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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Fantastic luxury car for the money - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
By Jack Azevedo - December 23 - 4:46 pmThis is a great luxury vehicle. Ive been wanting one for 3 yrs, ever since I rented one a drove to Vegas. Ive finally bought one and am not disapointed. It is really luxurious, I feel like royalty driving this. I have the designer and the leather interior, wood accents are great. Roominess and comfort are first class. I even like the style of the car, even though its been around for awhile. I drove Toyota Avalon, Infinity, Cadillac and BMW and this vehicle is on a par, or better than each. I got the navigation system and that along with all the other controls for the seats, climate control, mileage calculations, etc. make for a pleasure to operate.
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I like the comfort and quiet. - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
By Mattt30 - December 9 - 2:00 amI bought this car with 135,000 miles on it. On a recent 1200 mile highway trip at turnpike/interstate speeds of 60+ mph achieved 26.5 miles per gallon. Its a real cruiser!
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Im Spoiled! - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
By A Very Special Lady - December 2 - 5:03 pmThis car is marvelous, classy/ conservative comfortable & beautiful, my own limo!
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You Could Spend More on a Car- But WHY? - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By 1956MarkII - November 22 - 2:00 amI had 3 Grand Marquis before the Town Car, but as much as I loved the Mercurys, the Lincoln is superior. Roomier, quieter, better built- everything one could ask for in a car. Great gas mileage; 22- 23 in everyday driving, 25-26 on trips. Although the rides a little stiffer than I expected (it has the Touring Package), the handling is just amazing for such a big car- absolutely flat and level in the corners. 70,000 miles on this car and not a squeak or rattle anywhere; doors close as solidly as a brand-new one. An exceptionally well-made car. Id always heard that the Lincoln plant in Wixom, MI, is one of the best- now I know why.
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Keeps on kicking - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
By Ann Walzer - November 9 - 3:00 amI currently have 208,000 miles on the car and it still runs great. I have only had one major repair in the nine years that I have owned the car and that was the suspension system. It still rides great and although Im due for a new car soon I hope that I can find one that is as reliable and that I like as much. It will be interesting to see how many miles this car will eventually get. I think that it still has many miles left if it is maintained correctly.
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wish I bought new - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
By jkbflorida26 - October 20 - 7:00 pmI can say I purchased with 98000 miles, I had to replace a little rubber T in the vac system 4.00 part. Air suspension has a small leak so now it leans a little on the passanger side. it seems like there is a slight miss in the engine, but probably needs a tune up, it has 103000 miles now. I am sure it was a great car new, so I cant down it, I purchased used. I will Buy another when this one goes.
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Theater top town car - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
By Gary oMalley - October 10 - 4:08 amThis car has a theater half top that gives it a distinctive look
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Best Lincoln Ever Made - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By John - October 4 - 5:40 pm24 MPG on highway. All controls clearly labeled - no confusing symbols. Lots of room - no bucket seats. Everything works. Beautiful design. Enormous trunk - bigger than most SUV storage areas. Long wheel base. Lots of insulation. Wonderful car.
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my new lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By BWB - September 30 - 10:00 amLove it I have had other Lincolns and each one is better than the previous one.
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Constant Problem - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
By Dwight Escondido - September 23 - 10:00 amThis car has been a constant problem since new,,both back window motors failed early, Torque Converter failed at 40,000 miles;barely in warranty,,NOW out of warranty,,Plug over coils failed twice($400.00 each time) and Now at 65,000 mile,,heater damper door warped,,over $1100.00(10 hours at $84 an hour flat rate to remove dash)...Passenger window motor failed last week,,,I will leave broken (Lincoln $500 to fix),,,will replace with Lexus or Mercedes,,Lincoln just has very poor build quality,,too little power and no customer service!!
