Overview & Reviews

The Lincoln Town Car was one of the most established automotive nameplates in America. Since it debuted as a trim level for the 1969-'71 Continental, the Town Car's purpose remained the same: to spoil as many as six occupants with spacious and luxurious accommodations no matter where in the car they were sitting. For years it was the epitome of what Americans expected from a luxury car.

As time passed by, those expectations began to change, and the Town Car did not evolve to meet them. Not only did Lincoln maintain the Town Car's palatial dimensions, massive trunk and soft ride, it also maintained the basic platform that had underpinned the car since the late 1970s. Its solid rear axle suspension and V8 engine, in particular, were relics of another time. Many of the latest safety, convenience and entertainment features were also not available.

Some will certainly view a used Town Car as a comfortable choice for luxury transportation. But for the most part, we think most shoppers will do better choosing another large luxury sedan that's more capable and advanced.

Most Recent Lincoln Town Car
The most recent Lincoln Town Car was produced from 2003-'11. Compared to the model that immediately preceded it, this final Town Car featured a strengthened frame, updated mechanicals, minor styling changes and a revised interior. But it still was heavily based on the previous car, with a body-on-frame chassis, rear-wheel drive and a solid rear axle.

Equipped with wide front and rear bench seats, the Lincoln Town Car was one of the few six-passenger cars around. Both standard- and long-wheelbase models were offered, each powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produced 239 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque. Not only was acceleration pokey, but fuel economy was poor as well. Not helping matters was an old four-speed automatic that lacked the choice of gear ratios and fuel economy of the five- and six-speed automatics found on competitive sedans.

Changes during its lengthy model run were largely restricted to a reshuffling and renaming of trim names in its first few years. For instance, the top-of-the-line model was first named Cartier, then Ultimate and finally Signature Limited. From 2006 through 2011, however, the Town Car could primarily be had in standard-wheelbase Signature Limited and long-wheelbase Signature L trim levels. Feature highlights included dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, a premium sound system, a power-operated trunk and driver memory settings. The Town Car Signature L was essentially a limousine. Six inches longer than the standard car, the L featured a much roomier rear bench seat with separate audio and climate controls.

In editorial reviews, we appreciated the Town Car's abundant storage areas, soft ride quality, interior spaciousness and ability to swallow four sets of golf clubs in the huge trunk. And compared to the previous generation, it did benefit from a stronger frame, sharpened steering and upgraded brakes. But compared to other large luxury sedans of the time, the Town Car was let down by a weak engine, soggy handling, a dated interior design and a lack of modern features.

Previous Lincoln Town Car Models
The Lincoln Town Car produced from 1998-2002 lacked the more recent model's updates, but still offered the same roomy interior. It was offered in Executive, Signature and Cartier editions, and beginning in 2002, the latter two trim levels were available in long-wheelbase form. Between 1998 and 2000, the Town Car was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that produced 205 hp. In 2001, hp was bumped up to 220 for Executive and Signature editions, while Cartier versions produced 235 hp.

Between 1990 and 1997, the Town Car was boxy, slab-sided and formal. However, its radiused edges, flush-mounted windows and lighting elements made it appear infinitely more modern and aerodynamic than the carriage-like pre-1990 models. In 1991, an overhead-cam 4.6-liter V8 was installed that, with 190 hp, was significantly more powerful than the 5.0-liter V8 in previous Town Cars. In 1994, hp rose once again to 210. Other notable developments for mid-1990s Town Car models included an optional Handling Package with firmer suspension and matched tires introduced for 1993, and a subtle but tasteful interior and exterior restyle for 1995.

Most editorial reviewers of the time noted the Town Car's strength as a serene reading room on wheels while lamenting its ponderous driving dynamics. However, there was universal acknowledgement that the Lincoln Town Car never has been for spirited drivers, but rather for those who grew up believing that big, comfortable, rear-wheel-drive American luxury cars were the ultimate reward for a job well done. And for them, this Town Car was a perfect fit.

User Reviews:

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  Concerns / Quality & Reliability - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Robert Lorenzo - September 11 - 6:40 pm

  To all, I have been reasearching & paying close attention to vehicles of all makes and I would say that the domestic market is using strategies: "Employees Price" to sell cars and SUV that dont meet the minimum standard of quality, Reliability and safety needed in most cars. I have experienced it my self. I have been driving a 2005 Lincoln Town Car since February 2005, and I have encountered many problems. Trouble with Moon Roof Installation, Draft around the front passenger doors, Electronic trunk opener, Bad odor from the A/C and horn unoperational due to new design on the steering wheel. Body & bumpers durability not meeting expectation. The last and most important: unreliable service.

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  Typical Ford Product - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By MackS - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Fit finish and decor typical to Ford products. Why pay for a Lincoln when you can own a Ford (e.g., Crown Vic) for MUCH LESS!! Problematic airbag system. Dealer has tried to fix many times to no avail and states this is a problem with all Town cars. Average gas mileage for size of vehicle. Depreciation unacceptable for type of vehicle. Very boaty ride. We should have bought a Cadillac and we will next time.

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  Third, Worst and Last - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Last Lincoln - September 28 - 9:20 pm

  This is my third and last Lincoln. The quality is just plain overrated, mediocre at best. The wind noise around the front windows/doors will drive you crazy, not to mention the engine noise. Not enough power for this size car and lousy gas mileage. A/C will not keep occupants cool if outside temp is over 80.

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  It aint no Continental - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By The Captain - March 15 - 10:00 am

  Still underpowered but better than before. Does not have the interior conveniences of the Continental. No individual arm rests that move with the seats. Power point located on bottom of dash. rather than hidden. No handy sun glasses or tissue compartment. Its only a week old, has the room but not fun to drive as the Continental. 2003 design is better

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  Lincolns lost their build quality - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Virginia - May 9 - 10:00 am

  With 21 years and 400K miles driving Lincolns, I loved them and bought the 03. More annoying issues with this car than Ive had in 20 years. Vibration at idle is built-in and cant be corrected. Compared to older Lincolns,the car has poor acceleration from low RPMs with poorer gas mileage and a smaller gas tank.Contrary to the manual-duplicated pages-doesnt have DSP.Left out an AM filter so the AM reception was a return to the 50s. With a fix,dash now rattles. Gas tank cover wouldnt open. Lincoln wont communicate. Comparing features, Lincoln designers have done next to nothing in 10 years. I take that back-- they took the quality out.

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  Good Luxury Car with a few exceptions - 2009 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ed - May 14 - 12:36 am

  We actually rented a Signature Limited Town Car from Hertz for vacation. I have rented Town Cars in the 90s and thought I would rent a new one. It was just built in June of 2009 with 6000 miles on it. The engine had power but not the thrust of a Cadillac. The air conditioning also seemed not as cold as a Cadillac. The stereo had the Sirius satellite reception, but just had adequate sound. The seat had lumbar, which previous versions didnt, but the seat cushion on the bottom was flat and needed more cushion. The ride was a little harsh on bumps, I think the air suspension in the rear is to blame.

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  Expect more - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By Vance - April 28 - 12:43 pm

  I have put about 5000 miles on the car since I bought it. I noticed the next day that when cruising at almost any speed, it would periodically hesitate or jerk. It was so subtle that I was not even sure if it was the car or the road. I drove it on some smooth roads and I continued to notice the jerking. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and now they are telling me that they worked for 2 days with ford and cannot figure out what is wrong. Ford is telling them that it is a nuance of how the car drives. I think its a computer flaw that the average driver does not feel. The shop foreman and a mechanic rode with me twice and they both felt what I was telling them. They still cant figure it out

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  T.C. = TOWN CAR or TRASH CAN - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By lafayette_la_boy - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Well sense the transmission only seems to last about 3 years and 40,000 miles and takes a good week and a half to have rebuilt at the dealership because thankfully the car is still under factory warranty! The leather wrapped steering wheel, yeah dont get used to it! Ok, luxury cars should have full sized spare tires not DOUGHNUTs. BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, and Volvo may cost a little bit more but you pay for what you get! DO NOT BUY A TOWN CAR!

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  too much money fo nothing - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By William R. McKay - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I find the equipment in this car much better than the years previous. But this car is still light years behind its compatition. Too many things left undone. The seats in this vehicle are horrible, also, the wind noise can drive you insane. Navigation equipment and a phone system should be standard equipment on this car -- GM has the edge. I am a loyal customer to lincoln, but it will not take much for me to join the compatition.

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  Lincoln - 2009 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jonathan Morris - November 24 - 4:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle last year with the input of my wife. Although it is a decent car, after shopping around I realize that my decision might have been ill advised. Not too long ago I took a look at the Acura RL. Offers over 300 hp from a V6 with all wheel drive. The interior quality is far superior as are the combination of 10 airbags, independent suspension and 200 k + Honda reliability. Its hard to believe but my Towncar uses a body on frame design and a live axle which makes for handling about as agile as a lumbering elephant compared to the Acura. My wife may not agree but with GM likely going under, the Towncars time has come and gone.