2001LincolnContinentalLincoln Continental2001 Lincoln ContinentalSedanSedanFWDWixom, MIThe Continental remains relatively unchanged for 2001. A universal garage door opener is standard, and the individual bucket seat option (five-passenger) now requires the Driver's Select System. Two new exterior colors have been added. Like all Lincoln products, the Continental now has complimentary maintenance at no additional charge for the first 3 years/36,000 miles in service.Plenty of useable features and options, attractive styling, powerful V8 engine.Large size hurts maneuverability, unsupportive seats, minimal interior storage, lack of refinement.If you are looking for an alternative to Cadillac, then this is your car. The only front-wheel-drive car in Lincoln's lineup, it's equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 275 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 275 foot-pounds of torque at 4,750 rpm. In both size and output, this V8 is very similar to the V8 in Cadillac's big car lineup, though it lacks the marketing push that Cadillac gives its Northstar engine. A fully independent suspension comes standard on all Continentals. The rear suspension has a load-leveling feature that automatically maintains ride height regardless of passengers or additional cargo. Additionally, Lincoln offers an optional Driver Select System that includes an adjustable shock damping system. It can be set for plush, normal or firm ride control. The Driver Select System also comes with a memory system that allows two separate drivers to adjust seat and exterior mirror settings to their individual tastes. On the road, the Continental gives a comfortable and stable ride, which is what you should expect out of a large front-drive luxury car. Power from the V8 is more than enough for passing and general highway cruising. Inside, the Continental's cabin is quiet. Control layout is logical, though the overall ambience is somewhat bland. Storage space is lacking, and the cupholders are not adjustable. In terms of upgrades, there's an Alpine audio system and Alpine six-disc CD changer for audiophiles, a luxury package with upgraded interior and exterior trim pieces, and a personal security package with a low tire-pressure warning system and run-flat tires. For the ultimate in secure travel, a RESCU package is available with Lincoln's Remote Emergency Satellite Cellular Unit to call for assistance and transmit the vehicle's location via a global positioning satellite (GPS) network. The Continental's exterior remains unchanged for the 2001 model year. The wide front grille is retained, as are the dual exhaust outlets and the swoopy hood line. This gives the Lincoln a .32 coefficient of drag which, as luxury sedans go, is fairly slippery. If you really want to set yourself apart from other Continentals, the optional six-spoke chrome wheels can add to the car's classic look. For 2001, all Lincoln models will receive complimentary maintenance. This program covers all routine maintenance -- from oil changes to wipers to shocks -- for the first three years or 36,000 miles. In addition, the basic Lincoln warranty of four years/50,000 miles remains in place. Until the LS debuted last year, the Continental used to be Lincoln's smallest offering. It is now mid-pack, sandwiched between the LS and the larger Town Car. Though still a competent and attractive package, the Continental has lost some identity and still faces tough competition from Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Acura RL-SeriesCadillac SevilleLexus ES 300Volvo S80450,000450,000450,0005UnlimitedNANANA84.6 litersV8275 hp @ 5750 rpm275 ft-lbs. @ 4750 rpm208.4 in.73.6 in.55.9 in.3848 lbs.109 in.38.9 in.38 in.57.1 in.56.6 in.55.7 in.56.5 in.41.9 in.38 in.18.4 cu.ft.StandardStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested20 gal.17 mpg / 25 mpg340 mi. / 500 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$36,574$39,5607.35%$745N/A2% of the Total MSRPCONTINENTAL (4A): 4.6L V8 DOHC SMPI 32-valve engine, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up converter; HD battery with rundown protection; 125-amp alternator; front-wheel drive, traction control, 3.56 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; auto-leveling suspension, front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent short & long arm suspension with anti-roll bar, rear air springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering with vehicle-speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel antilock braking system; 20 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; class I towing capability; front and rear body-colored bumpers with chrome bumper insert; body-colored bodyside molding with chrome bodyside insert; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen fully automatic headlamps with delay-off feature; additional exteriorlights include cornering lights; driver's and passenger's body-colored heated outside mirrors, driver's power remote outside mirror, passenger's power remote outside mirror with tilt-down feature; 16" x 7" silver alloy wheels with P225/60HR16 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts; premium AM/FM stereo w/seek-scan feature, cassette player, 4 speakers, amplifier, window grid antenna; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child safety rear door locks, power remote hatch/trunk release, power remote fuel door release; 2 power accessory outlets, front lighter element, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, garage door opener, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, clock, compass, exterior temp, systems monitor, trip computer, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp,battery, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, bulb failure, door ajar, trunk ajar, service interval, brake fluid, turn signal on; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's seat-mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 6, 50/50 split-bench front seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and front passenger's seats include 6-way power seat, power 2-way lumbar support and easy entry feature; rear bench seat with center armrest; height-adjustable front seatbelts; leather seats, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, genuine wood dashboard insert, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, genuine wood door panel insert, chrome interioraccents; driver's seat memory includes 2 memory settings for exterior mirrors; interior lights include dome light with fade, front and rear reading lights, door curb lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; partial floor console, mini overhead console with storage, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid, cargo light; chrome grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and chrome door handles.