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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  comfort city - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By ronny - June 7 - 10:00 am

  THE TOWNCAR IS DEFINITELY A CLASSIER VERSION OF THE BASIC ENTRY LEVEL GRAND MARQUIS. IF YOU LIKE LOTS OF ROOM, COMFORT, SAFETY, CLASS, EXTENDED WARRANTIES AND FREE MAINTENANCE PLUS A REASONABLE PRICE WITHIN THIS CLASS, THEN THIS IS THE CAR FOR YOU. THE CAR IS NIMBLE, AND REASONABLY FAST FOR SUCH BULK... THE DESIGN COULD USE SOME UPGRADE AS WELL AS THE FRONT DASH, BUT OVERALL THE CAR IS WORTHY OF THE CONSUMER REPORTS RECOMMENDED LIST. BY THE WAY I NOT AN OLD TIMER AND I HAVE HAD MY SHARE OF SMALL TO MIDSIZE UPSCALE FOREIGN CARS, FOR THE PRICE, VALUE, SAFETY AND THE FUN OF DRIVING A BIG BOAT (CRUISER) YOU CANT GO WRONG.

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  Best car I ever had and Edmunds helped me find it! - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jeffrey Bautista, AIG Financial Representativ - June 6 - 2:22 pm

  The car was thousands below original asking price. Bought it after Thanksgiving at Crown Lexus, Larry and Rose from their internet department held the car for me until I arrived. Paid it in full so the price I got was the only price I paid for. Edmunds.com gave me a $200 prepaid visa card which arrive in about 10 days. What more can I ask for. Love Edmunds.com! I will use Edmunds.com again.

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  Happy to have it - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By HH - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I agree with your overall review of the vehicle. I enjoy driving and riding in my town car. It insulates you from the outside world in comfort and luxary. I mainly drive on the highway and its rough keeping it under 70mph. Im getting 17mpg combined highway/town milage. I guess Im most impressed with the dealer service. No questions asked, its just fixed. Now I know what the Lincoln experience means.

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  Service - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bill Senter - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth Lincoln that I have owned and this is the best service I have ever received by any dealer. The Service Department knows their business and works with the salesman to keep the customer happy. I have no hesitancy in recommending this dealer in the highest category.

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  the review - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By bobbi fletcher - May 26 - 10:00 am

  the car is built to be a pimp car and i love to drive it to the parties and formal dances. i get many looks from different people.

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  1997 Lincoln Town Car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Joanne Taylor - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This has been a very good car & I am still driving it. It has 85,000 miles on it with some hail damage over 3/4 of the vehicle. It is still a very comfortable car & I only need the value of it for tax purposes. My experience with this car has been good.

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  Happy Customer - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Alyn Bernell - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Looks and feels like a luxury car. I thought the rating writeup I found a few frames back on this website was a poor writeup. I didnt buy this car to "scratch off" from stoplights or careen thru the twisties. I bought it float over bumps and feature styling that doesnt all look alike with German cars and many Japanese cars.

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  wind noise - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Milo L. Wietstock - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 Lincoln Signature last year. I have noted a significant amount of wind noise coming from both front doors. I have had the car back to the dealership, a Ford Tech Rep drove the car, and correspondence with Ford Customer Satisfaction group in Dearborn have resulted in no seeming concern or help to resolve this irritating condition. Ford has said this is normal for this car. I find that hard to believe for a new supposed luxury car. However, they seem to have washed their hands of the matter offering no help. In addition, I seem to have soft brakes which again has been diagnosed as normal. And, the AM radio has poor reception.

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  06 Lincoln Signature LTD - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Chas in NJ - May 22 - 3:53 am

  Bought the car for price, size, safety, and most of all, American made. As far as I am concerned, no foreign name plate can come close. Everything works fine; ride and handling are exceptional for this size vehicle. Only 400 miles since November, but I look forward to using this car much more.

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  Not Bad - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By dwr1953 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the first TC I have owned and like it pretty well. I travel some and enjoy the ride over the road (has the Touring Pkg). I also like the roominess both in the cabin and in the trunk although the low trunk floor can give problems getting the luggage out. Stereo is ok but could be improved. Integrated phone is not great either, especially the "hands free" functions.