Now that SUVs are fast replacing sedans and coupes, we’re seeing more cars exiting the lineup. This year will end production for a few popular cars, like the Lincoln Continental and the Lincoln MKZ. 

But does their leaving mean that they’re no longer a reliable vehicle? Is the automaker getting rid of a troublesome sedan? Consumer Reports answers these questions with their list of cars that are leaving lineups in 2021. Let’s see what they had to say about the reliability rankings. 

How does Consumer Reports determine reliability rankings?

Consumer Reports sends out automotive surveys to their members each year. They’re able to collect data from owners of a whole range of vehicles from previous year models. 

This year, they gathered survey responses from the years 2000 to 2020 from several vehicles. They then calculate this information to determine scores and rankings for each vehicle. 

In the survey, they ask owners about any problems they’ve had within the last year. Those taking the surveys would list which issues were serious because of the cost to fix it or failure of a specific part to perform as it should. 

They also list the repairs that were covered under their automotive warranty. The major problem areas include engine, transmission, electrical and power equipment. Once they scrutinize all the surveys, they come with a reliability score for each vehicle. 

Does the fact that it’s discontinued mean it’s not reliable?

While it’s understandable why one would think a vehicle isn’t reliable if the automaker discontinues it, it’s rarely the case. In fact, most companies discontinue certain vehicles simply because they’ve rearranged their production plans and there’s just no room for the discontinued vehicle. 

The most recent cases we’re seeing are sedans getting cut out of a lineup because SUVs are becoming much more popular among automotive consumers. To meet the demand, automakers are cutting out other vehicles to make more room for producing the money-making ones. 

There are six such cars, with pretty good reliability ratings, making their exit this year. Consumer Reports listed the Acura RLX, the Chevrolet Impala, Honda Fit, Lexus GS, and Lincoln MKZ.

The last one is the Lincoln Continental, which Consumer Reports gave a reliability rating of four out of five. When it comes to their overall score, the Continental brought in an 85 out of 100. So, it wasn’t a terrible car, the automakers just decided to go in a different direction with production. 

Why did the Lincoln Continental rate so well?

The Lincoln Continental scored well with its roomy interior, especially in the rear seat area. The cabin is luxurious, and it was made with high-quality materials. The seats are comfortable, but more so in the back seat than the front. 

Consumer Reports felt the ride was comfortable. It keeps road and wind noise to a minimum, and acceleration is smooth and quick with a pretty powerful engine. 

When it comes to reliability, the Continental shows a troublesome year in 2017 with major problems reported from its climate system, in-car electronics, and power equipment. 

Other areas that people mentioned in their surveys were the paint job and body hardware. There were some issues with body integrity and brakes, but everything else showed good marks, like the engine and transmission. 

The Lincoln Continental has shown itself to be a pretty reliable car for the years the automaker produced it. However, as a new decade takes hold, the Continental will exit to make room for the new changes in the lineup.