- sedan 91,497
- 5,988 overpriced
- Huntley, IL
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- autoshopper.com
- sedan 91,497 gasoline silver automatic
2002 lincoln continental review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Luxury and value. introductionlincoln continental delivers comfort and technology in a stylish, full-size package. Packed with technology, computer electronics are applied to nearly every facet of the driving experience. advanced electronics allow continental drivers to tailor suspension dampening and steering effort to their personal taste and driving style. An optional memory profile system allows two drivers to personalize settings for eleven features. A few of its appointments may be perceived as mere gadgets, but many represent genuine innovations. The sum total is a thoroughly modern luxury sedan that's quick and maneuverable yet supremely plush. the lincoln continental costs considerably less than cadillac and lexus luxury sedans and it compares well with the buick park avenue. The design of the front-wheel-drive continental is dated, however. It will be phased out in the fall, at the end of the 2002 model year. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard. Side-impact air bags are also standard, in addition to the requisite dual front air bags. a series of option groups, each on building on the next, is available: driver select 38,615) adds a semi-active suspension, along with steering-wheel audio controls, an expanded memory profile system, and automatic dimming for the left outside mirror. Personal security 39,600) adds polished aluminum wheels, a tire-inflation warning system, and run-flat all-season tires that can keep going (up to 50 miles) after losing all of their air. Luxury appearance 39,720) features chrome wheels, a chrome grille, heated seats with two-tone upholstery, and a real wood steering wheel. Any of the above may be ordered with the select package, which combines a power moonroof with an alpine sound system and six-disc cd player. Lincoln lists the select package as a $2705 value, but discounts it to dealers so that it can be offered at no charge to consumers. The cd player, alpine stereo, moonroof, chrome wheels, and heated seats are all available as stand-alone options. new for 2002 is a vehicle communication package 1295). This includes a hands-free, voice-activated, digital/analog, motorolatimeport phone (a sprint pcs plan is required), plus voice-activated news, weather, sports, and stock quotes. Last year, lincoln sweetened the ride with complimentary regular maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles. walkaroundthe lincoln continental makes a distinctive design statement. A rounded interpretation of the lincoln waterfall grille blends with the headlamp clusters to sweep into a brightly trimmed front fascia, while massive tail lamps wrap around into the muscular rear quarters. I can manage to pinch my pinky in them because i'm clumsy and often in a hurry. 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. The washer fluid container, 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 the luxury appearance continental are swathed in two-tone connolly leather. Light coming in from the moonroof and windows added to the bright, open ambiance. 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 lit 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 yet 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 preference. 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 it displays the status of various systems. 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 between drivers. Either way, there's lots of rear-seat legroom. Three adults can sit in back with reasonable comfort, and shoulder belts are available at all three positions. a passive anti-theft system depends on matching an encoded radio frequency between the key and the ignition. It's 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 big 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 pounds-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 should appeal to owners who want more control and driving excitement. The driver can select soft, normal or firm settings for 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 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-benz. Nor does it offer the responsiveness of a cadillac deville. But it costs less than any of these. flat tires are less of a concern with the personal security package, which equips the continental with run-flat tires and an air pressure alert system. The lincoln continental is priced lower than the cadillac deville and seville and large import luxury cars and it compares well with the buick park avenue ultra. model lineupcontinental 38,010); with driver select 38,615); with personal security 39,600); with luxury appearance 39,720). assembled inwixom, michigan. model testedcontinental with luxury appearance 39,720). Anti-lock Brakes✔ Tachometer✔ Heated Seats✔ Bucket Seats✔ CD Player✔ Chrome Wheels✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Aluminum Wheels
5,988 Huntley, ILHuntley, IL at autoshopper.com