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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  Good Luxury Car with a few exceptions - 2009 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ed - May 14 - 12:36 am

  We actually rented a Signature Limited Town Car from Hertz for vacation. I have rented Town Cars in the 90s and thought I would rent a new one. It was just built in June of 2009 with 6000 miles on it. The engine had power but not the thrust of a Cadillac. The air conditioning also seemed not as cold as a Cadillac. The stereo had the Sirius satellite reception, but just had adequate sound. The seat had lumbar, which previous versions didnt, but the seat cushion on the bottom was flat and needed more cushion. The ride was a little harsh on bumps, I think the air suspension in the rear is to blame.

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  20,000 miles not one problem - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By j back - April 29 - 10:53 am

  Roomy, comfortable, quiet. The best luxury car i have owned. (Previous: Cadillac, lexus & mercedes) only wish that they would make all wood interior.

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  ok if you have money to fix problems - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By jim - April 28 - 10:53 am

  brought the car year and a half ago and rides like a dream but many many many problems.In the year and a half i have had it the window wiper motor has gone out, my windows half the time dont work (all 4 of them), head gasket blew,water that leaks into the back floor when rains and many other minor problems and let me add I take very good care of my cars and dont beat them. I recommend this car but be prepared to drop some dollars on it.

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  last of the big american cars - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By John angelo - April 26 - 11:50 pm

  This is my second Town Car. I owned a 1996 which I found to be absolutely amazing in quality and style. This one is also a beautiful car, but, I have had some minor troubles with it that I did not experience with the previous model. Most notably, my power seat broke which resulted in a very costly repair. I do love this car though and am disappointed that the model is to be discontinued. I plan to buy another newer one next spring. I love the traditional look, rear drive reliablilty, and incredibly luxurious feel. Hood ornament, full bench seat without cluttered console, column shift,chrome grille and strips, and gigantic trunk. They dont make many like these anymore. I love it.

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  Has been a pleasure to drive and own! - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By Clint Krajnik - April 26 - 1:40 pm

  This car has the best ride and hood view I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. It is very quiet when inside or out, you can barely hear the engine unless you step on it! My 11- year old daughters first words after riding in it were, "It feels so smooth, like were floating". All the toys and power stuff still work. I have recently replaced two front tie rods and one ball joint. Not sure what the cause was, but that has been only problem. The steering is now smooth, responsive and quiet. Fuel economy is 20.5 mpg city/highway mix. I was 31 when I bought it, which is probably too young to own one. But the ride!

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  most room - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By bb2000@aol.com - April 26 - 2:00 am

  most room & best ride

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  In Love with my Town Car - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By olejamesw - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I would be amiss if I didnt say I have a love affair with the big Lincoln for over 35 yrs. This is my 1st one. I am not dis appointed in the least. The ride is close to Heaven; The handling for a car this size is unthinkable; The little 4.6 liter engine is remarkablly fun too to punch it when necessry. The room is more than adequate. The service is free during the entire time of you warranty. Tis an awesome vehicle and just when you think you have found a flaw, you get a solid 20 mpg in the city. The one trip I did take up to the Panhandle of out State of Tx. you can get over 25mpg if you keep you foot out of it

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  First Town Car - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By izaclown - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought a used Signature with 44k miles a couple of weeks ago (wanted one for several years). I just took it on my first trip. Handled wonderfully in the mountains. On flat land, the gas mileage was over just over 25 mpg dropped to 24 in hilly land. With the cruise control on, the transmission never shited out of OD going up any of the steep hills and held the speed steady. Great ride and handling.

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  False Hope - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Diamond Edition - April 7 - 1:00 pm

  I have purchased (3) Lincoln Town Cars 1987, 1993 and the 2004 is the worse of the lot. The wind noise at the door on the driver side is terrible. The inside cabin is noisy and the seats are very un-comfortable. I would never thought in my wildest dreams, that Lincoln would put out such a disgrace. I am not getting any satisfaction from Ford Motor Co. The fuel cap light would stay on and the rear of the car needed adjusting. (Lowering)

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  I love this car... - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By dyns - March 28 - 5:33 am

  Until this car, I have always owned a GM product. Then in January I rented a Lincoln Town Car for a vacation. Was I in for a treat; rides like a dream, good fuel efficiency considering car size and weight and you can transport 4 large adults in total comfort. Few other vehicles can do this.