15th Jun 2005, 19:21
You think you had problems? By 1990 there were at least some improvements over the 1988 model (see my own review). The 1990, with dual exhausts and a lower final drive ratio, must be a rocket compared with 1988. I guess they only cared about fuel economy ratings.
5th Aug 2007, 18:47
I agree that the engine wasn't up to hauling around that much weight - although I didn't have any issues with the engine itself, I kept on going through motor mounts. I owned the car for 3 years and had 4 sets of motor mounts installed. Other than that, the car was in excellent condition, paid a fair amount for it and the interior was great.
20th Jan 2009, 12:57
I've had mine for the past 3 years. I got it with 70,000 miles and a rebuilt engine. So far it's been OK.
I do agree that that engine is not the best, and it's not strong enough for that big of a car. But I've had no problems with the engine, just the radiator, alternator, and power steering. And that 0-60 in 15 seconds, yeah that part sucks about this car really.
11th Feb 2009, 21:33
The lack of power is a bit disappointing, however I have found the 3.8 litre Essex engine to be quite reliable, having just surpassed 764,000 km (474,728 miles) with little more than regular maintenance. The key - regular maintenance by a licensed mechanic.
Only complaint is the interior chrome (plated plastic) trim on the doors and dash flaking off, however, the car is 19 years old.
15th Mar 2009, 17:24
What a lemon. I bought a 88 Continental Signature series, with low km. The main problem is it doesn't hold a charge or the ignition is done. I'm gonna put a new alternator in cause that won't hurt. But I'm looking for any suggestions, any ideas why it would lose power when I'm driving down the road?
17th Mar 2005, 19:46
No doubt about that, this is my second Ford and the first was that horrid machine the '88 Thunder bird with that awful 3.8v6. Kept overheating and head gasket gave out in a matter of a year with continuous maintenance. The Lincoln has the style and smoothest ride ever Ford needed to be a little more cautious about putting a bad engine in a piece of art.