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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1998 Lincoln Town Car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
By presidentme - December 12 - 8:05 amI purchased the car almost 9 months ago with 102k miles. It did need some work, an intake manifold, 2 coils, and a serpentine belt, but honestly I guess thats what to expect when you purchase an older high end car. All cars break as they age, its that fine vehicles, lincoln, mercedes etc, require more costly parts. All that work cost me $1,500 which I guess isnt horrible. I had to replace one of my front headlamps because it became yellowed and fogged over, got a new one on ebay for $90! VERY easy to replace! pretty sweet deal! My ac compressor just went only $200. I really love my car, its sleak, powerful, beyond comfortable, and I get to say I have a lincoln! id buy another Lincoln!
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Better than ever - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By rwd - December 6 - 10:00 amThe 03 town car is better than ever, new front and rear suspension, 17" wheel, a stiffer frame lets this huge sedan feel quite nimble, excellent cornering..better power and noting like it in terms of comfort and interior space. A true American Luxury car, nice torquey v8, 26-27 mpg on the highway, very quiet just a pleasure to drive.
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The new look Towncar - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Lee P. - November 28 - 10:00 amIm happy to see the old look of the Towncar return. New squared off hood and trunk lid improve the overall cosmetics of the car. Much more room in the trunk because the spare has been moved to the side. Lots of leg and head room inside and the comfortable, plush ride the Towncar has been known for.
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opinions are just that! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By nicole - November 28 - 10:00 amThis is what a Lincoln should be! The interior is impressive. The combination of walnut wood, satin nickel and brass is a very sophisticated! The ride and handling is to die for. Its about time Lincoln has designed a car that states I am accomplished yet unpretentious. Although they did bring back the Lincoln hood ornament(I missed that).
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Might be too good - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Sir Larry - November 25 - 1:56 amThis one took all of five miles to get comfy in. The amenities are quite sufficient and, if I ever read the book, may be astounding. Quietly powerful with understated beauty--essentially invisible to speed traps and such. Respectable.
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Love it - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By Designer - November 15 - 4:33 pmJust love my Town Car. Flawless. Never had problem #1. Love the silky smooth ride & the improved suspension and better cornering. Great interior, huge trunk, decent gas mileage. Love the fog lights & power glass moonroof as well as the in dash cassette & in dash CD and trunk mounted CD changer. Great to have a car again with cornering lights, too. They tried to interest me in a simulated convertible top, but I like the look of the metal top. Like the white walls with the chrome wheels and I installed the aftermarket chrome tail lamp 360-degee trim. Really looks elegant. The power close trunk is ideal when taking big bulky heavey things out of the trunk. Push button on key & it shuts
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best car ive ever owned. - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
By mlawler - November 3 - 4:20 pmI really love this car its great and it rides great and I turn heads all the time in my Lincoln town car and everyone compliments me on the way it looks its a very classy car and u get the quality that u expect for the price I will never buy anything else after owning this town car I fell in love with it. Anyone looking for a great car here it is the Lincoln town car executive.
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The Great Lincoln Town Car - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
By Joe Atkins - October 24 - 6:20 amI was promoted at work and needed a car that I could drive a lot between stores and pick up execs from the airport and drive them around. The towncar has been the best decision. Its ride is outstanding, the gas mileage is good, and the comfort and style of the interior keep the comments coming from everyone that rides. I have not had one issue mechanically from this car and I drive 3000 miles per month. Every mile I drive is with a smile on my face.
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Town Cars Are Better - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
By Greg - October 23 - 12:13 amI am very pleased with 2007 Town Car Signature. This is my seventh Town Car and I have to say it is the quietest one to date. I have owned TCs from the seventies, eighties and nineties. The styling is much improved over the 1998 through 2002 year models. The build quality and quality of materials is excellent. Not a single problem with the car. No trim falling off, etc. Very well built.
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Comfortable - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By hunter - October 19 - 5:16 amComfortable and heavy duty. Worth the small amount of extra gas it uses over lesser cars. Ford has done an excellent job in designing and building this car.
