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:
Showing 281 through 290 of 498.00-
our towncar - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
By Egor - February 23 - 10:00 amGreat road car, feel safe, not cramped, comfortable, easy to get in and out of, feel rested when you arrive. Not as much fun as our ninja motorcycle but great transotation in or out of town.
-
My 2nd big Ford - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By Aaron Bouser - February 4 - 3:37 amI owned an 04 Crown Vic for a long time. I sold it to a friend and missed it, so I looked for another. Decent Crown Vics are getting harder to find, but these Lincolns are quite available. I am really sold on the Panther platform, and the Lincoln is mechanically familiar to me. Durable and relatively simple. I bought this car gently used, and I find that I like it more than the CV. Its a little bigger, a whole more comfortable, ride wise. Mine is a pewter, bluish silver color and I quite like it. The technology gap is a little behind some of my other vehicles, but they are newer. Mine has the back up beeper parking assist, which really works pretty well. It has a single CD player sound system. The sound, deep bass and crisp highs, is really good, but with no "aux" input, that really limits what I can listen to. Thats kind of a downer, but hey, it is an older car. One thing I love is the interior lighting. Each door has a light, each seat position has an overhead light and theres under dash floor lighting. Ten (10) lights come on when you turn on the interior lights. I like that..it looks cool. This car, like my CV, gets decent MPGs, especially for how big a car it is. Its whisper quiet inside and quiet enough that the guy at the carwash commented on it. The trunk is enormous. I play in a band, and its got plenty of room for two electric guitars in cases, my amp, gig bag and pedalboard. I can carry all my music stuff in the trunk and not have to put any items in the passenger area. Nice. Plus, the air ride suspension keeps the car level even with a trunk load of heavy gear. I love this car so far. The performance? Its not a drag racer and it stops like my pick up. I dont want that kind of performance, though. I want a smooth, quiet ride. Thats what I get with this car. After all, its a Lincoln.
-
Comfortable Land Yacht - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Tim R. - February 3 - 4:00 pmI have owned 4 town cars and one navigator. The town cars have all improved in quality, and this car is no exception. Very smooth, quiet, and the ultimate road car. I love the steering wheel controls for the stereo, ac, and Cruise. The car now has 122,000 miles on it. Repairs have included a new rear axle (bearings went out), 2 sets of brakes (rotors tend to warp), and 4 (!) new drivers side power window switches! The cd changer isnt working properly. Other than that, just regular maintenance. It has been quite reliable and gets reasonable gas mileage for such a large car. On state highways going 65, I get 27 mpg. On i90 going 80 mpg, I get 22-23 mpg. Very comfortable car!
-
Green Godess of Greatness - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
By Doug Oswald - January 28 - 5:44 pmI have owned this 1999 Town Car Since June 1999 and only repair and replacement has been a blower fan, fuel pump, break pads,and rotors. Regular maintainance has been carefully performed. The passenger comfort is beyond outstanding.
-
last of a breed - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
By Joseph - January 24 - 7:53 pmIf you want a traditional American luxury sedan this is the only one left. This vehicle has been a pleasure to own. Last of a breed.
-
Lincoln Town Car - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
By Libby - January 17 - 10:00 amThis has been an excellent automobile with virtually no problems at all.
-
unknown answer - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By h82bbt - January 13 - 10:00 amI enjoy the Town Car, especially the exterior design. The interior need some work
-
Competent. Reliable. Luxurious. - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By JMARKV - January 11 - 10:00 amI found the car competent and powerful. Gas milage was exceptional (18-24 mpg). Despite its size, the TC was very agile and composed even when pressed to the limits. Loved the cars looks.
-
Ive always wanted a Lincoln - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
By bill powell - December 7 - 2:00 amI looked at every American and import but Ive always wanted a luxury car. I got my 95 Town Car from a dealership and probably paid too much, but alot less than any new car. My Towncar was imaculate with 62k original miles garaged.. exterior/interior like new..Preformance white outside gorogeous red leather interior..rides and drives like a dream... Oh Yeah,I read a review from EDMUNDS.COM before i bought mine..Right after we got it we did a road trip to New Mexico.. we averaged 28mpg for a V-8 real good specialy driving 85-95mph
-
Love Hate Relationship - 2010 Lincoln Town Car
By Ben Smith - December 4 - 4:00 pmI got this car for 2 reasons- Status and Space. Now I can find many more reasons then that why i should get rid of this car. It handles like a tank, has no technology, has a pathetic engine, feels like your driving over grenades when you go over a bump, over priced for what you get- I could go on all day. Its simple to fix to. Get rid of the body on frame construction and remove the solid rear axle. Then its the perfect car!
