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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Riding your best chair & tv - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
By JustRon - September 1 - 10:00 amIf were any smoother, quite, you would need a wake up call. The loudest thing in the car is the thumb switches on the steering wheel. Long trips require waking up at least every hour. 30-100 mph do differance, real smooth. One window need ajustment.
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comfort, safety and decent gas mileage! - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
By Stuch - August 18 - 10:00 amWe bought ours used with 44k miles on it. It has the performance suspension and the 16 inch wheels, so its not too floaty or soft. The updated interior on the 95 through 97 models is very nice and roomy. We have had to change the transmission fluid (highly recommended if the trans clunks/shudders), fix the drivers side power window, and fix the heater fan, but thats all. Set the cruise on 60 mph and you get 30 miles per gallon! Feel safe when your wife and two small kids get in the car! I think its safer and more economical that a mini- van or a SUV.
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Great Car So Far - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By JHL - August 13 - 7:56 pmIve owned at least 60 cars and trucks during my lifetime, from sports to luxury, from utility to fancy. This car is one of the finest that Ive come across, its very comfortable and has adequate power, I do a lot of highway driving and I bought this car for comfort and I feel that is has the most comfort of anything Ive owned thus far. The fact that is gets 23 mpg on the road for a car this big is great in my book, I had a 78 Chrysler New Yorker that got 7 mpg when it was new. I have a high degree of confidence in this car, I just traded a Continental with 131k miles and it was a great car.
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Finally, Americans Make Something - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By CharlieManCharlie - August 12 - 10:00 amAmerican cars have been know to lack in quality and durabilty. For the last years luxury cars made by American automobile makers have lacked everything that is much needed. Yet, this Lincoln Town Car Signature Series is the best competition fro cars like Mercedes Benz, Lexus, and BMW. I Saw This Car, And Loved It You Will Too.
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Best Car On The Road - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Bob Sepana - August 5 - 2:00 amI have owned three Town Cars in my life and I am only 25 years old. Come to think of it I believe I am one of the few young people out there who like these Town Cars. My Town Cars are an 89, 90, and 94 ALL of them with 400,000+ miles. I work in Canada and live in FL. Except for annual and regular maintenance...there are no problems with the car. The ride is the best out there. I have driven Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. Those brands are nothing compared to a Town Car. Do you know if any import (sedan based) that can haul 6 people with full luggage in 100 degree weather with the AC on high from FL to Canada. I do it 4 times a summer.
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2000 Town Car - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
By Jlodato - July 6 - 10:00 amThe Town Car has lots of leg and head room. I love the way the car performs.
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WAKE UP EDMUNDS - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By sgw2002 - July 3 - 10:00 amThe car is superb! This is what a full size luxury car is all about, not a mid size or compact foreign brand but a true full size American piece of iron. But the reviewers at Edmunds have forgotten the true purpose of a vehicle like the Town Car. The fit and finish of exterior metal is excellent as is the interior. Quite, comfortable, lots of space, descent MPG, more then adequate get-up-and go at a fraction of the price of a Deville. Caddy, eat your hear out! Edmunds, I little more objective reviewing, please.
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Rateing - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Leonard Tyson - June 1 - 2:00 amIlove everything about this town car except the radio.It should have one of the best radio,s on the market,but it does not.
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2004 Lincoln Town Car - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Thomas K - May 25 - 9:16 pmBought 2004 LTC in 2005. Love this car because: Dimensions are palatial. Ride is unparalleled. Easy to pass slowpokes. Good gas mileage for 4,500 Sedan. Very nice to look at - proud to own. Power everything. The funny thing about all the editors reviews is that they all say the car basically stinks. But most people who actually buy them love them. I wonder why that is. I wouldnt drive anything else. By the way the Mercury Grand Marquis is not a poor mans Town Car. The Marquis is a good, solid car, but the Lincoln Town Car easily outclasses the Marquis.
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Comfortable and lots of room - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
By tennis1922 - May 21 - 10:00 amThis is my third Town Car and they keep getting better. I like the comfortable ride, especially on long trips. The large trunk is also a good feature. Another plus has been the service from the dealer Van Burkleo and the Lincoln Dealer Network.
