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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  Thoughts on my 2005 Lincoln - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By James J Derba - January 18 - 9:30 pm

  The car is reliable, gives a great ride and can accomadate 6 passengers. I have purchased a Lincoln two years since 1982, with two exceptions. The cars I have driven have been maintainence and trouble free. One major issue. The radio in the last two cars is terrible. I also have a Mecury Sable and the radio is that car is excellent. JJD

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  my 1st car - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By danjb94 - January 18 - 12:01 am

  this is my 1st car and as a 17 year old driving around a Town Car I have to say it is awesome. Mine has only 71k miles on it so its still a baby when it comes to these cars. Only problem Ive had is I had to replace the idle air control valve last week because it went bad and the car would stall out at idle, but $80 for a new one off rock auto and it was done! Couldnt ask for a cooler 1st car!!! Im still amazed that I get 30+ MPG on the highway for such a big car.

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  Town Car / affordable luxury - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Fred Issa - January 17 - 8:06 am

  My 2006 Lincoln Town Car is the 6th Lincoln I have owned. I love Town Cars for rear wheel drive, affordability, looks, great as mileage at 28 MPG, [with the Nitro filed tires] doing 65 - 70 miles per hour. The ride is like sitting at home in your easy chair. I keep my Lincoln Town Cars 10 years or more, even after I buy new ones. One of my best friends bought a new 2008 top of the line Lexus, and he said my TC gives a better ride than his car, for which he paid a bundle. When we have visitors from out of the country, visiting the USA, and I am asked to take them to the airport, they think they are riding in a limo. Several have commented that they drive a Mercedes, or BMW, & prefer mine

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  Love it - 2009 Lincoln Town Car
  By DP - January 9 - 4:40 am

  This is the most comfortable care on the road in my opinion. My millage in excellent on the road up to 25 and 26 which is outstanding for a car of its size. No foreign car can even remotely compare to this car in ride and drive in my opinion. And as for the look and style that is all a matter of opinion. Personally I think it blows every thing else on the road away and makes them look like a cheap imitation of what is suppose to be a luxury car. A great vehicle!

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  My Town Car - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By gpb - January 1 - 6:43 am

  Best car i have ever had. it is wonderful to drive in. i travel alot and it is so comfortable

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  lincoln touring sedan - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By charles esher - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd lincoln towncar weve owned plus one on lease. I find the extra horsepower with this touring sedan to be fun to drive, it seems to handle the road better somehow. the lower fuel economy, at best 19 mpg could be better, however im satisfied. However at my age I hope this car will last me 75,000 miles, by then well both be worn out.

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  outstanding - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By alan - December 29 - 5:30 pm

  Rides like no other. Owned Mercedes and Lexus and neither compare with the smooth ride of the Lincoln. Power is adequate interior is super comfortable.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By GPerkins - December 25 - 12:43 pm

  I was fortunate when I was able to purchase my Lincoln. It is so luxurious and comfortable. This is one vehicle that is still noticed fr its looks and size. A compact car, its not. These cars have such lasting appeal and still look beautiful over 12 years after the design was changed. My husband has a spinal cord injury, and this car is perfect for him. It is so much more comfortable to ride in than newer compact/mid-size cars (which I found to hurt my back after a 700 mile road trip in a rental car). I am forever Lincoln Town Car fan. I am definately spoiled to the various buttons on the steering wheel, which helps when driving, so that I dont have to take my eyes off the road.

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  Great Car for the money - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By omahadave - December 13 - 1:26 am

  Bought this car 4 years ago with 50K on it. Now at 95K and have spent not one cent on a repair of any kind. Amazing. Mileage is unreal. 22-28 on the highway. Comfort like this with such mileage is a winner any way you look at it.

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  Great Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mark Alan - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this used Cartier used with 35K miles on it. I have owned it for 4 months and already have put 10K miles on it. I have had no problems and it is a great car for my 40 mile commute. I average about 21-22 mpg. This is my first Town Car and I already know I will be looking to buy another used 2004 in 2-3 years. I have had intermittant problems with the rear drivers side window sometimes not going down.