1996 Lincoln Continental

Sedan

FWD

Premium Gasoline

Horsepower

–

MPG Combined

18 mpg

MSRP

–

Torque

–

Reliability Score

99/ 100Excellent

Based on 69 NHTSA complaints

Should You Buy a 1996 Lincoln Continental?

The 1996 Lincoln Continental is a full-size luxury sedan that combines comfort and performance with its 4.6L V8 engine delivering 260 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. With a front-wheel-drive layout and a 4-speed automatic transmission, it offers a smooth driving experience, making it suitable for both city commuting and long highway trips. The vehicle boasts a respectable combined fuel economy of 18.0 MPG, appealing to buyers looking for a balance between power and efficiency. However, potential buyers should be aware of some safety concerns, as the NHTSA has recorded a total of 69 complaints, including 4 crash incidents and 2 fatalities, indicating a need for thorough inspection before purchase.

Ideal For

This vehicle is best suited for buyers seeking a comfortable and powerful luxury sedan for daily commuting or long road trips, particularly those who appreciate classic American luxury.

Strengths

+Luxurious interior with high-quality materials
+Smooth and powerful V8 engine performance
+Comfortable ride quality, ideal for long distances
+High reliability score indicating overall durability
+Ample trunk space for luggage and cargo

Weaknesses

-Reported issues with front suspension and visibility
-Higher maintenance costs typical of luxury vehicles
-Limited fuel economy compared to modern sedans
-Potential safety concerns based on crash data
-Outdated technology and features compared to newer models

Known Issues (NHTSA Data)

The 1996 Lincoln Continental has reported several issues, particularly related to the front suspension and rearview visibility, with 5 complaints regarding suspension and 4 regarding visibility. While the overall reliability score is high at 99.3/100, the presence of injuries and fatalities in crash incidents suggests that buyers should conduct a detailed review of the vehicle's condition and history. No significant NHTSA complaints on record beyond these issues.

Top Complaint Areas

SUSPENSION:FRONT7% of complaints

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES6% of complaints

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION4% of complaints

SUSPENSION4% of complaints

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)3% of complaints

Performance

Horsepower: –
Torque: –
Engine: 4.6 L
Cylinders: V8
Transmission: Automatic 4-spd
Drive Type: FWD

Efficiency

MPG Combined: 18
Fuel Type: Premium Gasoline

Dimensions

Length: 206.3 in
Width: 73.6 in
Height: 55.9 in
Wheelbase: 109.1 in
Curb Weight: 3,971 lbs
Ground Clearance: –

Capacity

Doors: 4
Seating: –
Cargo: –
Max Cargo: –
Max Towing: –
Max Payload: –

Estimated Value

Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Estimated Annual Cost

$5,818

Per Mile

$0.48

5-Year Total

$29,090

Fuel

$2,333/yr

Maintenance

$600/yr

Insurance

$2,885/yr

Based on industry-standard estimates for this vehicle class. Fuel cost assumes 12,000 mi/yr at national average gas prices. Maintenance uses class-based intervals, not manufacturer-specific schedules. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.