Lincoln Continental
18 MPG The 2002 Lincoln Continental is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 833 gallons, $2667 a year in fuel, or $0.178 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–2002 run it averages 18.4 MPG, falling by 1.8 MPG over 19 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.194 | $1944 | $2917 | $3889 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.278 | $2778 | $4167 | $5556 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 2001 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 2000 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 1999 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 1998 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 1997 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 1996 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $4300 | 494 | 1 |
| 1995 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1994 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1993 | 18 MPG | 15 | 24 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1992 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1991 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1990 | 19 MPG | 16 | 23 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1989 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1988 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1987 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1986 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1985 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3600 | 493 | 2 |
| 1984 | 19.8 MPG | 17.3 | 24 | $3613 | 494 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 149 large cars models tracked here, the Lincoln Continental ranks 97 on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Cadillac DeVille (18.5), BMW 550i Gran Turismo (19), BMW 750i xDrive (19), BMW 750Li (19), BMW 750Li xDrive (19).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 494 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Lincoln Continental get?
The 2002 Lincoln Continental is rated at 18 MPG combined by the EPA — 15 city and 23 highway. Across all 19 model years in the database it averages 18.4 MPG, ranging from 16 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Lincoln Continental cost in fuel per year?
At 18 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 833 gallons — roughly $2667 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.178 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2002 model is $4300.
Has the Lincoln Continental become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 19.8 MPG in 1984 to 18 in 2002. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Lincoln Continental efficient for its class?
It ranks 97 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG. That is 3.6 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.