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:

• 

  Old school American luxury - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Old school - January 27 - 4:25 pm

  These Town Cars are fantastic! Smoothest ride on the road, quality interior, torquey v8 power. Fuel economy is generally about 17 in the city, but 25 on the highway. I have seen it go as high as 27 at a steady 60 MPH. One of the safest cars on the road, because these cars are tanks. The car drives like a car from the 1960s, and has a robust, quality feel that is lacking from American cars today. Reliability is stellar, only replaced ball joints at 121K and done regular oil changes and tire replacements. They truly dont make them like this anymore!

• 

  What a ride!!!!! - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Razorbacker - January 26 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this Designer Series Town Car with 7000 miles on it. It is so nice, such a civilized ride. Nice seats, gauges and controls, I dont know what more you can ask for. Two years of ownership and NEVER to the dealer for repairs, never!!!! Gas mileage highway 25mph or better, in town 21mph...It is not a sports car, it is a luxury car and it behaves like it...

• 

  2000 Cartier Review - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Doc DBM - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Did not like this one like our 1986 and our 1992 Lincolns. It had fewer features than either of them and was listed at over $50,000. Did not have features that GM cars had.

• 

  Cadillac VS. Lincoln - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Timothy J, Wheeler - December 23 - 12:20 am

  I know this sounds weird but I am actually the owner of a 2001 cadillac Deville. (my dream car since I was 6). I Know several people who drive TCs of all years. My main point is that I was a die hard Cadillac fan but after riding with my friend in his 01 TC I was no longer sure. Now dont get me wrong I still love the Cadillacs but I am getting tired of all the sky high all the time repair cost of it, after all im only 17 years old. my freinds TC just keeps going wile mine is in the repair shop. NO FAIR..

• 

  10 - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ben - November 24 - 11:46 pm

  I love this car. Smoothest riding car you can buy, and damn near silent. It just doesnt get any better. The Town Car is the last real American car. Body on frame, V8, six passengers.

• 

  Great car for a little money - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By dropkick - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Interior and trunk room is fantastic! Very good performance considering the engine size (4.6L V-8)and weight. These cars can be found in good condition for well under $10,000 since most of the owners were older and took care of their vehicles. Only Mobil One synthetic oil is used every 5000 miles. Easy to drive. Only hangups-- transmission thunks slightly shifting into overdrive (fluid change may help?) and the driver side window does not work Not bad for an 8-yr old American car.

• 

  A Satisfied Owner - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By plb03 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car new and drive about 8000 miles per year. The car now has 34000 miles and has given no problems at all. Mileage on the road is excellent and power is more than adequate. Just made an 1900 mile trip with 4 people in total comfort with a average gas mileage of 25 mpg. That is 100 passenger mpg. (at 75 mph)

• 

  Edmunds shortfall - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Stagebuster - November 8 - 7:23 am

  Edmunds, has in the past been less than positive about this car. Without going into detail: the car has very adequate performance, gas mileage is equal to or surpasses many of the cars Edmunds refers to. My wife has an Infiniti Q45 and the Lincoln gets better fuel economy and I believe a more pleasant ride. I am glad to note that Edmunds is less critical of this car recently but one must be aware that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I base these comments on owning 2 Fords, 3 Mercurys and 3 Lincolns. AND they are all American made, mostly. Sorry to see the Towncar go by the wayside. Sorrowfully I cannot determine my replacement. I have driven all the new models Lincoln offers, blah!

• 

  The best luxury car, ever. - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Silvester - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my best luxury car. I has one DeVille, but the TownCar is much better. The best.

• 

  Consumers have lost a great luxury vehicle - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By lvmylincoln - October 29 - 3:10 pm

  I have read Edmunds review of the Lincold Towncar and in my opinion, it was written by someone who is only into sports vehicles and small vehicles. I have owned Lincoln Towncars since 1980, in fact, my wife and I both drive Towncars and both have loved the Towncar since our first, which was a 1980 Mark. These vehicles have always gotten better gas mileage that the standard Ford, Chevrolet or Chrysler product. They have cost us less to operate and repair than any vehicle we owned prior to the Lincoln. They have gone through several major style changes since 1980 and are still the most luxurious ride. This includes all the foreign & domestics.