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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Lincoln Town Car Evaluation - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By John Dear - July 31 - 2:00 amThis car was ready to drive out of the dealership. The Hiway road feel and quiet operation is matched by its economic operation. 22 mpg during the first 350 mile round trip is good for this heavy comfortable vehicle while driving at very high speeds.
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Love the Blvd. Cruiser! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Aurora - July 12 - 2:00 amI traded in the 95 Town Car with 54k on the odometer and I can say I love the 2003 model. Living in Florida There are no hills or ice - and no need to be in a hurry. This Model is as good if not better then many other lincolns I have owned- Including my 98 LSC.
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Great Car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
By dwl - June 15 - 3:00 pmI purchased my 98Lincoln Towncar Executive from my father at 117000 miles a year ago. He bought it at 50,000 miles from a dealership, it had been a corporate program car. No problems with it. Excellent car. Rides nice, no engine sound in the cab, no problems. My father replaced the upper and lower ball joints before I bought it and did some exhaust work. I put new spark plugs on at 100,000 miles. Otherwise nothing has been done to it. I get 24.5 mpg at 65 mph down the interstate. Ill get almost 30 if I drive 55 down the interstate. Trouble free and comfortable. My only complaint is it is horrible on snow-packed roads so I no longer drive it in the winter.
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Car Review - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Big Guido - June 12 - 2:00 amFor a large car that can comfortably carry "full size" Americans and their baggage, this car is the tops. The ride is sikly smooth and quiet.
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2003 4dr cartier premium - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By rjones1687 - June 8 - 10:00 amOverall this vehicle has been very pleasurable and comfortable to drive. Although this automobile may not appeal to every young person, it has turned the heads of many.
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Wonderful Vehicle - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
By Carolyn - June 4 - 10:56 amThis Lincoln is a wonder. I have been accustomed to smaller Ford products and find that I lost nothing in economy and gained a lot in comfort and safety with this unit. On lengthy trips this Signature Lincoln will get about twenty-eight mpg. Its size and standard safety features give a good level of confidence. Fine vehicle, never in the shop for repair of any kind to date.
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My favorite car to date - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Thundaar - May 20 - 10:00 amI have had loads of cars in my day, but the 03 TC is the best so far. The ride is awesome (seems a little more sporty than older models though), the leather int is super, engine power is more than most. Im glad to see the hood ornament is back and the front cup holders finally hold a cup! Plenty of room in the back for the kids. Would recommend this car to all who want 4500 lbs of classic American luxury!
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unreliable - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By gunman - April 29 - 10:00 ami have had fords and chevys on and off for years, and i thought that this time it would be reliable, i hoped, but i was wrong, after 16 years or so of owning cars ford still cant make one that is reliable it has a lot of luxary, thats nice when your sitting beside the road waiting for the tow truck, ha...
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Comfort for the Long or Short Ride - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By Taylor Bowie - April 22 - 9:06 pmThis is my fourth Lincoln Town Car, and I cant imagine any car more reliable, trustworthy and safe. In ten years of owning these cars I have had one minor problem with an electrical connection...otherwise, no trips to the shop for anything other than the scheduled services. I love the fact that road noise is pretty well cut out, the seats are great, and you feel comfortable and secure no matter if you are making a short trip or a long interstate haul. Controls, clock, DVD player etc. are all easier than ever to use. I am a happy Lincoln owner.
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I love my Lincoln - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By Betty - April 22 - 3:40 amMy Lincoln is a wonderful vehicle. It is fun to drive and fun to ride in. I feel very safe when I am in the car. It is truly a pleasurable car. You will not be disappointed with the looks, performance, and RIDE.
