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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Perfect car. - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
By edwin301 - February 17 - 10:00 amThis Town Car has been perfect. No problems at all. Everything works perfectly. Very quiet, great A/C, big trunk, and good gas mileage for such a big car.
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Fantastic Vehicle! - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By willie - February 16 - 12:40 pmThis car is like sitting in your living room. Rides beautiful. I bought it because its a fact that these cars will last well over 350,000 miles. Not bad gas consumption either for an eight cylinder. If I had the money I would by my in-laws a brand new one. Last years of life should be special for them.
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Best Lincoln I Ever Owned - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By alexvaughn - February 1 - 11:00 amLive in FL we drive to MA we average 27 mph doing 70. We love the car. Have nothing wrong with it & its very comfortable to drive. I loved the dash on my 95 better
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excellent - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
By bob turczynski - January 31 - 3:13 amgreat car
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America does it right - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
By CharlieB - January 27 - 3:30 amAfter 50 years of owning autos , I have found this Town Car to be the best . Comfort, relibility, 30 mpg on the highway, no wind noise, easy to drive, auto trunk, auto headlights and wipers. Well worth the money
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1996 Lincoln Town Car Signature - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By sig96tc - January 20 - 5:22 pmPurchased in 03 with 52K, now has 265,000 miles. Engine has never had the valve covers removed. I have no plans of getting rid of her. These cars are cheap to maintain with plenty of original parts on ebay etc.. Obviously I have taken care of it.
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My 7th Lincoln - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
By nbay29 - January 7 - 9:25 amMy first one was a 1949 Baby Lincoln. Ive had other makes in between, but now Im on my 7th: an 84, two 96s, a 99, an 04 and now an 01. The 04 was a complete dud. From the engine, to the differential, to the accessories, it was junk at 77,000 miles. Very well satisfied with the other six. Comfort, mileage, reliability, fun to drive----what more could you ask?
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too much money fo nothing - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By William R. McKay - January 6 - 10:00 amI find the equipment in this car much better than the years previous. But this car is still light years behind its compatition. Too many things left undone. The seats in this vehicle are horrible, also, the wind noise can drive you insane. Navigation equipment and a phone system should be standard equipment on this car -- GM has the edge. I am a loyal customer to lincoln, but it will not take much for me to join the compatition.
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1999 lincoln tc review - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
By joe schmidt - December 19 - 2:00 amthe most relaxing car i have driven..great for long h-way trips
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Happy with my Town Car - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By PAUL TERRAULT - December 18 - 10:43 pmI like the way it looks, it drives and feels. I love to take it on long drives accross the country.
