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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  Finally, Americans Make Something - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By CharlieManCharlie - August 12 - 10:00 am

  American cars have been know to lack in quality and durabilty. For the last years luxury cars made by American automobile makers have lacked everything that is much needed. Yet, this Lincoln Town Car Signature Series is the best competition fro cars like Mercedes Benz, Lexus, and BMW. I Saw This Car, And Loved It You Will Too.

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  Could Be Better... - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Roger2Texas - August 9 - 6:00 am

  Car rides smooth in city, absorbs bumps very well. Have had problems with A/C vacuum valve that controls recirculation of air. Had replaced twice, seems to be messing up again. A/C vacuum makes weird noises when car first started. On highway, car seems to sway a lot. This being the 3rd Town Car Ive owned, this has the worst handling quality on highway (especially with full load of 6 people). Bumpers quality is not as good as previous models, maybe should consider purchasing a Crown Victoria or Grand Marquis for a cheaper price (cuz they are off the same assembly line!!) Dont let the Lincoln logo fool you.

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  Supremely refined, but boring to drive. - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ethan Hawksley - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Its comfortable, quiet, and very refined, but it also has some aggravating flaws. My biggest gripe is that the OHC 4.6 engines torque output is barely adequate. As a result, the car is devoid of any spirit whatsoever and downright BORING to drive. Second, Ive had a tie rod end and upper ball joint both fail within the last two months because Ford used "sealed for death" parts in the steering linkage. Lastly, the rear end feels light at high speeds, like its going to break loose any second. I dont horse my Lincoln around like its a Corvette, but a luxury car SHOULD handle in a reasonably controlled manner when pressed a little harder than normal.

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  Best Car On The Road - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bob Sepana - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned three Town Cars in my life and I am only 25 years old. Come to think of it I believe I am one of the few young people out there who like these Town Cars. My Town Cars are an 89, 90, and 94 ALL of them with 400,000+ miles. I work in Canada and live in FL. Except for annual and regular maintenance...there are no problems with the car. The ride is the best out there. I have driven Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. Those brands are nothing compared to a Town Car. Do you know if any import (sedan based) that can haul 6 people with full luggage in 100 degree weather with the AC on high from FL to Canada. I do it 4 times a summer.

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  Solid American Luxury - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By NCK - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Owned it since 95. Currently 78000 miles. Brakes were a problem until I got a Goodyear unlimited warranty on them...now OK. Had to have the trans rebuilt at 70000 but other than that NO problems and average 22 mpg. Solid and comfortable!

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  3 Year Cartier L Evaluation - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By noelbush - July 20 - 10:00 am

  A great road car for comfort. Wind noise is unbearable from around front windows where door meets windshield pillar. Excellent gasoling mileage for a car of this stature. Ride is unduly rough on other than smooth pavement.

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  Good, solid, comfortable car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bob - July 17 - 2:53 pm

  This is our second Town Car. The full- frame Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns are the absolute best ride on the road. We have two Jaguar XJs, both are fun to drive, but the quietness and comfort dont even come close to our Lincoln. The trunk space is unbelievable too. Last trip we drove the newer Jag. Thought Id need a crowbar and a stick of Dynamite to get our luggage out of the trunk. Highway mileage is good (24 MPG) for the size of the car.

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  T.C. = TOWN CAR or TRASH CAN - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By lafayette_la_boy - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Well sense the transmission only seems to last about 3 years and 40,000 miles and takes a good week and a half to have rebuilt at the dealership because thankfully the car is still under factory warranty! The leather wrapped steering wheel, yeah dont get used to it! Ok, luxury cars should have full sized spare tires not DOUGHNUTs. BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, and Volvo may cost a little bit more but you pay for what you get! DO NOT BUY A TOWN CAR!

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  2000 Town Car - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jlodato - July 6 - 10:00 am

  The Town Car has lots of leg and head room. I love the way the car performs.

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  WAKE UP EDMUNDS - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By sgw2002 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The car is superb! This is what a full size luxury car is all about, not a mid size or compact foreign brand but a true full size American piece of iron. But the reviewers at Edmunds have forgotten the true purpose of a vehicle like the Town Car. The fit and finish of exterior metal is excellent as is the interior. Quite, comfortable, lots of space, descent MPG, more then adequate get-up-and go at a fraction of the price of a Deville. Caddy, eat your hear out! Edmunds, I little more objective reviewing, please.