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 Town Car Ever - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Taloncav - March 2 - 10:00 amI am 39 years old and have owned Lincolns since 1987. My family owned Lincolns since the 1979 Lincoln Town Car edition (a classic vehicle). Although I am an avid Lincoln fan, therefore a bit biased, I must say that the 2003 Town Car is by far one of the BEST Lincolns I have had the pleasure to own. I have been renting Town Cars when I go on business trips since 1989 and and when I had the opportunity to rent a 2003, I instantly decided to trade my 2002 Continental on a black Town Car Cartier. Geez, what fantastic car. This car handles like it is floating on a cloud. I cant say enough about what a magnificently constructed vehicle this is.
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This is a great car - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By Ken - February 23 - 8:36 amI love the car, it has style, room and get up and go when you need it. About 27 mpg on the hwy way. I always smile when I see it. To me it says, "you have made it"
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Overall - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By Red - February 16 - 12:20 amThe air conditiong fan creates deafening noises at most speeds. Seats are uncomfortable...passengers bottom out at every bump. every road anomally, bumps, cracks, patches etc can be felt thru the floor boards, steering wheel and the seats. I was a recent owner of a 2002 Cadillac and without a doubt, the Lincoln, by comparison, is not a Luxury Car. The suspension was probably designed by an ex jeep designer... The gas pedal frequenly causes the vehicle to jump from a start position. Lacks the smoothness of previously owned cars.
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great car, used - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By guyb50 - February 14 - 8:13 amI have always loved Lincolns. My father had a 1977 Mark 5 that I used to drive. I bought this Town Car used, with 45k miles on it.,,was in showroom new condition. i love the ride, and it has been a pleasure to own. No mechinacal problems,just gas and oil
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Stylish yet comfortable - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
By Rose D - February 11 - 8:33 pmI love this car. I have had it for 7 years. I have never had any trouble with the workmanship inside our out.
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MIKES TOWN CAR - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By MIKE P. - January 29 - 2:00 amI am very please with this car. It handles very well and is quiet. I have over 90,000 miles on it and it still is like new. My gas mileage is around 21 mpg. I would recommend this car to anyone.
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Lincoln Town Car Signature - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By Roy Teverbaugh - January 27 - 10:00 amThis is a terrific car to drive. Very comfortable and easy to handle. Quiet ride, feels like a luxury car and is. I like the styling and the 17" wheels make for a smother ride. The interior has everything and then some. I will purchase another in a heartbeat.
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Great Car All Around - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
By hobbles - January 20 - 9:32 amBeing 19 I have a weirder taste than others my age but I love the nice large luxury sedans. Before this car I had a 1990 Dodge Dynasty which I loved but the air stopped working, the suspension was in need of some attention and the transmission went, it would cost more to fix than I paid for it so I needed to move on reluctantly. I love the look of this one over the rest being a gold (like my dynasty) and the soft top and that reflective band across the bottom sides. The inside is great has room for friends, is really quite inside and out, is smooth, and has some power when you need it. There seems to be no problems so far except for the soft top is kinda deteriorating due to neglect.
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The Last Stylish Lincoln Towncar - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By sko - January 9 - 1:26 amAloha: We love our towncar as do our two small dogs who sit between us upfront. Plenty of room and love the inside door storages. Beautiful ride, plenty of power for going over the mountain since we live on the windward side of Oahu and must go over the mountain to get to Honolulu. Twice I have had hotel doormen go to open the back door thinking I was entering my limo or something. The husband and I got lots of laughs from this. It is a beautiful comfortable car.
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Why I like the Town Car - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
By David Stewart - December 31 - 2:00 amThis is truly a great car. Its my first Lincoln. It get great gas mileage 24.4 mpg, great for a car this size. The only complaint that I have is that there are no beverage holder except in the front ashtray, and they are very small. All in all this has been a great car. I have 160000 plus miles on it and it is still very dependable.
