains a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its styling and luxury features
[5:1].
Legacy and Perception
Historically, Lincoln sedans like the Continental were seen as aspirational vehicles, often associated with American luxury and pride [1:5]. In the '80s, Lincolns were perceived as prestigious cars, comparable to European luxury brands
[1:4]. However, over time, foreign luxury brands gained popularity, leading to a shift in consumer preferences
[1:6].
Current Market and Alternatives
With Lincoln's shift away from sedans to focus on SUVs, consumers looking for American luxury sedans have turned to other brands such as Cadillac [5:4]. Cadillac continues to produce sedans that cater to those seeking traditional American luxury
[5:9]. For those who miss Lincoln's sedans, models like the Chrysler 300C are suggested alternatives
[2:3], though they too face limited production runs
[2:4].
Consumer Sentiment
Many Lincoln enthusiasts express nostalgia and disappointment over the discontinuation of Lincoln sedans [5]. There is a desire for Lincoln to return to producing sedans, particularly models like the Continental or Town Car, which are remembered fondly for their comfort and style
[5:7]
[5:10]. Despite this, Lincoln's current lineup focuses on SUVs, reflecting broader market trends towards these vehicles
[5:5].
What was the perception of Lincoln cars back in the '80s vs. now?
They are still decent cars, but back in the '80s it almost seemed like the stand in for a BMW 7 series or something. You'd read about wealthy people (who might drive a Bentley nowadays) who chose their trusty Continental as their ride of choice back then.
Lincoln and Cadillac had some rep for being mafia cars as well as old people cars. People with money who were younger felt like they were more sophisticated for having something European in a luxury car at some point. Also classic American luxury like Lincoln rode soft like a magic carpet or a living room on wheels. The newer rivals tightened up the suspension and gave them some more nimble performance.
There’s nothing like that nice luxury float on a long highway trip though.
Lincoln suffered a bit in the same way that Cadillac did in the '80s: their customer base was getting older, since they didn't have the cars young luxury buyers wanted. But unlike Cadillac, Lincoln didn't suffer from mechanical issues with their flagship sedans, nor from identity issues with their other models.
Please don’t tell me your talking about the Northstar engine
I’m curious about your view point on the Northstar?
Even before that; debacles like the V8-6-4 and the HT4100. The 4.5 and 4.9 were okay.
There are just better options now. Luxury imports really weren’t a thing back then, whereas Merc, Audi, BMW, etc. Have a better lineup in the US than they used to. And those are better than a Lincoln, Cadillac, Buick. And those better options weren’t in America when Lincoln and Cadillac were still the biggest lux brands in the country.
The clientele that bought Cadillacs and Lincolns in the 1980s buys Lexus LS/GX/LX today
In the 80s Lincoln/Cadillacs were still seen as aspirational cars, what you would buy after clocking in your 40 years at the factory as a retirement.
Also, American cars were a point of pride for the country, and recognized as a major factor in the economy. People buying imports were seen as "traitors", "Buy American" was a popular thing to see even on bumper stickers. If you haven't seen "Roger & Me" it's a good time capsule.
That’s my point. They didn’t have the luxury options in America. And Lincoln & Cadillac did along with the heritage from being so popular for so long in the US. The foreign companies had the heritage but not the lineup that Americans were looking for. They’ve now gotten into that category and the American lux brands have been failing ever since
Audi was more equivalent to Saab and definitely a tier down from Mercedes and BMW back in the 80s. Hell, I’d say they were a half tier down perception-wise until at least the mid-00s, B7 generation A4 IMO.
I mean she hit a big buck one night coming home from bingo. This was in New Jersey, it may be surprising to some but they have a massive deer population and problem.
edit: and I mean the end of the car, she was fine.
I think the newer ones have some of the most luxurious and comfortable seats I've ever sat in. Admitting this will probably get my lynched but I'm really impressed with their interiors on their top trims. Too many luxury brands have moved towards harder and stiffer less "cushy" interiors that would be more appropriate on their sporty trims. I have no idea on how well they hold up long-term but initial impressions are outstanding.
My grandparents were Cadillac people although I do remember one Lincoln they had back in the early 80's and I remember my Nan really liked it but unfortunately she went deer hunting one night and that was the end of that.
What is currently the most expensive Lincoln sedan?
Continental, sadly ended in 2020 but the coach door edition can run you at minimum the high 60's from what I seen. I don't want an SUV, so I guess I'll have to go with Chrysler or something.
The new Chrysler 300c looks AMAZING for that note.
Damn, it's too bad they are making that a limited production and the last year for the 300 altogether.
Continental
Other than maybe some weird/rare collectors item out there.. the most expensive Lincoln sedan would be the 2020 Continental Coach Door Edition. 2020 was the last model year any Lincoln sedan was made. It's all SUVs now.
Assuming you are North American based and not Asia Pacific
Used to drive a Cadillac SRX, but when I test drove this I fell in love with it!!! Couldn’t be happier…
So exciting! I've been a toyota fan for 20 years but I'm getting the corsair next week. I'm so excited.
You’re gonna love it!!!
great choice. make sure you stay on top of oil changes and flushing coolant. i have two MKZ & CRX and both often give me engine troubles which become a pain to get fixed if you’re not on top of it
Good to know, thanks!
Be careful there's someone in there , jk congrats lol
Hahaha thanks I appreciate it!
I love my corsair!
Excellent choice
I got a massive deal on it, I was pretty darn excited
I drive a 2008 Lincoln MKX with 297k and I love it too even though it’s 15 years old lol
The heated/cooled seats still work and the adaptive headlights still work
In the past I only purchased from the corporate cousin Ford. I was under the mindset that Lincoln's were for old people lol. Now I can't stop buying them. Outside of these four that I own, I still own two others with them being Mitsubishi Lancer's. Some will probably say that my taste in vehicles is weird 🤷🏽.
Nice 80s town car. Always thought it was so funny how it’s just a shrunken 70s town car :)
I love how it's a shrunken 70s town car and its still over 200 inches long. Even the small one is massive
I've had 3 daily drivers.
89 TC from 2001-2008 88 TC from 2008-2017 08 Z 2020- still going strong.
MKX is a beauty.
I spy a StarTrek fan haha. Great looking rides!
Thanks
Love my 2017 Lincoln mkc select!
This is a rant. Feel free to remove this if it’s not allowed but I just wanted to get it off my chest.
I’ve been obsessed with Lincoln’s since I was a kid, despite the brand being a dumpster fire for pretty much my whole life. When the updated Continental came out in 2017, I was happy with the new styling and hopeful for the brand’s new direction.
But of course, Lincoln (and Ford) killed all their sedans to focus almost solely on SUVs and trucks for the U.S. market. I get why—SUVs are more popular and profitable for the brand. But now that I’m finally at the point in my life where I could potentially afford a newish Lincoln, I don’t really have any good sedan options. I could get a five-year-old Continental or MKZ but I want a hybrid (Continental never had one) and the MKZ’s interior never really lived up to it’s status as a premium brand.
So here I am, imagining a world where Lincoln stuck with the sedan despite lackluster sales. I love the exterior and interior styling of the current lineup. I just wish they came in sedan form. My childhood self is kinda sad I won’t be able to finally call myself a Lincoln driver for the foreseeable future.
End rant.
I miss my town car. Would love to ride in a new version
I have a black on black 2008 that I drive very sparingly, but it is still in my top two favorite cars. Once in a while, I will test drive something newer, but no matter how much it costs. Nothing feels like my lincolns
I had a 97 town car Cartier. Beige on beige. Amazing. Alot of things started aging and giving up. Pushed it until I could no longer.... I drive a 22 300s with a hemi now....take 1 for a spin. You will enjoy it
I’m so mad they haven’t come back out with one, I’ve always had towncars my whole adult life I’m currently driving a 2011 with 265k and it runs like the day I got it with only 18k on it.
I’ve owned seven Lincolns and every one of them have been amazing! Currently own a 2017 Continental and love it.
I hope they go back to making sedans in the US again as well
I’m not a lover of sedans but that continental was sharp! I was looking to buy one last year when I needed a new car and they appear to have held their value rather well, so much so I couldn’t justify a purchase of one
What's interesting, and goes against the mandated grain...is that Cadillac is building, and selling sedans to all those Lincoln sedan customers, who want American luxury, but can't shop new Lincoln sedans. Oh, and if y'all haven't noticed, there's tons of Caddy suvs on the road too, from the small Escape sized ones, to the beastly Escalade extended models. Lincoln/Ford left the sedan market, it didn't leave Lincoln.
I had hoped to replace my 2011 Fusion with an MKZ…but when the time came, both the Fusion and the MKZ had been discontinued. I ended up with a premium-trim Mazda3 sedan largely because of my appreciation for the Fusion’s Mazda-based platform. (And the related Mazda6 had gone away also.)
I would have bought a Cadillac CT4 had I found a CPO example in an appropriate mileage range. I steered away from a new one because of Cadillac’s epic depreciation. But I agree that Cadillac is the only marque that is making American-style luxury vehicles remotely similar to Lincolns now.
Cadillac is the only American company making a sedan, until the 4 door Charger comes out.
It's not greed, it's a business decision. I've driven Lincoln since 1996. Leased two every two years for my wife and I. So we've had many. Loved them all especially the Continentals. We have SUV's now and while they are nice I'd rather have a sedan, not my wife, she loves her SUV.
I really wish both Lincoln and Cadillac would bring back big body on frame v8 RWD traditional American sedans. A new Town Car and Fleetwood with the latest in tech, glass smooth ride, and modern power from the 5.0 and LS would be amazing. Bonus points for a Godzilla powered long wheelbase version of the TC.
I totally agree, but I’d want Lincoln to go with “Continental” rather than “Town Car”
So I never see Lincoln's mentioned in this subreddit and I'm just curious why? I've test driven an older one and absolutely loved it. And the ones I see driving around town always look extremely nice to me.
Are they just ridiculous maintenance cost? Bad manufacturing or what? Are they the Nissan of luxury brands?
I love mine. 99% of people on the road think Lincolns are slow. Guess they missed the twin exhaust. Any engine that can motivate 3700 pounds gets my vote.
this sub is hardcore on Mazda Toyota Honda so that’s why you never hear about it here
But Lincoln as a brand has always been in an odd position like Acura. Majority of their sales are from owners of their non luxury make. As in, Acuras/Lincolns are the cars that Honda/Ford owners buy when they want to step up to a luxury car. Sure they have some conquest sales but people usually flock to the other brands as they offer more enticing vehicles.
That's fair. I love the Lincoln mkz but some of their other models are kinda ugly.
I've had a few Lincoln's and they're just forda with a better trim and usually some more options
Great pease deals usually....the mkzband all the trucks are great....miss the continental already, was such a comfortable drive
Older ones usually hold up well...old mks' with the eco boost are unnecessarily fast
I purchased a 2019 MKZ and haven’t regret it for a second. Wonderful car
Smiling. I recently bought a Lincoln Corsair. Was at a spa business and while ai was inside two young gals (on their 30’s) had been circling the Corsair and looking inside. They told me it was so NICE, they loved it, and had never seen one before! So there’s the response to “old” people with Corsairs. There are so many luxurious features- I truly appreciate what for me was a business / practical / pragmatic decision to purchase a gently used Corsair with very low miles.
Never owned one but the “new” continental was a car I really wanted but with them discontinuing sedans decided against getting one.
I know a couple people with the MKZ that really like it.
But now they only make SUVs and unless I’m wrong when I looked them up they were stupidly expensive for a 4* cylinder engine and absurdly expensive for the normal engines.
So one of the main reasons you think we don't hear about Lincoln's is bc the main demographic that buys them doesn't use reddit?
Dang I'm not even 30 yet and looking at old people cars. That doesn't bode well for me 😂
The newer Lincoln’s are pretty boring cars. They’re more expensive yet boring so nothing really compelling to drive interest in them. At least for most people.
I know a few people that have Aviators and Navigators. The newer Lincolns actually surprised me quite a bit. They're nice. My dad got a Corsair (Lincoln Escape), and it's very nice inside.
It's got a turbo 4 pot, but honestly, that's all most people need. Low end torque with the turbo makes it feel peppy, and it works. (although there is a recall on their motors currently)
Cadillac has done a pretty good job shedding some of the old person image with their newer lineups. My 2018 ATS has legit power out of it’s factory engine and it drives and corners like go karts. At one point I test drove a 2016 MKZ and while the inside was comfy and nice the drive experience was nothing short of pedestrian
Lincolns get overlooked because they aren't reliable enough for the Toyota/Honda/Mazda fanboys and not performance-oriented enough for the BMW fanboys.
So, I bought this car in May, and it's my first American car. I've driven Volvo, Audi, VW and Mercedes, all in good shape and running super well and maintained. I bought this 05 Lincoln on a whim, from 2nd owner, with 200k miles, for fun. Hands down, I love this car. I love driving it. It's not fast, or flashy, it won't win awards. But What A Drive. Sooo comfortable and easy to steer, just ... Floats. I regret waiting this long to drive a big American boat. That's all. Cheers
I mean, not all American cars are gonna be the same level of cloudiness so I wouldn’t hold on to that mindset and go buying just any American made car. What you described is what separated the Lincoln TCs from other American made cars. I’ve only ridden in 2 Cadillacs. A mid 2000s and an older DeVille, I think, and those were also very nice compared to my old Chevy and countless other American made cars I’ve driven or ridden in.
Best car in the world.
It's pretty cool, and I'm serious, I regret not driving big American sedans before. I've never had a Japanese car, either, I don't like the feel. I do like sedans, not a truck guy, but I've always gone European, no regrets, no BMWs lol. But this car is just different, it's not fast but that 8 cylinder engine will go for days. I'm bummed they don't make cars like this anymore, no one does 😤
Always tell people it's like driving a lazyboy recliner on wheels nothing really compares to the old air ride body on frame RWD american luxury cars!
These cars are built like tanks, however, for some reason Ford had an issue with the 2005 model where the transmission experienced higher than average issue rates. So keep up with the transmission maintenance! Like any other car they have their issues, but most issues are easy enough to fix or relatively rare. But overall, their reliability is way up there, I'd put it up there in the top 5 most reliable cars of all time.
looks nice, how much did you pay for it? i've been trying to find a low mileage one for months within budget but it's been kinda tough
Picture #3 is ominous.
Very Christine reminiscent. There's just something about round headlights...
Awesome car. My brother had a gold one same with the porthole window and I'm commenting to mention he had glass packs / cherry bomb mufflers on it (carbed 302 motor) and it sounded awesome, not harsh but deep rumble and almost sounded cammed at idle, something to consider unless you want the quieter Lincoln sound!
Lincoln called those “porthole” windows opera windows
Yeah I thought porthole didn't quite sound right being not round, too much time working on yachts! Opera windows sounds better, learn something almost every day!
Duuude, you didn’t take a pic of the rear “clock”!!!
Does this one have the optional 460?
I had a teenager approach me recently complimenting my LS and he said it was his dream car. I knew he knew his stuff because after I told him it has 186,000 miles on it he said, “That’s it?!?” Cool to see how well this car ages.
I have kids compliment my 430 all the time! Particularly at the drive thru windows
Btw, I’m also at 186K miles lol
im at 186 about to hit 187. i think im a part of a great community.
As much as I want to believe this could happen to me, I feel like a retired old man whenever I get out of mine 🤣
Timeless for sure. Our 2006 has 247,000 miles.
I really enjoy my '17 MKZ and recently found out they were discontinuing them. What is the future of the sedan lineup for Lincoln ?
I think all of the sedans are being phased out. I think only the continental is left but I don’t think it will get another generation. They just don’t sell as well as the crossovers and SUVs while the crossovers get nearly identical fuel economy. Sedans are just kind of dying across the industry :/
Essentially this.
Ford is eliminating "cars", save for the Mustang. As such, Lincoln will have to follow suit. They will probably keep the current Continental on for a few more years. They might have a light refresh to it, but I would not expect a replacement after that...at least not on a "car" platform. I really see the Navigator as the spiritual successor to the old Continentals. The Aviator is the successor to the Mark coupes. We will just pretend the MKT never happened. How they managed to completely botch a Lincoln version of the excellent Ford Flex is beyond me... anywho...
I will say that a Mustang based Lincoln would be cool. Something like the old Cougar. More "Personal Luxury Coupe" than sports car. Maybe in a Lincoln exclusive shooting brake? A man can dream.
I drive an MKT. I don't ever recall seeing a commercial for it. It's a nice ride, though. Very quiet, good for road trips.
I totally love the idea of a Lincoln based on the Mustang platform. Call it the Mark IV, a successor to the old coupes. I miss the personal luxury segment and I with American manufacturers would get to making more coupes and convertibles.
They stated they will keep building Continental till its no longer profitable but I am guessing 2021 or 2022 will be its last year. I think they will still build a coach door version for each year too the first 80 sold out in 2 or so days and the 250 for this year I think sold out already too.
As the owner of an MKT, I don’t understand why they’re so hated. So far mine performs well and is very comfortable. By the way, I’ve owned 6 Lincolns in my life and I too miss the big sedans...
Agreed. My wife had an mkt ecoboost for years. Gave us zero issues, had plenty of room, and managed to hustle when you wanted it to.
>As the owner of an MKT, I don’t understand why they’re so hated.
Styling. Plain and simple. It is very polarizing. The space, amenities, engines and overall interior are very nice and not really part of the hatred or rather dislike of the model.
I’m thinking we’ll get another get MKZ with a new name cause it does sell well and the CEO of Lincoln said they had no plans of stoping sedans.
This is the last yr of the mkz.. I love mine and I'll keep it forever..
Rumor is they may make a sedan for the Chinese market. Who knows if they'll bring that stateside.
I love our MKS and it saddens me that they stopped production as I would totally buy another one
best lincoln sedan
Key Considerations for the Best Lincoln Sedan:
Model Options: Lincoln primarily offers the Lincoln Continental and the Lincoln MKZ as their sedan options. The Continental is known for its luxury and spaciousness, while the MKZ is more compact and sporty.
Performance: Look for engine options that suit your driving style. The Continental offers a choice of V6 and V8 engines, providing a balance of power and efficiency. The MKZ typically features a turbocharged four-cylinder or a hybrid option.
Interior Quality: Lincoln sedans are known for their luxurious interiors. Consider the materials used, comfort of the seats, and overall design. Features like leather upholstery, wood accents, and advanced technology enhance the experience.
Technology and Features: Check for the latest infotainment systems, driver-assistance features, and connectivity options. Lincoln's SYNC 3 system is user-friendly and includes smartphone integration.
Safety Ratings: Look for safety ratings from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS. Advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking are important.
Recommendation: The Lincoln Continental is often regarded as the best Lincoln sedan due to its spacious interior, luxurious features, and powerful engine options. It provides a smooth ride and a high level of comfort, making it ideal for both daily driving and long trips. If you're looking for a more compact and sportier option, the Lincoln MKZ is a solid choice, especially with its hybrid variant for better fuel efficiency.
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