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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One Sweet Ride - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Bill T. - October 3 - 7:46 pmAfter the first test drive, I knew this was my car. Now that Ive owned it for about 8 months, I can only say that I am extremely pleased with the car. On long trips, theres nothing like cruising down the interstate, feeling like Im driving my leather couch down the road, only without my big-screen tv in front of me. Ive had absolutely no problems with the car. I average 18 mpg around town and a very respectable 25 mpg on the highway. Another big plus with the TC is the safety aspect of having that amount of metal and airbags around you. The car simply looks impressive and is a treat to drive. It may not have stellar performance, but the two ton luxury road yacht makes me happy anyway.
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Good car overall, but not great. - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By bobh - October 2 - 10:00 amThe radio is not as good (sensitive) as my 2000 TC. The engine is noisy, not throaty as some describe. Transmission doesnt shift as smooth as my 2000. Handling is much improved. I like the car overall, but wish some things were as good as my 2000.
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excellent american luxury - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
By AL SALAZAR - September 27 - 4:56 amthe cartier has been the best american car I have owned. Excellent ride and comfort. Would like for car to have more horsepower.
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handles great at 125mph - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
By fast1990 - September 26 - 10:00 ammy 1998 lincoln towncar doesnt have what most would say a sporty look, but what i have found out is that it handles excellant at 125mph.
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Georges - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
By Oscar O. - September 20 - 2:00 amThis was a program car when I purched it. 21,900 miles have had it 19 months now 38,800 nothing wrong with the car, just to big wife does not like to drive it and it is not front wheel drive
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The best car I ever bought - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
By Kenneth Smith - September 14 - 2:00 amThis car has it all. Beautiful ride and design. The cartier has all the styling that you could ever want in a car. I paid $4000 cash for mine. Its the best deal I ever made. From the moon roof to the powerful 4.6L engine,with 22 mpg city, you cant ask for more. I will always be a Lincoln owner.
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LINCOLN TOWN CAR - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By MDEHART - September 12 - 10:00 amTHE ONLY BETTER CAR I HAVE OWNED IS A LEXUS LS400
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Nothing better than a Lincoln - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By pureghol - September 9 - 5:43 amI did not like this body design until I drove one. I have owned a 81 and 88 T/Cs and it has been a real surprise to me that it is now extinct. My car performs exceedingly well and the controls are easy to reach. The ride is surprisingly smooth. Two of my relatives after riding in it went out and got their own. I would buy another one in a heartbeat! Mine has the dual exhaust and the extra power is really felt when I lean on it.
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solid,safe,&roomy - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
By madman4.6 - August 30 - 3:26 amthis car has plenty of room for six folks(try that in your camry/accord,etc)and plenty luggage.xtra smooth ride,good mpg(up to 26 hwy),very reliable powerplant, never failed to start. just hit 100k and just had air suspension blow out. (MUST turn OFF air bag switch in trunk before jacking it up!). converted it to a standard coil spring setup for approx 1/2 the price. couple sets of brakes and tires and thats about it in nearly 10 yrs. So far its given us less $$trouble than relatives foreign made supposed reliable cars like accord and maxima. They are in the process of replacing them and well just keep riding in safety and roomy comfort.RWD American luxurycars are unbeatable for reliability
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2004 Lincoln Town Car - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By j. edwards - August 22 - 1:50 amThis is the most reliable and trouble free sedan I have ever owned. It is large but quite easy to drive and park.The car is super comfortable on a long trip. I have had excellent dealer service experiences. The one improvement I could suggest is a full sie spare tire for it. It is roomy inside, and has a large trunk. I have never owned or rode in a car that rides as good as the Lincoln Town car. My daughter bought it new but wanted a smaller car. I got it from her with very low miles. I will definitely buy another one.
