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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  Best Deal on Wheels - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Silver Streak - September 25 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this car with 78,000 miles in 2003. Now in 2010 I have 212,000 miles. The car will get good gas mileage with ac off and at 65 mph with Cruise control. Car has never let me down. Never been stuck with this car. Build quality is excellent. No noises after 212k miles. Jumbo trunk. I drive hard and the transmission is original. Changed transmission fluid 3 times or more. Engine uses a quart of oil in 3000 miles so then its ready for a change or a quart and a change in 6000. Best looking Lincolns a 94-97. Get a signature or Cartier or diamond anniversary edition.

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  King of Comfort - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Binger - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Call me a dinosaur but I love this car! My dad always drove them and I wanted one since I was 24 years old. I am tall (65") and just feel more comfortable in a big car. It has ample exceleration and gets 24mph on the highway. At 70 K the only problem has been the horn going out. No other problems.

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  Cheap Luxury Car - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By someone - September 7 - 9:00 pm

  This is a really nice car. They are a little expensive, but it has nearly everything a Mercedes-Benz S550 has for less than half the price. The back seat is huge in the Signature L, and very luxurious.

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  1997 Lincoln Town Car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By alhum - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used in April of 1999. It had 15900 miles on odometer. Only thing that went bad was anti-thief alarm. Just routine maintance. It is the best car I have ever owned. Great on the road and considering the size gas mileage isnt that bad either. I plan to drive this car for a long time.

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  95 town car - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By chico - August 8 - 3:40 am

  i have two of these cars and i love the engineering and design.i will continue to buy these cars because they are well built.the 95 only has 50,600 miles and from what i hear they can drive up to 300000 miles or more

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  2001 town car bought used - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Wendy - August 5 - 3:13 am

  Great vehicle for family of two teens. Gas mileage city only 18. But highway & city avg. 23. Went to Missouri from Wisc. crusing mostly 85/90 and got 28 mpg. This car loves to go. At 70 ours kicks in again for passing. Have only had regular service done, runs great. Need a CD player. Has great speaker sound. Cup holders in the way of heat/ac controls. Even though car is so smooth a cup could sit on the armrest. Have had car in major snowstorms & handles well. Our 16 yr. old learned in this car. Back seat leg room is for anyone & I prefer the back seat for the comfort. Side windows are bellowed out, great for sky viewing for kids at night.

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  "A pleasure to drive" - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Alan Newman - July 31 - 10:00 am

  In my 50 am tall, so I find the leg room, and the head room veryyears of owning and/or leasing Automobiles, I must say that my 2004 Lincoln Town Car rates among the best . The car rides like a dream, is extremely quiet, and responds with more than adequate power when needed. I am tall, so I find the leg room and the head room very spacious. I do love the car.

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  J. W. Of Fredericksburg - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jim Walsh - July 25 - 10:00 am

  It has been a pleasure to ride.

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  Love My Town Car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By KevinandThom - July 21 - 5:20 am

  Bought the car used from the dealer that sold it brand new. Gentleman that owned it before our purchase was buying his 2008 model Town Car when we walked in...lets say his trade was not on the lot for long. We bought it that same day. It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven, and gets very good fuel economy on the highway (averaged 32 mpg on recent trip to NJ and back to VA) I would suggest purchasing used, the car is phenomenal, but does not hold value at all. Then gent that traded this one in paid 52,000 for a new one.. our price for a 3 year old car with 27,000 miles on it... 17,995. So I think we got a good deal.

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  Love my Lincoln! - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Donna H - July 20 - 3:40 pm

  This is the 3rd Lincoln Towncar Ive owned. All have been excellent vehicles. I have 121,000 miles on my 2001 Lincoln; have spent very little on upkeep other than new tires and a heater coil in the 8 years Ive owned it. Love the large trunk; can haul almost anything; very reliable; gas mileage could be better, but car is so heavy and sturdy, that makes up for it. They dont make them like this anymore!