The 1987 Lincoln Continental is a full-size luxury sedan designed for a smooth, quiet ride and classic American comfort. It sits in Lincoln’s traditional, formal flagship space, aimed at buyers who prioritize cushy cruising, a roomy cabin, and understated elegance over sporty handling. For 1987, it continued the rear-wheel-drive Continental sedan formula from the mid-1980s, offering a distinctly “big Lincoln” feel in an era when many competitors were downsizing. It’s an ideal choice for collectors, weekend drivers, and anyone who wants a comfortable classic with an easygoing personality.

- 5.0L V8 power: Most 1987 Continental sedans are equipped with Ford’s 5.0L V8, tuned for smooth torque and relaxed highway driving rather than aggressive acceleration. - Rear-wheel drive layout: Traditional RWD proportions and a soft luxury suspension setup deliver a floaty, comfortable ride that many classic Lincoln fans seek out. - Luxury-focused interior: Expect plush seating, generous rear-seat space, and comfort-first ergonomics, with many cars featuring power accessories and upscale trim typical of the Continental name. - Comfort and convenience equipment: Depending on options and trim, common highlights include automatic climate control, power seats, power windows/locks, cruise control, and premium audio features. - Big-car road manners: The Continental’s long-wheelbase feel and substantial curb presence make it a strong highway cruiser, especially for drivers who value stability and isolation from road noise.

Searching “1987 Lincoln Continental reliability” usually leads to a balanced picture: the drivetrain can be durable with proper upkeep, but age-related failures and 1980s electronics can create ongoing projects. Here are several 1987 Lincoln Continental common issues owners frequently report: - Fuel and drivability problems (often 80,000–130,000 miles): Hard starts, rough idle, stalling, or hesitation can stem from tired fuel pumps, clogged filters, vacuum leaks, or aging sensors. On a car this old, degraded rubber vacuum lines are a frequent culprit and can mimic bigger failures. - Cooling system weaknesses (often 90,000+ miles or age-driven): Overheating or coolant loss may come from radiator fatigue, aging hoses, a worn thermostat, or a weak water pump. Many issues are “time” related rather than purely mileage related, especially if the car sat for long periods. - Transmission shifting complaints (varies widely): Some owners note delayed shifts, soft shifting, or slipping as miles climb—often due to neglected fluid changes, old seals, or wear. If the transmission has been serviced consistently, it tends to fare better, but budget for inspection on any unknown-history car. - Electrical and power accessory glitches (age-related): Power window motors, door lock actuators, intermittent gauges, and aging wiring grounds are common 1980s-luxury headaches. These rarely strand the car immediately, but they can be frustrating and time-consuming to chase down.