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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  No better ride - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Angela - August 7 - 8:23 am

  1997 Executive Lincoln Town Car This vehicle is an 11 on a 10 scale. The most comfortable ride, on the dash is a 3 steering setting so it can feel like any vehicle you want {not wheel steering adjustments up down etc...}. Great 23 mpg. The backseat looks like a couch. The trunk could hold 8 people. I bought it with 45,000 miles on it and now have over 100,000. Had to replace the intake cause I like to put my foot in it. Super fast, super comfort, what more could you want. And best of all it looks like a lincoln. Mine looks just like the photo above....GORGEOUS.

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  They dont make-em like this anymore - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Todd - August 5 - 12:20 pm

  I bought this 97 TC 6-years old with 36,000 miles. The previous owner had not taken care of it. With some minor brake-work and a tune-up, this car was literally as good as new. Over 5 years later, I still drive it and am in awe over how reliable this car is. I had a transmission cooler installed 2 years ago and have been towing a pop-up camper with it for the past 2 years, no problems at all. This car goes and goes and goes. I have considered trading it in for an explorer or other SUV, but considering how reliable this car is and its low resale, I would be foolish. I get 25MPG on the highway doing 70. Can any other V8 do the same? This may be the last great Ford on the road.

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  Very Nice - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By anonymous - July 23 - 3:23 pm

  I purchased this vehicle at 186k miles and it still runs perfect. This car is very reliable, comfortable and smooth.

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  Get One While You Still Can - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By RavenManiac - July 9 - 5:33 pm

  Just took delivery of this 2007 TC and couldnt be more pleased. This is my 4th (85, 91, 03, 07). Each one has been a little better than the last. Such a shame that a great American classic will soon disappear, there is no equal on the road. Even though fuel economy is not great, its not bad for a V8 car of this size. Ride and comfort are unsurpassed. And who cant love a car with a hood ornament!

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  Comfort Over Performance - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By BillyBobJoe - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive. Exceptional interior and trunk room. Exceptional gas mileage for large car with V8. Handles well for large car. Well built with no rattles. Engine runs well, but have had starting problems on occassion that cant be explained.

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  Great Car! - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By shawn - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for only seven months. So far I have had very good luck with this car. So far I needed only normal wear and tear items replaced. A good riding car. I cant complain.

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  Great Value - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By TC Cruiser - June 5 - 7:13 pm

  This is my 3rd Lincoln and it is by far the best Ive owned.My 07 rides better than my 96 and gets better gas mileage. This car truly excels on the highway where the soft ride, excellent sound system and more than adequate power consumes miles without effort. I have owned Acura, Mercedes and other quality cars and for the money, they cannot match the TC. The interior is so large and comfortable you cannot compare it to any other car. The gas mileage is great for such a large car. On long trips I have averaged almost 25 mpg going 75 mph - all done on regular gas. This car does everything extremely well at a very compelling price.

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  Love my Town Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By djunkins - May 20 - 7:46 pm

  This is my second TC. My first was a 1997 model. Both produced a smooth, comfortable ride, especially on long trips. I also use the car for long (100 mi) work trips each week. Yes, style is dated but the car has so many positive features, like good gas mileage for a large car, cavernous trunk, easy to read dash display, automatic climate control, back-up sensor, heated seats, more. Small problems crop up now & then, but I expect that with so many luxury features available. Plus, the car is no spring chicken. Things break.

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  Our First Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Beverly K. - May 14 - 10:00 am

  One feature that I think is great is that when I am backing up, if anything is behind me, (person, car, garbage can, etc.) an alarm goes off. The closer I get to it, the louder and more pronounced it gets. I will NEVER back into anyone or anything. It is a very smooth and quiet car. I am a very tall person and can sit in the back seat with no problems. The only complaint I have is regarding the sound system of the radio and CD player. For a car as nice as the 04 Lincoln, the radio should sound like a Bose radio. In closing, I am sure that we will never buy anything.

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  Good buy - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Alan Alda - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This car handles terrobly but is very reliable and is comfortable and takes the bumbs as well as my Toyota Camry.