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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True value of my car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By JUDITH L. NIEWOEHNER - November 24 - 1:26 amIt is a pleasure to drive - simply love the ride. I am curious as to the true value of my vehicle.
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YEAH ! BEST IN 30 YEARS - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By BBMCACEO - November 23 - 2:00 amHANDLES POWER RIDE LOOKS 400,000MI ON MY 88, STILL STRONG THIS ONE FEELS IT WILL GO IT TOO, HANDLES STABLE ON ROAD GREAT AT HIGH SPEED, MANEUVERS AND HAS TIGHT TURNING CIRCLE BEST FOR THE MONEY, WOULD RAISE THE TOP OF THE REAR OF THE ROOF
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Twelve Lincolns and Counting - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By stgcret - November 2 - 12:43 pmThis is my 12th Lincoln. I traded a 2005 Signature with 30,000 miles for a 2005 Signature Limited with 5800 miles. What a difference just kicking it up to the next trim level! More comfort in the seat, heated & memory seats, chrome wheels and the trunk goes all the way up instead of just cracking open in the base Signature and a much quieter ride. Much better stereo. Definitely worth the extra bucks.
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Great car! - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
By OldTar - September 13 - 2:00 amWeve had this car about 20 months now, and while my wife initially was intimidated by it, she now refuses to even consider any other vehicle - and weve had everything from Mercedes to Pontiacs!
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A very comfortable car - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Wyndol S - September 13 - 2:00 amThe ride and handling is much improved over previous models. The power is very good considering this is a regular gas engine (which is a plus in my opinion). I love the back up warning system. The only negative I have is the clock. Hey Ford, stop using 22 year old fresh out of college designers to design a vehicle purchased by 60 year olds. The clock is way too small and the background colors make it hard to see. Your designers should try reading the clock while wearing sunglasses. Next time design a clock that is at minimum 3" in diameter.
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Excellent Luxury Vehicle - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By hrw5000 - September 11 - 10:00 amMost comfortable car in the world with excellent quality and reliability.
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The 1995 Towncar - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
By jos - September 6 - 5:26 amI like used cars. The 1995 Town Car is great. I only replaced the usual wear items like tires,oil etc. This year of Lincoln has the newer dash and interior. I bought this car two years ago for $5200 and it may be the best used car I ever purchased. 90,000 miles and no leaks under the car. If you can get the Signature or Cartier. I am 62 and do not need to put the seat all the way back. Lots of room.
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I love my Lincoln - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By RioPride - September 5 - 10:00 amMy 1997 Lincoln Towncar has always been and still is the most comfortable car I have ever had the pleasure of driving. It is a quiet and smooth today as it was when new and it has been totally trouble-free. No major repairs have been necessary in the almost 5 years Ive owned it. I drive faster than I should because it hardly seems that I am moving with such a smooth ride. I cant believe a car has been so reliable for comfortable for so long.
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Town Car the executives choice - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
By Dr. Ellsworth - September 5 - 10:00 amComfortable, roomy, and styled for the executive appearance. Great curb appeal. A sound, solid car, with an unmatched ride. Quiet too.
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Bring Back The Town Car - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
By gelf58 - August 17 - 4:37 pmThese cars are awesome. I bought one with over 395K miles on it. The original owner took extremely good care of it. I have owned it for 11/3 years and I am approaching 423K. It still has the original engine and transmission. at 412k I had to replace the a/c compressor. Other than regular maintenance thats it. The key is to do the regular maintenance and these cars will last a log long time. Unlike the Cadillacs whose Northstar engines have valve cover issues and the transmission usually fails at about 150k
