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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  Great ride; Rear End Problems - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By omnidj - May 25 - 5:13 am

  Bought this used Town Car after having owned a 1996 Executive. Better car; better ride; great styling. Around 72K mi developed noise in rear end. Im now informed that I need a bearing kit for the rear axle. Wearout at less than 75K mi is unsatisfactory. Ford had a recall on "some" 2003 TCs, but not mine. Also had to replace brake rotors. They seem to warp easily and require regular turning (maybe its new metallic type pads). Overall, I still love the car and Ill stay with it

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  To improve newer Models - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By A.J.Oakley - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought it mostly for appearance..a real upfront car..didnt look like the "other" cars..sharp.but inexpensive to drive..comfortable..a real AMERICAN car..has been reliable..feel good driving it..newer models dont have the striking look of the older Lincolns ..the "look at me"....youve lost it fellas..dont copy! and if it isnt "broke dont fix it".appealing to the Yuppies isnt what a Lincoln Town Car was all about...its for "The Establishment" we earned it and wanted it..and you have taken the elegance away

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  Quality car for the money - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By KJN - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I drive about 20,000 miles a year and need a dependable car that looks good. The town car does the job for a lot less money than most of its competition. Only 1 minor problem over the last 5 1/2 years. Just get in and go in style and grace. Ill keep it until 150- 200,000 miles .

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  1996 Lincoln Town Car Cartier - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Scott - May 8 - 10:00 am

  My grandparents bought this car brand new as soon as it showed up at the dealer. I think the original list price was $47,000. My grandpa has since died, and in 2005, my grandma didnt feel safe driving anymore at the age of 88. She loved that car and wanted to keep it in the family, so she gave it to me, knowing Id take the absolute best care of it. It had 31000 miles when she gave it to me. This is the most luxurious car Ford ever built. Has been very reliable, but when things have to be replaced, its very costly for parts. It now has 102,000 miles and still drives like a dream. I never cared for the newer body style that started in 98 or 99. Im very grateful to own such a classic car.

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  Best of Lot - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jim - May 4 - 10:23 pm

  Test drove Infinity, Lexus, and Avalon..None surpassed or matched the overall comfort and ride of this car. Infinity more fun to drive but too small for cross country cruising

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  Happy Warrior - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By golfbuggy - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Licoln has put back into this model all the things they removed after the 1996 Town Car.Passengers all comment about how well it drives and how functional the insides is.

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  lincoln town car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By thomas myers - April 14 - 8:23 pm

  i purchased this car new. the performance and economy for a car this size and weight, looks, craftmaship, quietness, comfort are all important to me. this car has been a delight to own and drive. i have noticed the ford dealership has striven to do everything possibe to keep me happy and they have.

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  1997 Lincoln - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Nick J. Pintea - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall this has been an absolutly great automobile, with few exceptions. One- had to replace seat track on passenger side even though the adjustments were not used more than 5 or 6 times. Rides like a dream and handles fairly well for a cart its size.

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  Once Lincoln, Now Buick - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By Now Buick - April 3 - 10:56 am

  Was driving the Lincoln Towncar. It just was not what Expected. When driving it made my dentures rattle if you know what I mean. After long trip it felt like someone had jumped on my lower back for hours.

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  2005 Town Car - Love it - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By GPM - March 23 - 4:33 am

  I purchased my 05 TC in 2007, with only 23K miles, so I got a steal of a deal. Would recommend purchasing used as such to allow for depreciation. I love this car, especially the newly designed grille--very striking and elegant, unlike the 99-02 jelly bean model. This new grille has teeth and can be a menacing sight when viewed from anothers reaw view mirror.