Mark VIII Facts
The Lincoln Mark VIII — 1993 to 1998
The Machine
1993–98 Lincoln Mark VIII Highlights
Lincoln launched the Mark VIII after the 1993 season began to replace the aging Mark VII. Rear-wheel drive was retained, but a new V8 engine was installed along with standard driver- and passenger-side airbags. Compared to the Mark VII, the Mark VIII rode on a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase and measured 4.1 inches longer overall. Under the hood sat a twin-cam, all-aluminum 4.6-liter V8. The only available transmission was a 4-speed automatic with electronic shift control. Handling features included an all-independent electronically controlled air-spring suspension, antilock brakes, and speed-sensitive power steering.
Year by Year
Model Year Changes
Lincoln launched the Mark VIII to replace the aging Mark VII. New twin-cam 4.6L all-aluminum V8, standard dual airbags, 4.5-inch longer wheelbase than its predecessor, and an all-independent electronically controlled air-spring suspension.
Wood trim added to the center console. Remote keyless entry now recalls settings for both the power driver's seat and power outside mirrors.
Redesigned instrument panel with new stereo. Arriving mid-year: the 290-hp LSC version — firmer suspension, new alloy wheels, perforated leather upholstery, monochrome exterior, and industry-first Direct Current HID headlights.
The late-1995 and 1996 LSC models were the first cars from any automaker equipped with Direct Current HID headlights. All other manufacturers using HID at the time relied on Alternating Current systems.
Significant facelift: smoother rounded front and rear fascia, larger chrome grille, standard HID headlamps, innovative neon brake light across the entire rear decklid, and the industry's first "Puddle Lamps" in the sideview mirror housings. Interior added "Theater Lighting". Suspension: firmer shocks, larger stabilizer bars, standard all-speed traction control.
No styling changes for 1998. Ford announced during the season that the Mark VIII would be dropped for '99. The era of the large American personal luxury coupe neared its end. Total production: 126,103 over six model years.
By The Numbers
Production Figures — Complete Mark VIII Series
All Mark VIII vehicles assembled at Ford's Wixom, Michigan assembly plant on the FN10 platform.
| Model Year | Units Built |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 32,370 |
| 1994 | 28,164 |
| 1995 | 20,782 |
| 1996 | 13,625 |
| 1997 | 16,805 |
| 1998 | 14,357 |
| Total Built | 126,103 |
Deep Dive
Technical Overview
The Mark VIII was a large luxurious coupe from Lincoln, sold between 1993 and 1998. Available in two models: the standard Mark VIII and the LSC. The 1995 LSC received a powertrain calibrated for an additional 10 hp, with true dual exhaust systems and higher (3.27) gearing for better acceleration. The LSC also featured unique body colors, distinct LSC badging on the trunk, perforated leather seat inserts, and LSC-scripted floormats. Bright chrome inserts in the body-side moulding were replaced with monochrome body-color inserts.
The 4.6L 4-valve DOHC V8 was an all-aluminum variation on Ford's modular Intech engine across all model years. Some transmission internal parts were reinforced in the late 1997 models and all 1998 models. LSC models featured firmer shocks, larger anti-roll stabilizer bars, a lower gear ratio, and true dual exhaust — giving a 10 hp boost to 290 hp. All-speed traction control was standard, with a center console button to de-activate.
The DOHC 32-valve 4.6L V8, rated at 280 hp, came with a distributorless coil-on-plug ignition system, eliminating high-voltage spark plug wires. Towards the end of production, Lincoln offered two personalized "specialty" models: the Spring Feature and the Collector's Edition.
The era of large American personal luxury coupes neared its end in the late 1990s. The Mark VIII was retired during the 1998 model year and replaced by the Lincoln LS personal luxury sedan. In 2003–2004, Lincoln showed concept coupes based on the Ford Thunderbird — the Lincoln MK9 and Lincoln Mark X — but these never reached production.
Under The Hood
Engine — 4.6L DOHC V8
| Displacement | 4.6L (281 cu in) |
| Configuration | DOHC 32-valve V8, all-aluminum |
| Horsepower (base) | 280 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Horsepower (LSC) | 290 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque (base) | 285 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Torque (LSC) | 290 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed electronic overdrive automatic |
| Ignition | Distributorless coil-on-plug (no plug wires) |
The Mark VIII is the recipient of Ford's finest powertrain: the DOHC 32-valve 4.6-liter V8. First placed in the Town Car, the aluminum-block engine also powers the Lincoln Continental, Ford Crown Victoria, Thunderbird, and Mustang. The LSC version gains 10 hp via a true dual exhaust system which reduces back pressure — the only mechanical difference between the two output levels.
Consumer Report
Pros & Cons
Pros
- check_circle Acceleration
- check_circle Steering & handling
- check_circle Antilock brakes
- check_circle Fuel economy (relative to power)
Cons
- cancel Rear visibility
- cancel Fuel economy (17.9 mpg avg)
- cancel Rear-seat room
- cancel Wet-weather traction
With its 280-hp V8 (290 with LSC), the Mark VIII is quick off the line and flies above 15 mph. The engine is silky smooth, has a sporty growl under hard acceleration, and delivers outstanding passing power. The rear-drive Mark VIII is as agile as the front-drive Cadillac Eldorado but with a more supple suspension. Steering and braking are top notch. As with many sport coupes, interior space is not one of the Mark's strong points — tall passengers will find limited headroom even without the moonroof, and rear legroom is limited.
Consumer Guide
1995 Lincoln Mark VIII Rating
Rated on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest), compared against ALL vehicles — not just its class.
| Category | Score / 10 |
|---|---|
| Performance | 8 |
| Fuel Economy | 2 |
| Ride Quality | 5 |
| Steering / Handling / Braking | 5 |
| Quietness | 5 |
| Controls & Materials | 5 |
| Room / Comfort — Driver (front) | 8 |
| Room / Comfort (rear) | 2 |
| Cargo Room | 3 |
| Value within Class | 5 |
| Total | 48 |
Specifications
Dimensions & Capacity
| Body Style | 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 in. |
| Overall Length | 207.3 in. |
| Overall Width | 74.8 in. |
| Overall Height | 53.6 in. |
| Curb Weight | 3,768 lbs. |
| Cargo Volume | 14.4 cu. ft. |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.0 gals. |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room | 38.1 in. |
| Max. Front Leg Room | 42.6 in. |
| Rear Head Room | 37.5 in. |
| Max. Rear Leg Room | 32.5 in. |
Know Your Car
Common Trouble Spots
Sourced from repair bulletins, technical service bulletins, and mechanic reports. Be aware of these recurring issues on Mark VIII's.
Alternator Belt
1993–96The drive-belt tensioner pulley or idler pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather.
Automatic Transmission (shudder)
1992–94Transmission shudder or vibration under light acceleration or when shifting between 3rd and 4th gear above 35 mph. Fix: replace transmission fluid with Mercon fluid.
Automatic Transmission (slip)
1993–95The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when shifting into 4th gear — often traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor.
Blower Motor
1993–94Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders.
Engine Stalling
1995The in-tank fuel-delivery module may cause low or no fuel pressure.
Hard Starting
1995–96If the engine does not want to start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle-air control valve may be sticking.
Heater Core
1993–98Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater core leaks.
Odometer
1995Due to a software problem, the odometer may quit registering after 65,531 miles.
Estimated Costs
Typical Repair Costs
Estimates include parts + labor at $50/hr. Actual prices vary by region; dealerships typically charge slightly more.
| Repair Item | Est. Cost |
|---|---|
| A/C Compressor | $400 |
| Alternator | $455 |
| Automatic Transmission / Transaxle | $720 |
| Brakes | $305 |
| Exhaust System | $485 |
| Radiator | $465 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,060 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $445 |
| Universal Joints | $160 |
NHTSA Recall History
1993–94
Headlights can flash intermittently as a result of a circuit-breaker opening.
Own a Mark VIII?
Join the longest-running Mark VIII club in New York. Est. 2005.
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