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Lincoln Mercury For 2000 |
By Carey Russ |
Lincoln Mercury changed it state of residence from Michigan to Southern California recently, and it trying to change its state of mind as well. It seems to be working. The new Lincoln LS is designed to compete with the prestigious European sports-luxury sedans. It joins the Generation X-aimed Mercury Cougar coupe. Other Lincolns and Mercurys continue.
LINCOLN
LS
A Lincoln sports sedan? Not long ago the idea would have been unthinkable, and an alleged sports sedan from Lincoln would have been in sorry shape when compared to Europe's best. In the best indication yet of the changes at Lincoln Mercury, the LS dares to compare with the established marques in the class and comes out looking very good. It's a well-appointed luxury car with European-style chassis dynamics thanks to its fully-independent suspension and rear wheel drive. Two models are offered. The LS V6 has a 210-hp, 3.0- liter V6 engine, while the LS V8 uses a 3.9-liter, 252-hp V8. Both have five-speed automatic transmissions, but, indicative of the LS's intent, the LS V6 is available with a sport-tuned suspension and a five- speed manual transmission. This is not your great-uncle's Lincoln.
Navigator
Lincoln's large sport-utility, the Navigator, now has an available navigation system. Climate-controlled seats are another comfort option. Power folding side mirrors and the "Reverse Sensing System" help docking maneuvers.
Continental
The front-wheel drive Continental luxury sedan is unchanged for 2000.
Town Car
The traditional Town Car has minor changes.
MERCURY
Sable
The Sable mid-size sedan has been restyled inside and out. A bold new grille and an angular, "New Edge"-influenced look highlight the outside. Interior styling is new as well. The "Personal Safety System" monitors seating position, belt use, and impact severity in an accident in order to appropriately deploy the air bags and other safety devices. Available power-adjustable pedals allow smaller people to position themselves further away from the air bags. The standard Vulcan V6 engine has more power, and other enhancements increase smoothness and quiet.
Cougar
New last year, the sporty Cougar is mostly unchanged for its second year.
Mountaineer
Mercury's mid-size Mountaineer sport-utility has minor changes.
Villager
The Villager, Mercury's conveniently-sized minivan, has a simplified lineup and minor equipment changes.
Mystique
The sporty Mystique compact sedan has new color choices.
Grand Marquis
One of the few remaining full-size, rear-wheel drive sedans, the Grand Marquis has only minor changes for the new century.
