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. When 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.

1994 Lincoln Mark VIII: Changes for 1994 include the addition of wood trim to the center console, plus a remote keyless entry that recalls the settings for both the power driver’s seat and the power outside mirrors.

1995 Lincoln Mark VIII: Among the additions to the 1995 Mark VIII are a redesigned instrument panel, complete with a new stereo. Arriving in midyear is the 290-horsepower LSC version, with a firmer suspension, new alloy wheels, perforated leather upholstery, a monochrome exterior, and high-intensity-discharge lamps.

1996 Lincoln Mark VIII: A special Diamond Anniversary Edition model highlights the changes for the ’98 model year.

1997 Lincoln Mark VIII: Bolder in appearance, the ’97 model came with a more-rounded “power dome” hood, with subtle character lines to highlight the larger, more-aggressive chrome grille. The rear had a revised full-width neon light bar, while the industry’s first “puddle lamps” cast a glow on the ground from their position on the bottom edge of the sideview mirrors. Suspension changes included the addition of firmer shocks, larger stabilizer bars, and standard all-speed traction control.

1998 Lincoln Mark VIII: Mark VIII saw no changes for 1998. During the season Ford announced that the Mark VIII would be dropped for ’99.

Production figures of entire Mark VIII Series:
Year Built

1993 – 32,370
1994 – 28,164
1995 – 20,782
1996 – 13,625
1997 – 16,805
1998 – 14,357

Total Mark VIII’s Built: 126,103

The Mark VIII was a large luxurious coupe from Lincoln, sold between 1993 and 1998. The Mark VIII was assembled at Ford’s Wixom,Michigan assembly plant and was based on the FN10 platform. The Mark VIII was available in two models: the standard Mark VIII and the LSC. The 1995 LSC model 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, and perforated leather seat inserts, along with LSC scripted floormats. The bright chrome inserts normally found in the body-side moulding and bumper on the Mark VIII were replaced with monochrome body color inserts on the LSC. The 4.6L 4-valve DOHC V8 engine was an all-aluminum variation on Ford’s modular Intech engine, in all model years. The late-1995 and 1996 LSC models were the first cars from any automaker to be equipped with Direct Current HID headlights. All other manufacturers that offered HID headlights at the time used an Alternating Current HID system.

In 1997, the Lincoln Mark VIII received a significant facelift, with a smoother, more rounded front and rear facia, and a larger grille. HID headlamps became standard, placed in larger housings. Lincoln incorporated an innovative neon brake light across the entire rear decklid. The side mirrors came with the industry’s first “Puddle Lamps”. The lamps cast a glow on the ground when the doors were opened, so the driver and passengers could see when entering or exiting the car. The side view mirror housings also incorporated flashing LED turn signal lamps to warn other drivers of an intended lane change/turn. The interior included “Theater Lighting”, which softly illuminated the driver’s controls and handles. The exterior had a more rounded “Power Dome” on the hood, and the trunk had less definition to the famous “spare tire hump” associated with the previous Mark series. The grill was bigger and bolder. Optional 16″ chrome “Octastar” wheels looked like solid chrome, yet were very light.

The DOHC 32-valve 4.6L V8, rated at 280 hp, came with a distributorless coil-on-plug ignition system, eliminating the use of high voltage spark plug wires. Some of the transmission internal parts were reinforced in the late 1997 models and all 1998 models. LSC models had firmer shocks and larger anti-roll stabilizer bars, for better handling and control, a lower gear ratio and true dual exhaust giving a 10 hp boost taking it to 290 hp. All-speed traction control was standard, and included a button in the center console to de-activate it when desired. On Mark VIII’s with the Heated Seats option, the Traction Control was turned off via the onboard systems status computer.

Towards the end of Mark VIII production, Lincoln offered 2 personalized “specialty” models: the Spring Feature and the Collector’s Edition. The era of large American personal luxury coupes neared an end in the late 1990’s, and the Mark VIII was retired during the 1998 model year. It was replaced with the Lincoln Ls personal luxury sedan. In 2003-2004, Lincoln showed some concept coupes based on the 2002-2005 Ford ThunderBird, including the Lincoln MK9 and Lincoln Mark X, but these never saw production, as the Thunderbird was cancelled after a 4-year run.

With its new 280-horsepower V8 (290 with the LSC), the Mark VIII is quick off the line and once above 15 mph, really flies. The engine is silky smooth, has a sporty growl in hard acceleration, and delivers outstanding passing power at highway speeds. However, we averaged just 17.9 mpg, with our highest reading being 20.1 mpg. When we tested this car on snow and ice, we were disappointed with the performance of the optional traction-control system. The rear wheels spun readily in snow, making takeoffs slow and laborious. The rear-drive Mark VIII is as agile as the front-drive Cadillac Eldorado, but has 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 don’t have much head room, even without the optional moonroof. Rear leg room is also limited. Taking a closer look at the interior, the gauges on the sweeping 2-tier dash are clearly marked and controls are intuitive. Directly astern visibility is mediocre.

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for a representative model. Consumer Guide rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle’s standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, “1” is the lowest rating and “10” is the highest rating.

Trouble Spots: Consumer Guide’s Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Alternator belt: The drive-belt tensioner pulley or idler pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather. (1993-96)

Automatic transmission: Transmission shudder or vibration under light acceleration or when shifting between third and fourth gear above 35 mph can be fixed by replacing the transmission fluid with Mercon fluid. (1992-94)

Automatic transmission: The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when the transmission shifts into fourth gear, which can often be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1993-95)

Blower motor: Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. (1993-94)

Engine stalling: The in-tank fuel-delivery module may cause low or no fuel pressure. (1995)

Hard starting: If the engine does not want to start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle-air control valve may be sticking. (1995-96)

Heater core: Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1993-98)

Odometer: Because of a software problem, the odometer may quit registering after 65,531 miles. (1995)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

*NHTSA Recall History*

1993-94: Headlights can flash intermittently as a result of a circuit-breaker opening.

The Mark VIII is the recipient of the finest of Ford powertrains, 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. Two separate versions make their way under the hood of the Mark VIII. The basic engine delivers 280 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 285 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. Select the optional LSC version and you find the 290 horsepower version with a torque rating of 290 pound-feet at 4500 rpm. The extra power results from a true dual exhaust system, which reduces back pressure. The only available transmission is an electronic 4-speed overdrive automatic.