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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  super gas mileage - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ronald G. Jones - September 1 - 6:53 pm

  This 2001 Greenbrier edition Signature series which we purchased new has been a good, economical and reliable car. On a trip to Rome, Ga from Chambersburg, PA, (all interstate and driving 60 MPH) we averaged 32 MPG. Several years ago while driving in the flatland of North Dakota we averaged nearly 34 MPG for several hundred miles and driving at 60 MPG and on cruise control. People assume that because it is a big car that it is a gas guzzler. Nothing could be further from the truth.

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  Good car for the money - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Lincoln - August 13 - 4:26 am

  After reading all the other testimonials about the town car, it amazes me the amount of people that compare the town car to the Lexus LS430. Of course the Lexus is a wonderful car, its $30,000 more! It better be. The town car is wonderful for the money. The quality is more than adequate, nothing compares in the way of interior room and comfort. And no, its not a rocket off the line, but its not supposed to be. Quite honestly, I dont believe the suspension could handle it, but then again, you wouldnt have the ride. You want handling, buy a corvette, stupid.

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  just bougt and love it - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By j farley - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought lease return with 27000 miles. Have driven two trips of 1000 and 1800 and a little around town. Hyw mileage is spectacular for size of car (24 to 27 miles to gallon) Car is extremely quiet, perhaps not quite the ride of 1977, 84, 92 and 95 I had before, but better than anything else I,ve been in lately. I,ve yet to own a bad town car and bought everyone of them used.

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  My 6th Lincoln Town Car - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By CHRIS - July 26 - 4:33 pm

  This is my sixth Lincoln, this Town Car replaced another Town Car that I have. I am pleased that the Signature Limited is the standard Town Car since it provides the upgraded interior amenties.

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  Lincoln twn car for 2003 - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By robert j. - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th twn car. I like rear wheel drive, I believe it gives a much better ride. The 03 steering is much improved over other my other twn cars; front seats ,are more comfortable especially the back rest. The larger trunk is welcome back along with the self closing.

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  Lincoln Town Car - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Thomas F. Cronin - July 18 - 1:13 pm

  I have owned and driven it for one year with absoultely no problems. I have made 3 trips of 1150 miles and find the car very quiet and comfortable. Honest milage is 14 to 16 city and 24 to 26 highway. Recent gas fill ups of 16 to 17.5 gallons range from $37. to $40. dollars. Car burns regular fuel and does not require any oil between 6 month service intervals. Overall its been an excellent vehicle.

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  1999 Lincoln Town Car Signature Touring - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By rob - July 15 - 8:33 pm

  Always liked the styling on the new generation (1998-2002)Lincoln Town Cars. Especially the harder to find Signature Touring Edition which has an increase in horsepower, dual exhausts, firmer suspension, chrome wheels, monochromatic exterior, etc. So when one came along for $4,000, I had to buy it. Gas prices are coming down a bit and they get respectable gas mileage for a large car. I dont think this will be my last Town Car either!

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  Lincoln Town Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jeanne Barry - July 14 - 4:33 pm

  I really love the looks of my Town Car. It is cherry red with a tan roof. Im single right now and feel that a mid-size car would be a better choice for me.

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  Great Luxary to Price Ratio - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Beaudiem - July 8 - 1:00 pm

  The Town Car is unsurpassed when compared to European luxuary vehicles. It seems that one gets much more for their buying power with the Town Car than any other vehical in its class. Inside the Town Car is as elegant as anything on the road.

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  Pleasing - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mrs Highland - July 3 - 10:20 pm

  We have other cars but on trips of 100 miles or more our Town Car is the best!