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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  Best used car buy - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By roadrunner - November 15 - 6:56 pm

  Bought this car with 47,000 miles on it about 5 or so years ago. Replaced tires and shocks with Biltstine shocks and drove it to death in my business. This car owes me nothing and only recently had to replace all four ball joints and brakes and a switch in the transmission. The last set of tires took me 70,000 miles. This is probably the best car purchase I have ever made and Im 67 years old.

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  Edmunds shortfall - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Stagebuster - November 8 - 7:23 am

  Edmunds, has in the past been less than positive about this car. Without going into detail: the car has very adequate performance, gas mileage is equal to or surpasses many of the cars Edmunds refers to. My wife has an Infiniti Q45 and the Lincoln gets better fuel economy and I believe a more pleasant ride. I am glad to note that Edmunds is less critical of this car recently but one must be aware that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I base these comments on owning 2 Fords, 3 Mercurys and 3 Lincolns. AND they are all American made, mostly. Sorry to see the Towncar go by the wayside. Sorrowfully I cannot determine my replacement. I have driven all the new models Lincoln offers, blah!

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  The best luxury car, ever. - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Silvester - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my best luxury car. I has one DeVille, but the TownCar is much better. The best.

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  Consumers have lost a great luxury vehicle - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By lvmylincoln - October 29 - 3:10 pm

  I have read Edmunds review of the Lincold Towncar and in my opinion, it was written by someone who is only into sports vehicles and small vehicles. I have owned Lincoln Towncars since 1980, in fact, my wife and I both drive Towncars and both have loved the Towncar since our first, which was a 1980 Mark. These vehicles have always gotten better gas mileage that the standard Ford, Chevrolet or Chrysler product. They have cost us less to operate and repair than any vehicle we owned prior to the Lincoln. They have gone through several major style changes since 1980 and are still the most luxurious ride. This includes all the foreign & domestics.

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  lincoln towncar - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By gerald compton - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this car is wonderful to drive. not great on gas, looks real good. the only thing is the paint fades on this model and ford will not make it good. its $3500.00 to repaint. only fades on the passenger side doors. be careful of the paint job. that is my only complaint about this car. thanks,

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  Great Car - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By J Rowland - October 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has been one of the most pleasant, comfortable, and actually economical cars Ive owned in the past 25 years. Currently I have 168K on the car and I still average 17mpg in the city and 26mpg on highway trips. The 4.6 engine has been a jewell, and has plenty of power for a car this size. The most expensive work performed on the car has been normal oil changes. My biggest complaint would be the cost of gasoline today.

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  Magic Carpet Ride - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By RamRod - October 12 - 9:50 am

  Put your money towards the truly meaningful aspects of an automobile such as "ride" - "reliability" - "comfort" - "safety". Nothing on the market today surpasses my Lincoln Town Car in these categories. Performance, power, and gas mileage are suprisingly excellent also. Your grandfather and great-grandfather would buy this car. Flashy colors, designs & styling looses its appeal. The qualities I mentioned above last forever. They are the true componants of "buyers satisfaction". If your vehicle has these qualities, you wont have to worry about "buyers remorse". EA:Southern Gentleman - Birmingham, Alabama

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  a sleeper - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By William - October 11 - 7:40 pm

  Bought this Town Car recently for a little under seven grand and cant believe what a fine car it is. Had only 61,000 miles on it, was a one owner, and been carefully maintained. Gets great gas mileage, has tons of room and the ride is fantastic. Paid property taxes on it of only $117 annually. Gas mileage on the interstate is in the 23-24 range. Cant imagine a better overall value. Much better vehicle than the more bubble-shaped newer Town Cars. All my friends thought I was nuts when I bought it, but once they rode in it they were green with envy.

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  What a Bargin ! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By SandyBoy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I was between the new Infiniti M45 & the new mid-year Town Car, the Limited Edition Cartier. The Infiniti had more optional toys and what I thought was exterior styling more to my taste. I thought the M45 was beautiful from any angle. I drove both. The T.C. was the winner for smoothness and comfort. The M45 was tight inside, especially in the rear and legroom in front. Price was the clincher! Both listed just dollars apart. Infiniti dealer would give just $1,300 off MSRLP and there was no factory rebate. The TC had $4,000 rebate & $3,500 off MSRLP & $1,000 owner loyality bonus, for $8,500 of MSRLP. That closed the deal.

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  Near Perfection - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Rick - October 7 - 11:10 pm

  I bought the Designer with every option but the moonroof. What a wonderful car to travel in. On the road I get over 25MPG and all-round, Im getting 21.5MPG at about 60% highway and 40% city. That is terrific for a car this large. Comfort is unparalleled and I can spread out - no center console that Id hate. Huge trunk, great features like memory seats and pedals and voice command for the navigation and radio, Sirius, surprisingly good visibility.