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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  Good Car-Lexus is BETTER - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Motley Crue - December 18 - 5:46 am

  My experience with Lincoln has been real bad. The ride quality is good but its doesnt compare to Cadillac Deville or Lexus LS430. Had the alternator replaced at 20000 miles. Went to the mall and when I was going to ignite the engine the Key broke making the car unmoveable. Leather seats are cheap, they are now ripped. Now I am not going to say this is a bad car, infact its good, its not just not on the same level as Cadillac or Lexus. You can buy one if you want, its your money, but i WOULD suggest buying a Lexus LS430 NOW that is a true Luxury Drivers Car.

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  Bad scene - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Sy Be - December 2 - 2:03 pm

  Car came without a horn. Shortly after that, the brake system broke down and the fluid retainer leaked. Fit and finish for an expesive auto is less than acceptable. Was treated very badly by the dealer.

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  Lincoln - 2009 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jonathan Morris - November 24 - 4:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle last year with the input of my wife. Although it is a decent car, after shopping around I realize that my decision might have been ill advised. Not too long ago I took a look at the Acura RL. Offers over 300 hp from a V6 with all wheel drive. The interior quality is far superior as are the combination of 10 airbags, independent suspension and 200 k + Honda reliability. Its hard to believe but my Towncar uses a body on frame design and a live axle which makes for handling about as agile as a lumbering elephant compared to the Acura. My wife may not agree but with GM likely going under, the Towncars time has come and gone.

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  Brief losses of power - resolved - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
  By mclark - November 23 - 9:16 am

  In response to review Written by: Vance on 09/03/2009, I also experienced this same situation with my Town Car. After four trips to the dealer over a three month span, and several different attempted solutions, the fix was to replace the fuel pump / fuel float device. This change solved the performance problems, smoothed out the ride and improved gas mileage. To their credit, Lincoln never stopped trying to solve the problem and made me a happy customer and proud owner of this fine vehicle.

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  Great car with bad looking sheet metal - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By don schwenk - November 18 - 8:06 pm

  Cannot figure out how Ford can neglect a great car by allowing its luxury cars exterior design get so out of date. Cadillacs Deville has not faired nearly as badly. Some of my friends have owned Lincolns for years and they now have Toyota Avalons or Lexus. From a quality, reliability,and premium vehicle standpoint, this is a fine product. Ford get with it. This is not a livery only vehicle.

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  Owner - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By W. Wotan - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Lincoln Towncar has been a pleasure to own and drive. Only two repairs required since purchase, both minor, and fixed at no cost by dealer promptly.

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  Big, Comfortable, Luxury Ride with outstanding Reliability - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By jrodd1 - November 10 - 8:55 pm

  Lincoln has done a wonderful job with this automobile. Bought the car in 2010 with 100,000 miles. Now August of 2011 has 130,000, and the only trips to the mechanic were for brakes and oil changes. Car ride tremendously, especially with the air bag suspension. The 4.6l V8 to this day doesnt burn or leak anything!!! Love the leather seats, and all the power amenities. Only issue I have had with the car was putting a driver said regulator in. Great car, cranks every single time, rides great, can put 5 big adults in car. I get around 19-20mpg average with a 20 mile commute, but last year i got 28mpg hwy on a trip to NC!!! Love this car, and will definitely buy another Towncar!

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  Getting better all the time! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By rwd - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Still the best touring sedan on the market, and a steal compared to others in its class. Much better dynamics, 17" wheel, R&P steering, tigher all over, 240 hp feels like more because of the 280 ft lbs of torque. Room galore, This car is much better than people think,like a FWD...but we all know RWD is in! you can buy these cars brand new with $10,000 off the sticker at the year end sales...I got mine for $34,000 and traded my 2000 TC final cost was $14,000 at 3.8% $413.00/mo for 36 months...cant beat that. Nothing like a Town Car...nothing, quiet, faster, and comfort.

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  In the shop to much - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bry - October 17 - 2:00 am

  5 heater cores in 3yrs. No one can fix the root problem. Ford has spent every dime of profit in repairs on my car. Up to $8000 now. My list of misc. repairs is absurd.

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  A Great Deal! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By john596 - October 15 - 10:24 pm

  I bought my 2003 Executive used with 68,000 miles on it. It is pearl white with tan leather interior. I had trouble with water leaking in through air intake under passenger wiper. I repaired with automotive adhesive glue and sealed the joint with undercoating spray. That fixed it. I also had trouble with hesitation. I took it to the local Lincoln dealership and for just under $500, a tune-up and transmission fluid made it drive like a new car. I am at 143,000 miles and plan to keep it at least 90,000 more miles (new Michelins). I added in-dash navigation, satellite radio, and bluetooth. This is my fifth Lincoln and fourth Town Car. I will have another, no doubt.