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:
Showing 131 through 140 of 498.00-
A True Luxury Auto - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
By paskez - February 6 - 2:00 amA true luxury vehicle in ALL ways. Comfort,reliability,handling and ride.
-
The Town Car the ultimate Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By donlemc - January 18 - 5:50 amThis car is the Lincoln Town Car Ultimate Palm Beach Edition. What a car! It attracts constant admiration and comments. It is maroon with a half stone white top. It is one of the best cars Ive ever had in the 50+ years Ive driven. Quiet, smooth riding and handling. When I pass a slower car even my grandchildren are impressed with the pickup. The stereo is magnificent. I like especially the remote trunk and the easy to adjust clock. I have gotten up to 27 miles to a gallon, normal is 25.4. Ive had Packards, Cadillacs, and Chryslers over the years. Nothing comes close to the Lincoln in quality and dependability, and Ive had 7.
-
Legendary land yacht - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By Ken in Raleigh NC - January 12 - 2:00 amI have owned my 96 Lincoln Town Car for one year as a used vehicle and thoroughly love it. It carries 5 (6 if needed) in total comfort, drives with ease and kicks butt when needed. The only way to travel!
-
Millions of retired guys cant be wrong - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By K Kraus - January 8 - 12:03 amJust brought home my "new too me" 97. Previously owned a 91 and two 85 Crown Vics. Im 42 and have owned nearly 40 cars in my life, without question the 91 to 97 Town Cars will go down as legends. They strike the perfect balance of ride, fuel milage, comfort, dependability, performnce and just about every other catagory I can think of. The only short coming is driving in snow, but thats only because of RWD, but really, if you have half a brain, youll be fine. If you dont get 22-24 MPG and 250,000 miles out of one of these, you arent trying. And trust me, once you drive one, you will want to put 250,000 on it. All other cars will fall short, way short. If you are looking to buy one, DO IT
-
4TH LINCOLN TC - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By JOHN LAFFERTY - January 7 - 2:00 amHAD A 1999 AND JUST TRADED FOR THE03. I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THIS AND FIND IT TO BE WHAT I EXPECTED.
-
Excellent choice - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
By ACW - January 6 - 9:23 pmThese cars are very well built. 2008 is very likely to be the last year that the Town Car is available. There is simply no ride quality to equal that of the town car. The engine is well refined and superior to the all aluminum NorthStar power plant of the Cadillac (which is well known now for its grievous unreliability.) This car is heavy, safe, and handles extremely well for its size. The fuel mileage is great for this car (avg. 25mpg on the road). It is sad to see this icon of American luxury go. If you want traditional a\American luxury, the reliability of rear wheel drive, and the reliable, versatile, and inexpensive to maintain modular engine, you need to seriously consider this car
-
Lincoln / Signature Series - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
By J. Fallon - October 24 - 2:03 pmThe vehicle drives great, its pick up and ability to handle the road is great! Maintenance to Lincoln Town Car is a major part of owning a luxury vehicle. The weather in New England can be absolutely brutal, not only to a vehicle, but to the roads also. These luxury vehicles arent made for sleet and snow and especially pot holes. So one should remember to first be aware of what your vehicle (Lincoln) will be contending with when it comes to bad New England weather. You must remember, this is a luxury vehicle, not a truck. If you abuse it, it will cost you. One other thing, dont buy a used Lincoln from up North, go down South, warm climate dictates an over all better treatment of the car.
-
Awesome Town Car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By RD - October 24 - 10:30 amI purchased my Signature Series Town Car in August 2005. I love the dark blue leather interior w/ heated seats. Let me say that I cant believe the options and silky smooth ride. Mine even had a full carriage top. Mileage was 93K, but considering its a 1997, not bad. Im a man in my mid 30s, and have already been teased about buying a grandpa car. But, I am the one whose laughing because this TC will outlast their new $30K+ cars or SUVs and mine is already 8 years old! This car will easily go 200-300K. Ive taken it on trips with my wife and two kids and it makes traveling a breeze. People get out of passing lane real fast when they see this beast in their rearview mirror!
-
Ultimate Lincoln 2004 - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By chucks ultimate - October 15 - 7:03 pmExcellent car. Most impressed by constant 25 to 28 miles per gallon. Lots of luxury feel. Easy cruising on highway and sharp turns in town. Looks good at 4 yrs old. Ggood acceleration for big car
-
Upgrade from 00 Signature - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
By izaclown - September 9 - 7:03 amUpgraded from 00 Signature to 02 Cartier due to a red light runner. The 02 is head and shoulders above the 00 model. The Cartier does have more hp and is quiter than the other models. My around town gas mileage seems to be better in the 02 than the 00. Firmer seats and smoother steering and lot smoother ride. Instrumentation is easy to read.
