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:
Showing 221 through 230 of 498.00-
LINCOLN TOWNCAR - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By JIM HALL - May 4 - 10:00 amIf you are looking for a flashy, sporty car - this isnt it ! However, if youre after a well built, very comfortable, good riding car this is hard to beat - at any price.
-
Lincolns review - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Joanthan Johnson - May 4 - 10:00 amWell we have owned Lincoln Town cars since 1977, and we have really enjoyed all of them they are good quality and a reliable car they ride good, they are excellent to drive, and ride in sure there lines are a little dull, but my goodness they are great cars it will proabaly be all that will ever go into my garage is a lincoln Town car. Sincerely, Jonathan
-
Luxury Sedan Preference - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Alfred Lang - May 4 - 10:00 amI have owned three Lincoln Town Cars and found them to be consistently of top quality and excellent in performance. The newest convenience features are always offered. I am entirely satisfied with this vehicle.
-
Expect more - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
By Vance - April 28 - 12:43 pmI have put about 5000 miles on the car since I bought it. I noticed the next day that when cruising at almost any speed, it would periodically hesitate or jerk. It was so subtle that I was not even sure if it was the car or the road. I drove it on some smooth roads and I continued to notice the jerking. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times and now they are telling me that they worked for 2 days with ford and cannot figure out what is wrong. Ford is telling them that it is a nuance of how the car drives. I think its a computer flaw that the average driver does not feel. The shop foreman and a mechanic rode with me twice and they both felt what I was telling them. They still cant figure it out
-
Good Car, but Lexus LS430 is GREAT! - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By Kris Mathews - April 17 - 5:53 pmUnlike other persons that claim to own one of these cars, I actually do own one. My experience with Lincoln has been dissapointing actually, now Im not going to say this is a bad car, infact its good - its just not as luxury refined as a Lexus or Cadillac. Here is the problem with Loncolns though many people will tell you, whenever a part needs to be replaced it is quite VERY costly to repair.from now on, I wont drive a Lincoln ever, ever again. Another downside of the car its heavy - real heavy. Gas mileage is not pretty also. With only 18 mpg / and 23 highway driving. If your planning on buying a Luxury sedan, I would suggest to look at the Lexus LS430. Now this is the car to have.
-
Awesome - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
By James Michelli - April 2 - 2:35 pmBuy it.Awesome
-
owner - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
By montague hutt - March 31 - 2:00 amthis is a touring sedan,a great looking vehicle. i would like to see fender skirts on rear wheels. it would would look sleek and low.
-
Great Car - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
By Fhoto - March 25 - 10:00 amThe car is as smooth s silk and met all my expectations. I had a 1992 Lincoln Town Car prior this car.
-
Cant go Wrong - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
By Top Hat - March 21 - 6:36 amWe got this car from my wifes brother, it had 86000 miles on it. We now have 181500 miles. The only thing needed so far is air bag replacement. We plan on keeping it for several more years. IT still runs great, gets good gas millage, and still looks great compared to the newer cars.
-
First Used Automobile - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By jrsmail - March 16 - 10:00 amAfter purchasing four new cars and two new trucks, this is the first used car I have ever purchased. This car had a little over 77,700 miles on it when I purchased it. It now has over 107,000 miles on it. It was a one owner and I had access to the maintenance records. The car had all of its recommended maintenance performed as recommended in the owners manual. I thought that it would be a good car and I was right. On a long trip, the car gets 26.5 miles per gallon. I think thats outstanding for such a large car. I would definitely buy this car again. I absolutely love it!
