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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  THE BEST LUXURY CAR ON THE PLANET!! - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By CANDY MAN - September 24 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING, IT IS MY 4TH TOWN CAR, AND TO ME THEY SEEM LIKE THEY ARE GETTING BETTER AND BETTER, WHEN YOUR DONE DRIVING THE REST, TREAT YOURSELF TO THE BEST!! THE 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CHOW.

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  One Great Car - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By highlad - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This car became the company plane after 9/11. 95% 0f the 60,000 miles driven were high speed highway miles and the car performed perfectly. Most trips were 8 to 14 hrs. duration and the car was very comfortable and the fuel mileage was exceptional. This car was selected after renting various makes and models for business trips to determine their comfort and suitability for long business trips. The Town Car beat all the others. We purchased one and it proved the value of our selection process, it was every bit as good as we expected.

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  best yet - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By David Clay - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Fourth Lincon tc for us. Much better than the 98 tc we traded in. Could tell difference immediately. Better power and handeling. The feel of the ride is much improved. Very smooth. very bright headlites. Quiet cabin At 8000 miles so far no problems.

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  Trading in for Smaller vehicle - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By DON1 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Its a vehicle just wonderful but want to downside.

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  Poor Material Parts - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Herb Berger - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have maintained this auto beyond specs suggested by Lincoln. However, at 89,000 miles the plastic intake manifold melted causing the car to overheat and needing to replace the engine. Upon further investigation found out this is a common problem. P.S.Lincoln denies any responsibility.

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  inherited - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By flamermuskego - September 10 - 2:00 am

  smoothest ride ever. feel like I could live in this car if necessary. have a difficult decision to make re keeping this car or putting it up for sale. Id love to keep it for the weekends only. I feel special when driving it.

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  no problem - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By queenbbv - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Car runs very quite. Had problem with the auto windows but they were still under warranty. Took extended care. Guess that the only way to go but you still have to pay $100. service each time you go in. Heated seats are well worth the extra in the winter.Does not heat up interior or windows very fast.Easy to handle on highway and city.

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  My first Town Car - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By jerry711 - September 6 - 10:30 am

  I just purchased my first Town Car used and I love it. More than enough trunk space, gas mileage is OK for a V8, and I must admit that its the most comfortable car Ive ever owned. Its like driving a Lazy Boy recliner. The town car is surprisingly easy to drive for a big body car. When Im ready to trade this one in Ill definitely buy another!

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  Good, and the reason for 2 speedos - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Hugh - August 17 - 5:16 pm

  I have had 6 S Class MBs whilst living in Asia and Europe. The last one was an S320 diesel which had to go back 13 times to the dealer. This is my 2nd Town Car whilst living in the USA. And its great, good gas mileage and reasonably reliable. The "new" 2003 redesign is a reasonable job. It rides better than an S Class, as quiet too. Not so good at going round corners. I love the 2 speedos for when I go to Toronto - change the digi one to kmh

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  Simply Marvelous - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mr. Carkin - August 17 - 6:40 am

  Although I have owned the 2006 Signature Limited Town Car for only five days, I feel that I should speak. I traded in a 2002 Town Car which I loved. As much as I loved the old car, the new car is firmer in handling, the ride is significantly improved, absorbing bumps with grace, and the car is as firm as can be on the road. It is a beautiful car to drive and to look at. Improvements? Thicker visors, like the 2002, richer leather on the dash and other trim, real wood instead of plastic for the "wood" trim on the dash. The back seat could have a bit more standard leg room. These are small issues for a car that is very pleasing to travel in and effortless to drive.