33/100
1996Large CarsPremium

1996 Lincoln Continental

EPA ID: 12888
15
City MPG
18
Combined MPG
18MPG· Below Avg
23
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1996 Lincoln Continental achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 15 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 4.6L 8-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 4-spd, this large cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1996 Continental produces approximately 494 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Continental has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,850, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $8,500 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassLarge Cars
Fuel TypePremium
Engine4.6L 8-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions494 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,850
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $8,500

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
17.8
Impact vs EPA
+$36
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$930/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$28,000
50.2%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$14,583
26.1%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$12,800
22.9%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.7%
Total 5-Year Cost$55,783

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #16E026000·2016-05-26
critical
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

Campaign #96V176000·1996-10-09
advisory
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL SHAFT MAY NOT BE FREE TO ROTATE AS INTENDED. IF THE PARK PAWL SHAFT DOES NOT ROTATE, IT WOULD PREVENT THE PARK PAWL FROM ENGAGING THE PARK GEAR WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE PARK POSITION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROTATION AND THOSE SHAFTS WITH RESTRICTED ROTATION WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHORTER SHAFT THAT WILL NOT RESTRICT ROTATION.

Campaign #96V009000·1995-12-29
advisory
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

A DEFECTIVE CONTROL MODULE IN THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM CAN MALFUNCTION. IF THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM IS BEING USED TO ACTIVATE THE EXTERIOR LIGHT (INCLUDING HEADLAMPS), THE HEADLAMPS COULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THIS WILL NOT OCCUR IF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS TURNED ON MANUALLY BY THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMPS SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE "AUTOLAMP" CONTROL MODULE. OWNERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE THE MANUAL HEADLAMP SWITCH UNTIL THE CONTROL MODULE CAN BE REPLACED.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Lincoln Continental configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,850
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $8,500

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City15 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined18 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

98.7 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 122 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 8.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.