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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  2001 Toown Car Cartier - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By zog - November 19 - 5:43 pm

  This is my fifth Town Car, and I loved them all. I bought this one with 64,000 miles and it has been flawless. Comfortable, reliable, smooth and great mpg...21 city and 27+ hiway. I love the big car ride and the rear wheel drive. I do all my own maintenance and this is easy to work on. I fully expect it to go 200,000+ miles.

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  Great 0ld luxury car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By jim - November 18 - 12:10 pm

  This large car has performed way above our expectations. The fuel economy is outstanding with several long highway trips in excess of 24 mpg and overall since purchase of 21.6 mpg. The creature comforts are great and no major malfunctions in almost a quarter of a million miles.

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  Big car works for big man - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Gerry - November 12 - 3:10 pm

  This is my first car in about 10 years, but my third TC. I am 69" and about 300lbs and have the leg room and head room in this car that I need. I had an Expedition before, nice vehicle, but no Town Car. Really enjoy the drive. I just took a 17 hour trip from Michigan to North Dakota and was amazingly fresh after being in this smooth rider for so long. Great car and I got over 25 mpg on the trip.

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  our best car yet - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Lewis102090 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Lincoln, I have had Cadillacs and a Grand Marquis. I would like to say that I believe weve reached the top , even though it is a used vehichle this car beats our gr. marquis (and it was new). However, the gr. marquis did save me from harm in a serious accident, I was rear-ended and pushed into on-coming traffic and hit head-on. All I had were bruises. I hope that I never have to test this vehichle in that manner. although I have no doubt that I will be completely safe. Thank you for my wonderful car. Mrs. Sheryl Lewis

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  My First Lincon - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By dobb - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed with fuel economy - 25+ hwy and 19+ city. Acceleration is stonger than expected. Seems smaller than it really is in city traffic. Wife even enjoys driving and shes normally driving an s70 volvo. No buyers remorse, best car buy decission Ive made. Dealer very good to deal with, great pricing. Compared to my dads DeVille, no comparison for luxury for the dollar. A lot of value for you money....

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  Head room - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By John J. - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about the car but one thing. There realy isnt enough head room for a big guy like me.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By intelu1 - October 19 - 10:00 pm

  I love this car. We have taken several long road trips and this is the most comfortable riding car ive ever been in. The gas mileage is great - weve gotten up to 30 mpg on a road trip (freeway), the avg is approx. 26 mpg on highway driving around town its 21 to 23 mpg. This car has plenty of leg room not only for the front sead riders, but more then enough room for the back seat riders as well. My parents have cadillacs. They went on a trip with us and they both stated that their caddies cant even compare to the comfortable ride you get in this car. They stated next time they buy a new car it will be a Lincoln town car.

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  An Awesome car with one little problem - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Ted and Elizabeth - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We bought a 2000 Lincoln Town Car Executive L. It is an awesome car the style and comfort is great. never had any problems with anything except for the Airbag light came on once and had it fixed under warranty and two months later it is on again. our car has the cloth top on it and the chrome along the bottom of the doors and around the wheel wells. gives it great curb appeal and lots of stares. if you want a car that gives you luxury and that statement of a well to do person than this is the car. Cadillac couldnt even compare to this car.

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  fine lincoln ever - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By digby - October 17 - 6:43 am

  Very happy with everything about the car

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  Super Luxury - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By jcohoon - October 10 - 2:00 am

  First time owner of this brand, but probably will be a loyal customer in future years. Car is most comfortable to ride and or drive. Nice features like the moving pedal system, traction control, very responsive engine and superb climate control system. Fuel economy is 23 to 26 MPG which I consider exceptional for a car of this size and weight.