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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  Excellent Luxury Vehicle - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By hrw5000 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Most comfortable car in the world with excellent quality and reliability.

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  Love my Town Cars - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By michkey - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Have always loved town cars. this is my third

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  The 1995 Towncar - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By jos - September 6 - 5:26 am

  I like used cars. The 1995 Town Car is great. I only replaced the usual wear items like tires,oil etc. This year of Lincoln has the newer dash and interior. I bought this car two years ago for $5200 and it may be the best used car I ever purchased. 90,000 miles and no leaks under the car. If you can get the Signature or Cartier. I am 62 and do not need to put the seat all the way back. Lots of room.

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  I love my Lincoln - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By RioPride - September 5 - 10:00 am

  My 1997 Lincoln Towncar has always been and still is the most comfortable car I have ever had the pleasure of driving. It is a quiet and smooth today as it was when new and it has been totally trouble-free. No major repairs have been necessary in the almost 5 years Ive owned it. I drive faster than I should because it hardly seems that I am moving with such a smooth ride. I cant believe a car has been so reliable for comfortable for so long.

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  Town Car the executives choice - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Dr. Ellsworth - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, roomy, and styled for the executive appearance. Great curb appeal. A sound, solid car, with an unmatched ride. Quiet too.

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  This car is not worth it! - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By this is bad car - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The first week i had this car, i was going 80 down the highway, and one of the front wheels buckled up and the car went to a screeching halt. The dealers had the car for 4 weeks trying to figure out what it was...as soon as that was fixed, the other one went out. This car is bad ride, bad buy, uncomfortable, and the list could go on forever. By the way, i was backed into one day and a tail light costs 400 dollars!

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  Bring Back The Town Car - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By gelf58 - August 17 - 4:37 pm

  These cars are awesome. I bought one with over 395K miles on it. The original owner took extremely good care of it. I have owned it for 11/3 years and I am approaching 423K. It still has the original engine and transmission. at 412k I had to replace the a/c compressor. Other than regular maintenance thats it. The key is to do the regular maintenance and these cars will last a log long time. Unlike the Cadillacs whose Northstar engines have valve cover issues and the transmission usually fails at about 150k

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  Built to last - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By fl_strider - August 7 - 8:28 pm

  My 95 Town Car was left to me after a family member passed away. That was 16 year ago. I have driven the car 417,000 miles since then. This car is about as bullet proof as you can get. Ive had Hondas, Acuras and even a Lexus during the whole time Ive owned this car. I have to say the Lincoln is just old school comfort plain and simple. Its not fast and it certainly no sports cars in the corners either. This car is built to cruise and on the highway she does a solid 23 mpg. Ive recorded 25 mpg but that was before the lousy E10 gasoline came our way. The weak link in Town Car is by far the rear air suspension however you can buy the parts cheaply and they are easy to replace.

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  satisfied - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By goldfish - August 6 - 10:00 am

  77,000 miles never been to the dealer for any reason. replaced tires at 70000 had never rotated tires complete satisfactioon hit a deer at 65 miles per hour $1500 damage time to buy a new one

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  3rd Generation town car owner - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By jkdet - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Never owned a Lincoln before now. My pop passed and he left me with his pride and joy 95 town car. (That his dad gave him when he passed in 1999) This car is for the BIG MAN. It has plenty of leg and head room and the ride is out of this world smooth. It does have the power to get up and go if you need it. The only down fall I see is the fuel mileage is only about 13-16 in the city and I have not got it on the highway for a road trip yet so dont know about the highway mileage. Thanks Lincoln from the 3rd generation of town car owner.