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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  okay buy - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mike Sawmill - May 8 - 10:00 am

  My Linclon has a nice v6 engine and rides niceley and is comportable yet this royal pain flys off on me and is terrioble on windy roads. This car stalled out on me last month after having it for 4 months. I want to go back to my old Toyota Avalon or Infiniti G35 instead of this car.

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  Great value for the money - 2009 Lincoln Town Car
  By John Walzer - May 3 - 12:36 am

  Anyone that knows anything about cars will agree there is no safer car on the road. I love the spacious interior and quality. This car rides smooth. I think the editor here is off base. If you are in the market for a sports car dont buy this car, however if you want comfort and ride and quality, this is the car for you. I have owned and driven numerous luxury cars, and this one for the money is the best, Thank you Linclon!

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  Great Luxury Car and Nice Performance - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By DG - March 28 - 9:40 am

  The Cartier is an exceptional value as a used car. The 4.6L engine has plenty of power and the car was bought in mint condition. The layout of the dash is exceptionally well done, there is plenty of passenger room, it handles nicely, has plenty of reserve power, lots of trunk space, seems very well made, has a distinctive look, and looks great on the road. I sold my restored Mercedes 380SL as I really wanted and needed a larger car. Nothing about the Cartier has disappointed me. All of my research shows it to be a reliable car. I do all of my own work on cars, so it is important to me that spare parts, reasonably priced, be available and that seems to be no problem. I love this car!

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  body parts - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By anthony spagnolia - March 24 - 3:30 am

  fender wells not fasten properly spoilers rattle when on highway from air at 65 mph & feel vib. on the floor.

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  CADDY NEXT TIME - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By BIG DADDY - March 23 - 2:00 am

  IT LOOK GOOD AT THE DEALER SHIP BUT BY THE TIME I GOT IT HOME I COULDNT STAND IT. IT IS WAY TO SMALL IN THE FRONT SEATING AREAS, WORST STEREO OF ANY CAR I HAVE EVER HAD. REAL CHEAP MATERIALS, CLEAR COAT SEEMS TO HAVE RUBBED OFF. JUST A VERY SORRY CAR IV HAD 2 TOWN CARS IN THE PAST 1985, 1992 THEY WERE A LOT BETTER THAN THIS ONE. I CANT WAIT TILL MY LEASE IS UP. CADDY DTS HERE I COME...........

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  Excellent - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By pamnn - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We love that the car sits higher than our last towncar. The engine purrs and is powerful.

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  I Love My Town Car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By E. Perez - March 14 - 5:16 pm

  I purchased my Town Car for several reasons, safety, the Michelin tires, comfort, and size. One month later, I was in a major accident. The back end of my car was majorly damaged, but I was uninjured. I feel extremely safe in it. The ride is so smooth and the car is so roomy and comfortable and I love the huge trunk. I only have 4500 miles on it so far, but I dont think I will ever purchase anything other than another Town Car.

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  Its a Car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By Cjv - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this car. I have driving many types of vehicles all over the United States and this is one of the nicest road cars there is. I only have one gripe about this wonderful car. Once you have put a number of miles on any car or truck you must be able to grease the front end and on this ford product you cant.That can be dangerous if you travel a lot. The only thing else is no power trunk like the caddies. Not the power of a northstar motor and a little road noise. But What a ride. The air ride system and 30 miles a gallon on the freeway in a FULL size American classic! You will not be dissapointed .

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  Great Highway Cruiser - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
  By Rod103 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought off a 2 year company lease at 1/2 price. Only 3 minor mechanical failures in 8 years. Dealer repair very expensive so did myself except for trunk auto latch at $192! Stay out of Lincoln dealers. Can drive at 72 mph on Interstate all day without any fatique. But wind noise increases above 72 mph due to old box body design. HWY mileage 25 mpg at 72 mpg. In-town drops to 17 mpg. Just started using 1 qt of oil by 3000 mile change.

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  Great Car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By d mcphail - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever had, and I have had quite a few. We drive to Florida every year with it, on Rt. 95 it is a comfortable machine. It has plenty of zip and is easy to handle in traffic. All repairs to it have been minor. Sure, I wish the gas milage was better, but when everything is considered, it is a small price to pay. Recently, I drove a Camry (of which, I have owned three) about 200 miles. A few days later I drove my Lincoln over the same route. There was absolutely no comparison between the comfort and handling of the two cars. I wish Lincoln had continued this classic look, but realize that is not possible.