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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  Lincoln Town Car Reviews - 2011 Lincoln Town Car
  By Vicki - December 13 - 6:10 am

  Yes, I agree with the comment that most Lincoln Towncars are sighted parked outside most major airports. Being in the transportation business I can honestly say that 2005-2007 Lincoln Towncars that are owned by this transporation company have over 300,000 miles, are in great shape exterior/interior wise. Mechanical sound and up to the challenge of making the 140 mile round trip airport runs 2-3 times a day. It is our honest opinion that Lincoln has continued to make a superior product in the TownCar series.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Tim - December 12 - 6:30 am

  I purchased this vehicle in Chicago and drove it home to Philadelphia. This trip was 810 miles and I drove straight through in 14 hours. This vehicle met or exceeded all of my expectations. I have the Designer Series with the Nav and Moonroof. What a pleasure to drive this magnificent car. While detractors say that it is not the most technologically advanced car on the road, which is true,the sheer comfort, workmanship and room more than make up for the lack of having techno-gadgetry which in no helps getting in or out of an E350 or the ES350. Both cars technically advanced and miserable to ride in - especially the back seat. The Lincoln delivers true, reliable luxury. This wont the last.

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  My Most Comfortable Car - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Lisa - November 3 - 7:10 am

  Bought the car with only 24K on it. Didnt need front brakes until 85K, rear brakes at 130K (lots of highway miles in my business). This was the best designed car for comfort and ease of driving that I have ever owned. Everything can be adjusted to wherever you want it for all circumstances by whomever was driving. Being a somewhat small woman, I particularly appreciated being able to position the drivers seat so I had ultimate visibility yet all operational controls were still readily at hand, even the cup holders and ashtray. Other than routine maintenance, repairs werent needed until 135K. Last 15K saw rear air springs and compressor, fuel filter, external brake lines,etc. Great car!

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  Great Ride - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By Big AlS - October 25 - 2:00 am

  A big man needs a big car! its a floter, but, ah...so comfortable!

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  Town Car - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By john - October 20 - 3:13 am

  Very reliable, gets 22.3 MPG average in winter. Have replaced breaks and tires due to normal wear. Best interior room around, very large trunk, very comfortable ride. Found it had better knee room than DeVille. Automatic mirrors seem erratic, but may need to be reset -not sure. Very satisfied -but wish they would upgrade gas tank to 20 gallons and improve gas tank safety for rear impact, although it is pretty reasonable now. Great seat warmer, or as I refer to it prostate warmer. Paint did tend to scratch easily on the plastic parts -perhaps some insufficiently durable water based paint used on those parts?? Very reliable and comfortable after 3 years of use.

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  Lincoln Towncar Cartier 4dr - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By carl schoonover - October 10 - 11:00 am

  Overall this has been a great car. A few things quit working after 3-4 years. The cruise control stopped working and would cost $400-$500 to fix. Also, there has been a problem with the speed sensor in the right front wheel which affects the braking, although the braking is still safe it makes a groaning noise and sometimes pulls to the right. This has been fixed a couple of times, but persists. Otherwise, the car has be superb.

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  Great Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Randall - October 5 - 11:00 pm

  Great car. Some problems with the A/C. The power of a Mustang with top of the line luxury. Would recommend to anyone.

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  solid american built car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By bob c - September 12 - 3:13 pm

  Great car. Ive had several town cars over the years and this one is the most comfortable to drive of all them.This one stil has a slight wind noise around the window as did all the other town cars in this model series.

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  2000 lincoln - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By chris - September 8 - 11:43 pm

  I own a 2000 Town car. 10,000 miles on it. Looking to get a new one , but probably wont. Not too much change in the new 2006 model. Same low horsepower motor (235 hp). All the new foreign luxury autos have the power and speed to make a car fun to drive. Even the cadillacs have a powerful motor. And I still think the lincoln needs more front and rear leg room. The car indeed is a Beautiful car to look at, but needs to get with the times.

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  Lincoln T.C is also safest car in U.S. - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By AUBIGJOE - September 5 - 11:20 am

  They score 5 in all categories. In my opinion they are the best car made. I have owned 8 since 1985 and have never had anything go wrong or not work and the only money I have spent on them is for Oil and Filter changes. No brakes, no batteries,no tires, no anything has been required on any of them.I have been retired and not driven the 2004 much. The others,I used in my business and drove them 60k to 70k before I traded. Their list price is high--but you can buy on for cash for about 70% drive out the door.