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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SCRIVS RESULTS - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By J SCRIVS - July 11 - 10:00 amI love the smooth ride, and luxury provided with this car.Accelerates effortlessly while still quiet as a mouse.
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Best kept secret.... - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By Phil Austin - July 7 - 12:16 amFinally talked my California girl into going with me to look at a new Lincoln Town Car, and even she is now a believer...for a great price we got a terrific automobile that rides like a dream and is the essence of comfort. Plenty of power, and satisfactory mileage I, and yes, even we, could not be happier with this best kept secret of the luxury car market....If its comfort, performance and quality you want, you have arrived and will travel well with a Lincoln town car...A phenomenal car for the money!!!
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Presidential Series - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By P. Hruz - June 22 - 3:56 amMy car was priced around $53,000 when it was new in 1996; I bought it used with 20,500 miles on it. I paid $28,000 with financing for 4 years. I absolutely love my car!!! When I saw it on the lot, and then looked in side, it was love at first sight. Ive never regretted buying it. My Lincoln has 122,000 miles on it and I had planned to get another 200,000 more before buying a new one. Yesterday, my husband was backing it up to put it in the garage and backed into a tree. Although it dented the side a little, and scratched it A LOT, I would rather get it repaired than to go buy a new one. Needless to say, I dont feel I can ever replace it. Once youve driven a Linc. Town Car, no compareisons
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The Big Linc - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
By Mark - June 2 - 8:16 pmThis Town Car replaced a Grand Marquis and drives and rides somewhat better - seems to be a lot more quiet on the inside. The road noise is greatly reduced over the Crown Vic & Marquis - and the handling, even on rough roads, is very good. Fuel economy is great - as is with the Ford V8 - 25/20 (hwy/city). Havent owned a Lincoln for several years, but this one is worlds ahead of the 1980s models.
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Best full size car in the world - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By mozarthua - April 25 - 10:00 amnice big, noble styling.comfort.safe.
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Best car I ever drove. - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
By Talis - March 3 - 6:10 pmI know, the Town Car is an "old mans car" so how can a 23 year old kid like one so much? Simple. My parents bought a 94 Town Car Signature new at the end of 93. Since that time it was a family hauler, took trips to Colorado and back (several times) and even moved a college kid and all his stuff; (at the risk of sounding bad) it has a trunk that can hold 5 bodies. My father sold the car at around 200K miles, and the person who bought it drove it to FL. The only other car that lasted so long and was so versatile was my fathers 95 Camaro (but thats for another day).
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Steering Box - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By Dave J - March 3 - 5:16 pmJust purchased, had front end ball joints replaced and car still feels like it does not have power steering. Mechanic thinks it is in the steering box. Can this be adjusted or must it be replaced? Mechanic quotes the price to start at $500. Appreciate any input. Thanks Dave
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Awesome Car 99 Town Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
By Jiggs Casey - February 27 - 6:20 pmThis car is great. I bought it with 75000 miles and it has been perfect since the day I bought it. Great mileage for a big car. Rides so good I cant wait to get in it every day and go to work. I will surely by another one when I am done with this one.
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Great Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
By Ross - February 23 - 10:36 amThis is a fantastic car. The hiway mileage is 25 or miles per gallon. UNBELIEVABLE, but true. City mileage is less. The ride is superior to Caddy.
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care and maintenace of this car - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By belvin evans - February 23 - 4:47 amthis automobile was purchased in june 2006 with 15000 miles on it. it has never missed routine service and has had all other major service work done by parkway ford Lincoln on peterscreek rd. it was in 1 accident about 6 years ago the hood .bumper and left front fender were replaced. there was no structure damage or electrical damage .it has no oil or fluid leaks and drives as it did when new.
