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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Concerns / Quality & Reliability - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By Robert Lorenzo - September 11 - 6:40 pmTo all, I have been reasearching & paying close attention to vehicles of all makes and I would say that the domestic market is using strategies: "Employees Price" to sell cars and SUV that dont meet the minimum standard of quality, Reliability and safety needed in most cars. I have experienced it my self. I have been driving a 2005 Lincoln Town Car since February 2005, and I have encountered many problems. Trouble with Moon Roof Installation, Draft around the front passenger doors, Electronic trunk opener, Bad odor from the A/C and horn unoperational due to new design on the steering wheel. Body & bumpers durability not meeting expectation. The last and most important: unreliable service.
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My 2006 designer series town car - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By DR POOL - September 10 - 2:13 amI have been driving lincoln since 1972. My 2003 and 2006 are without a doubt the best 2 lincolns i have ever had. I added the navigation system to the 2006 and after figuring out how to use it, i read the book 4 times, it is a miraculous accessory. There is no doubt in my mind that the Lincoln town car is the finest riding automobile in the industry. It performs well, although it needs a 5 speed transmission instead of the 4 speed, but when it shifts into second, it really moves. The gas mileage is fantastic for such a big car and uses 87 octane gasoline. In this day and age, the 87 octane saves you a lot of money. Orchids to lincoln for manufacturing a great automobile.
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Wanted one for a while. Finally got it. - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By Caleb - September 2 - 10:00 amMy first car was a 84 Grand Marquis and it made me love big cars but knew the town car was the top dog in luxury cars so I wanted a Town car. Finally bought this 97 a couple weeks ago and I love it! Im 22 and everybody makes fun of me but I love it. So comfortable,plenty of power, and gets over 23mpg. It has tons of awesome features my 04 mustang dont even have. I stopped at a store yesterday and when I came out the car was smoking. Apparently the intake manifold malfunctioned and anti-freeze was everywhere. Seeing its a common problem Im not too upset. I just hope it dont cost too much to fix so I can get it back on the road and enjoy it some more.
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My Car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By Flatlander - August 27 - 8:00 amI love this car. It rides like it is floating, bumps are hardly felt. On our trip last year we had 28 MPG overall. I want a new Town Car but I only have 23000 miles on this one, so I will wait a few more years.
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My Lincoln - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
By Lincolnsforme - August 22 - 2:00 am142,000 miles and it still looks and runs as good as new. The car has been very reliable.I had a 1989 Mark VII before I got the town car,I thought I would never find a car I likked as well as the LSC,but I was wrong,the Town Car is even better.
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05 Town Car Signature - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By Fridge - August 9 - 10:26 pmThis is a great highway cruiser. When taking long trips, or even short trips, its comfort cannot be matched. Fuel economy is decent for a large V-8 at about 23 MPG on the highway. Riding around town though, this car is big to park and can be hard to maneuver. Some of the fit and finish coulde be better too, for a car in this price range. Center caps on the wheels did not hold up at all, and had to be replaced, but that was largely a cosmetic concern. Chrome molding strips turn brown in the winter, which the dealer tells me is "normal." I dont know about that, but it does wash off.
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awesome - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
By todd - August 7 - 4:06 amjust bought this for 2500 easily worth twice that. car is immaculate, and well serviced. absolutely stunning, and a joy to drive.
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what a ride! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By andy fan - August 5 - 5:03 pmWeve only had our TC a few weeks but let me tell you we love it! We traded a 2000 crown vic and it has been so much better than we expected. I love everything about the car. I believe it has about every option availible on the signature and Im glad I did not buy a Deville. If you want a happy wife or just an excellent automobile for your family youve got to get one of these!
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Such a great car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By Eric Deshazier - July 30 - 1:53 amI have had the car for about a month, it has been really great. It got sugared and it is still running great. I couldnt ask for a better car. Everybody loves riding in my town car. It has so much room in it, and of course everybody calls it a granny car, but its not. Its a beast of a car and I love it, people know when to move when a town car comes their way. Because they know we be rolling. Lol.
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My 12th Lincoln - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By stgcret - July 24 - 11:06 pmThis vehicle is very easy to get in and out of. The Signature Limited is the ticket. I am only missing the moonroof, which I dont really care about anyway. If you have to be in traffic, you will love the comfort and the dual a/c. I had 2 1997s (last year of old body style) and really had my reservations when the 98s came out, but the 2005 was pretty much redone. I agree that it needs more horsepower, maybe a 5.4 or turbo 4.6 somewhere in the range of 300 HP. The 238 HP is lacking when you got to get around a slower vehicle. The Towncar has always has been a great roadtrip vehicle. It could use less plastic in the interior...and it does use 87 octane gas.
