The styling for the 1990 Lincoln Continental was introduced in 1988 and represented its eighth major redesign since its introduction in 1940. This '8th Gen' styling would continue through 1994. Its wheelbase of 109 inches was nearly equivalent to the 108.5-inch wheelbase of the previous Seventh Generation styling, produced from 1982 through 1987. Its length of 205.1 inches was slightly larger than its predecessor's length of 201.2 inches, and its weight was 170 pounds heavier. Its unibody chassis was shared with the Mercury Sable and the Ford Taurus, while the variable-assist power steering and adaptive air-ride suspension were exclusive to the Continental. Its conservative exterior styling by designer Jack Telnack lacked the 'Continental trunk lid' that had graced many of the previous Continentals. With a conventional trunk, cargo capacity increased from 15 to 19 cubic feet, nearly the amount of space offered by the Town Car. There were flush-mounted headlights, flush-mounted glass, a more upright C-pillar, a long deck and a sloping trunk lid, a chrome grille, and wraparound doors. The 1988 Continental was the first Lincoln to be equipped with front-wheel drive and the first Lincoln since 1948 sold devoid of a V8 option. Car and Driver placed the Continental on its Ten Best lists in 1989. The 3.8-liter Essex V6 engine, first introduced on the Mercury Sable and Ford Taurus, was used to power the 1988 Continental. In 1990, engine revisions brought horsepower to 155 bhp, and to 160 horsepower by 1993. All Continentals received a four-speed overdrive automatic transmission.
With 64,257 examples sold in 1990, the Continental accounted for nearly a quarter of Lincoln's total sales. The most popular Lincoln this year was the Town Car which accounted for 147,160 of the company's 266,654 total sales. The Town Car was the least expensive 1990 Lincoln and the most expensive, with prices ranging from $27,310 to $32,140.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2016
1990 Lincoln Continental
The 1990 Lincoln Continental was a luxurious 4 door sedan with seating for six occupants. Power was from an overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displacing 232 cubic inches and offering 140 horsepower. It was similar to the prior year's model with only minor changes, including a new ornament located on top of the hood. The tail lamps were mildly different, the power radio antenna now operated automatically, and the front grille was slightly updated. The sedan sold for nearly $30,000, while the Signature Series added an additional $1,000.
The 1990 Lincoln Continental was a luxurious 4 door sedan with seating for six occupants. Power was from an overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displacing 232 cubic inches and offering 140 horsepower. It was similar to the prior year's model with only minor changes, including a new ornament located on top of the hood. The tail lamps were mildly different, the power radio antenna now operated automatically, and the front grille was slightly updated. The sedan sold for nearly $30,000, while the Signature Series added an additional $1,000.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2016
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Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
$29,215 - $29,435
Continental Eighth Generation Specification Comparison by Year
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