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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Does what its designed to do - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By ARicko - August 7 - 10:00 amOne can not compare this vehicle to forgien offers. It is made by Americans for Americans. The car does what it is designed to do well. Luxury transportation within the speed limits and under 35 Grand. This is the definition of performance.
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The epitome of perfection - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By Wise Owl - August 6 - 5:20 pmI think the Town car is the only true luxury sedan on the market. I can find nothing wrong with the design of this car! It truly is a masterpiece. I hope it lasts forever. Ford should not touch this car, in fear of ruining it! I love it, I get 31+ MPG on the highway, how can you beat that? I do find that if you drive this car prudently the mileage is ridiculously high for a car this size. However, if you drive it like a sports car, say goodbye to economy, and rightfully so! If you want to own and drive true American craftsmanship, made with pride, buy this car! You will not find a better car for the money.
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k gants lincoln - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By K GANT - July 31 - 10:00 amThis vehicle is very comfortable to ride in - it is smooth on the road. The gas mileage has been very reasonable. I enjoy the huge trunk space. The leather seats are very enjoyable in extreme temperatures of weather. I have kept the oils changed at the suggested time that I have owned the car. Good tires on the car and the suspension was just recently repaired.
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Bought used with 105,000 miles... - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
By s80sux - June 20 - 1:53 pmThe Lincoln Town car is a great car! This vehicle feels heavy,well constructed, safe and gives me an overall sense of well being. Buying a used car I was nervous about older cars being unreliable but after reading reviews of other owners stating thier vehicles reliablilty, I decided to buy one!
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2003 plus and minus - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By BrianH - June 1 - 2:00 amLincoln improved on a lot of little things on the 2003s, but the steering is a bit of a let down. The steering is more stiff due to the rack and pinion steering, plus riding on the interstate you feel a lot of wind resistance underneeth your feet. Car is more responsive and feels a little more sporty. All of the standard quality is still there, but the steering and different ride may turn off a lot of traditional Town Car owners. I also own an Aviator, no complaints at all about that one except the gas mileage. Its awesome! Town Car beats it only on ride comfort, but not by much.
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Traditional Styling, Advanced Technology - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By yves corbin - May 14 - 2:00 amAt $44000 out the door, this car is beautiful to look at and to drive as it should. The attention to details from Lincolns engineering/R&D is very impressive. The navigation system is one of the best. It saves time and is very efficient and accurate. The trunk is more than adequate and the optional trunk organizer is handy however it only comes in one color. The many safety features of the Lincoln Town Car give you a sense of well being. The quiet power train combo is well matched and its performance is more than adequate to move the 4500 pound vehicle. After a stress full day at work, I look forward to the drive home.
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Lincolns review - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Joanthan Johnson - May 4 - 10:00 amWell we have owned Lincoln Town cars since 1977, and we have really enjoyed all of them they are good quality and a reliable car they ride good, they are excellent to drive, and ride in sure there lines are a little dull, but my goodness they are great cars it will proabaly be all that will ever go into my garage is a lincoln Town car. Sincerely, Jonathan
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Luxury Sedan Preference - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Alfred Lang - May 4 - 10:00 amI have owned three Lincoln Town Cars and found them to be consistently of top quality and excellent in performance. The newest convenience features are always offered. I am entirely satisfied with this vehicle.
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Awesome - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
By James Michelli - April 2 - 2:35 pmBuy it.Awesome
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owner - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
By montague hutt - March 31 - 2:00 amthis is a touring sedan,a great looking vehicle. i would like to see fender skirts on rear wheels. it would would look sleek and low.
