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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  Rateing - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Leonard Tyson - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ilove everything about this town car except the radio.It should have one of the best radio,s on the market,but it does not.

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  2004 Lincoln Town Car - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Thomas K - May 25 - 9:16 pm

  Bought 2004 LTC in 2005. Love this car because: Dimensions are palatial. Ride is unparalleled. Easy to pass slowpokes. Good gas mileage for 4,500 Sedan. Very nice to look at - proud to own. Power everything. The funny thing about all the editors reviews is that they all say the car basically stinks. But most people who actually buy them love them. I wonder why that is. I wouldnt drive anything else. By the way the Mercury Grand Marquis is not a poor mans Town Car. The Marquis is a good, solid car, but the Lincoln Town Car easily outclasses the Marquis.

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  I only do 2,000 miles a year, but luv it - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By CigarSandy - May 24 - 9:00 pm

  In the 6,000 miles I have there has not been a single adjustment needed, not problem to be fixed. I love the car very much. Its the Special Mid-Year model, the "Limited Edition"in that Silver-Green Fire mist color. 1,000s of compliments on the color! Car needs 70 horsepower more, otherwise near perfect. Love the power closing trunk- toy. Love the moonroof and the in the trunk out of the way CD Changer with the single slot in dash CD. Sadly, for 05 they dumped that (along with Autolamp system & Rainsense wipers (I mean WHAT are they thinking? These are standard on a Toyota Avalon & not available on a 05 TC at any price?) I find the drivers door very heavy and it not easy to open !

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  Comfortable and lots of room - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By tennis1922 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Town Car and they keep getting better. I like the comfortable ride, especially on long trips. The large trunk is also a good feature. Another plus has been the service from the dealer Van Burkleo and the Lincoln Dealer Network.

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  Towncar review - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By KW411 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Lincoln Towncar with 28k on the board back in 06/2000. I now have 78k on the odometer. I have driven the vehicle countless times from MA to FL to vacation in the hot Florida sun. This vehicle has always been a pleasure to drive on both short and long distance trips. Other than the replacement of front and rear shocks, at a nominal cost of $300 and scheduled oil maitenance I have not encountered any mechanical malfunctions. This car has been a pleasure to own.

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  Good Car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bill Smith - April 28 - 7:46 am

  We have enjoyed this car and found it very dependable. It is comfortable to ride in and gets 21 to 22 miles per gallon with highway driving. The only work ever done on this vehicle is to repair right front fender and headlight after hitting a deer. It is kept in a garage. It has always been serviced on time. Tire wear excellent with 60,000 miles on original and 55,000 miles on second set of tires.

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  The 96 Towncar - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By mac-shack - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used. It had 62K miles on it in March of 2003. The interior was immaculate. It gets excellent mileage,22-23 MPG on trips, 18 around town. It has excellent acceleration, it surprises most people that it can get off the line so fast. I also have a 94 model. They are both great road cars. Very comfy. I would buy another one. Small patch where clearcoat deteriorated, was easy fix. Had to replace pitman, had not been lubed ever!!!

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  Awesome Town Car! - 2010 Lincoln Town Car
  By RWaters - April 13 - 10:50 am

  This is my 16th Lincoln Town Car since 1986 and it is the best Town Car I have owned to date. The elegance, style, comfort, handling and amenities are awesome as usual. The 2010 Town Car is still the best American rear- wheel drive sedan on the market today.

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  elegant - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By victor potter - March 3 - 2:30 pm

  like sitting on your couch on a trip, while seating twice the people a vw rabbit . bet the rabbit doesnt get twice the milage unparalled reliability of any automobile ive ever owned. will not switch even if they quit making it.

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  Great Car! - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By kurdt - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I love the Towncar and I dont drive it 45 mph! This car has great pickup and power. Quite a fast car. Most people dont know this about the Towncar. I have driven them since 86 and I drive mine like a sports car.