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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  SAFETY FIRST!!! - 2009 Lincoln Town Car
  By Dr. Robert Adkins - September 3 - 8:06 am

  We have owned Lincoln Town Cars for over 40 years. Never have experienced a disablement nor failure of any type. Yes, there are lots of more "modern" passenger car - all are built like drink cans - Unitized bodies that have minimal side-crash safety. The TOWN CAR and its two less expensive siblings are constructed as BODY-On-FRAME. This important safty construction (the frame is outboard (under the doors) is also utilized by Rolls Royce and Bently! See all the Ford Crown Victorias used as Polce Cars and Taxies - Safety is a major reason!

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  I like it! - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By SHANNON - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I put a tremendous amount of mileage on this vehicle and it has performed beautifully - never had to open the engine up - just normal replacement. currently the odometer reads 330,984 miles. Believe it or not!

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  2005 Town Car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Doug - August 28 - 2:00 am

  At 66" in height I am very pleased with front seat room and comfort. The Town Car has an outstanding quiet and comfortable ride. Very nice fit and finish both inside and out.

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  great car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By leonard oldfield - August 22 - 6:26 pm

  just a great car. big and strong ideal for driving in a city like naples fl where the majority of cars are big. excellent car for long trips on major roads. lots of space and power for hauling "stuff".

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  No More American Cars for Me! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Never again - August 14 - 4:00 pm

  I swore after a nightmare with 1 other American car I would never own another - should have stuck with that! After having the car for 3 mos. (bought used at 2 yrs.) and 60,000 had to replace the rear axle = $1250.00. Hub bearings at 65,000 miles = $600.00. Automatic trunk mechanism at 70,000 miles = $400 to repair. Getting rid of this car....PRICELESS. The electrical system is failing, all the "fancy" gizmos either dont work anymore at all, or work only intermittently, and this is the biggest piece of junk Ive ever owned. Good riddance to the Lincoln Towncar. Goodbye, Ford, Hello Honda! At least our other car, a Honda is still going strong at 265,000 miles with very little $$ spent!

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  First Lincoln!!!!!!! Heaven on wheels. - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By anthonyc92 - August 8 - 9:30 pm

  Seats are so comfortable, not even a Cadillac compares to its seats that you soak right into, doesnt even come close to comfort. has lots of room in it, LOVE the deep trunk, nothing comes close. Always wanted a Lincoln. MPG is unbelievable for a car like that, 26-29 MPG going 70 MPH. If you think their gas hogs, think twice. Will definitely buy another Lincoln again. Driving this car is a huge delight. I highly recommend this car, you wont be sorry.

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  Ill buy another one! - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Silver Streak - August 4 - 8:56 am

  I have 190,000.miles on my TC. It doesnt use oil and has the original automatic tranny. I drive hard sometimes and the car has held up very well. I have changed the automatic transmission fluild and tranny filter at a real mechanics shop not an oil change joint, 4 times and I think thats why my tranny is holding up. This is the last of the full size American Luxury cars. Keep the suspension air bags dont put in springs. Change the oil every 3-4000 miles. Great car Id buy one again. Do the maintenence and it will last forever!

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  A Lemon named Christine - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Sue - June 4 - 10:00 am

  It has been in the shop 5 times in a year for the same thing and they havent found the problem yet. I have had to put off our vacation this year while it is in the shop. It floats all over the road, has a mind of its own. When a car or truck passes it pushes it off the road and when you try to compensate with the steering, it pulls back across the line..you never know where you are going. This is all at a speed of above 60 mph. At 59 or below it drives good

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  Supprise to own - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By lwalker - June 3 - 4:46 pm

  Bought the car after selling my 02 Corvette. So far I have been impressed with the ride, power, and comfort. The car is larger than most others, but handling is easy and responsive. I have owned BMW and Caddy. I was supprised with the overall satisfaction of owning this car. This car will really win you over when you drive it, not just around the block, really try it out for several hours and see for yourself.

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  Why i like my lincoln towncar - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By PAUL TERRAULT - May 28 - 8:26 am

  I love the styling. The ride is excellent, like riding on a sofa in your living room. Ive owned Lincolns in the past and theyre great. You can keep your Japanese or German cars, give a good old America automobile anytime!