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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Nickel and dime repairs - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By JR - March 27 - 12:20 pmI received this car from my grandfather who was meticulous with it. Every issue was repaired immediately and the vehicle saw a good mix of driving so I thought it would be a great car. I was mistaken. Although the ride is fantastic and performance acceptable for a big car with a small V-8 the upkeep is murder. CD player died, followed by drivers window cable system, then drivers window motor, rear passenger window motor, electric seats quit, ball joints (2nd set), brake lines rotted out, no vent setting on heater and the big one was the transmission torque converter clutch failure (which I was told is common to these cars). With only 80K miles Im seriously considering trading it off.
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Glacial Acceleration? Bad Mileage?? - 2011 Lincoln Town Car
By geustis - March 27 - 7:40 amAccording to my dash mileage computer, Im averaging 26mpg highway (@70-75mph.) Thats 1mpg better than the turbocharged V6 in the MKZ which is remarkable considering the town car has the advantage in length, width and mass. 0-60 time is around 8 seconds. 8seconds! (This is not a sportscar). The car feels surprisingly nimble and light on its feet for such a large car. Cruising at eighty feels effortless and passing at 95 is easy. The suspension is designed for absorbing flaws in the road, but is adequate for swerving around a cinderblock lying on the freeway.
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Noisy - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By Andy - March 22 - 8:00 pmWe have owned 3 other T.C.s but do not like the amount of road noise when on a concrete road. Too noisy for a luxury car. Also AC hits you in the face and is not easy to adjust. Seats are comfortable but not as good as previous models. I would definitely consider other luxury cars next time. Cant wait until our lease is over. It is not a good value.
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Americans seize to make crappy cars - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Alex667 - March 13 - 10:00 amNever again will I buy an American car.
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Back to the Best for us. - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By lwink - March 8 - 2:00 amSince 1982, we have owned and driven Lincoln Town Cars. Except for the last three years when we tried a Cadillac. The Cadillac was a nice vehicle BUT it WAS NOT the same as a Lincoln. We are much happier with the Lincoln Town Car than any other vehicle we have tried or driven. The comfort, amenities and safety features are top notch!
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Full size luxury - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By Brian G - March 6 - 5:03 pmLove these full size frame constructed Fords. Fantastic mileage (23.9 avg), tremendous safety, nice smooth ride. No electrical gremlins like the Cadillac suffer from. Plastic trim is a bit cheap looking, but overall the interior is extremely nice and the fit is good. Sold my 2003 Navigator and moaned for weeks about not having a Lincoln in the "stable", so this one is replacing my 2002 Crown Vic as my highway car.
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Rugged, Dependable, Smooth, Quiet... - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By 0rnery - March 5 - 7:09 pmWhy is the panther platform the 1st choice for patrol cars, taxi and livery service? For the very same reason its MY 1st choice! Built like a bull, quiet as a mouse and smooth as a... panther. I repair my own cars as much as possible, and these cars break down the least of any, and when they do, theyre cheap and easy to fix. Not to mention the inherent safety of a full size, body on frame vehicle. Just took delivery of a 2006 Designer and its no different than my previous Town Cars and Grand Marquis in comfort and roominess. This platform has been tweaked to perfection as far as drive-ability.
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Lincoln Town Car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
By Fred J Rogers - March 4 - 2:20 pmThis is an excellent car for long distance travel. One can drive all day and not be worn out at the end of the days drive.
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I love my Lincolns - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By BE - March 4 - 10:00 amI have now owned three Lincoln Towncars. I have had virtually no major issues with any of them. If you keep the oil changed and the transmission serviced regualarly theyll run forever. My dad has a fleet of these cars for his sales people. They all have over 300,000 on the clock and still run strong. Ill never buy any other car. You cant beat the comfort and reliability....or price.
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outstanding - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
By george - February 10 - 2:00 pmYes it is a large vehicle, yet, it is one of the best I have owned so far. I went to pruchase another vehicle and test drove the lexus, mercedes, nissan, even other lincolns. After each test drive I was very happy to get into my TC. I dont know if you would call it fun to drive put it is absolutely a pleasure.
