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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From an Escort to a Lincoln - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By G. Gill - December 6 - 7:46 amI drove a Ford Escort for 13yrs. to an from work, 60 miles a day. Loved the fuel economy, but not the ride or getting around in the snow. After 350,000 miles I found a 1996 Lincoln TC, with 102,000 miles on it for $4,000.00. WOW!...now I love driving to work! What a ride, with 21mpg! Built like a tank! Some mechanical issues...intake manifold[ Ford service bulletin]...lower contol arm/ball joint assembly broke in the middle of a J.C.Penney pkng. lot..that was fun! Wife has 1998 Lincoln TC, first year of the new body style and it aint built no where near as good as my 1996.Smaller interior, very high maintenance and ugly! Find an 1990s Lincoln in good shape you wont be sorry!
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Engineering Reserch ( AFESC ) Services - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Raduazo A W. - December 3 - 2:00 amCOMFORT! SIZE! QUIET! Can pull a 2500lbs Bass boat!!
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Great highway cruiser !! - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Rib - December 3 - 2:00 amA great highway car - extremely comfortable. The handling is superb on the highway - but, a little sloppy on rough surfaced roads. The fuel economy is exceptional for a car of this size and weight. I am averaging about 25 - 26 MPG on the open highway ( where I do the bulk of my driving . I have owned six previous Lincoln Towncars - 1985, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1998 and a 2001 before the present Lincoln Towncar. These are great cars, I would definitely buy another Lincoln Towncar ! Highly reccommended.
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My Towncar - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Bill Johnson - November 29 - 10:00 amThis car is very comfortable. Its only been in the shop (dealer) once for a faulty spark plug.
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Lincoln Town Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Bob Thom - November 17 - 10:23 pmThis is my sixth Town Car and they have all been very reliable. this drives better than any prior car I have owned. Has new tires. Interior is leather and is new looking. This car has some extras usually found only on Cartier Models
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2004 tc - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By rosborne - November 15 - 7:50 amGreat on long trips on the road around town (after all it is a town car). very quiet compared to the 96
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Great Car Bought Used - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Ron - November 1 - 11:56 amThis is my third Lincoln. I purchased 1994, 1997 and 2004, all used. Great investment. The 2004 Ultimate is the best I have had. it had low miles 25k when I bought it. So far I cant stay out of it. Its just too much fun to drive. Im retired (69) and plan on making several long trips. I get compliments from all my friends how nice the vehicle looks, rides and its economy. Hope to live long enough to buy another. I rate it as a ten!
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One of the Best Cars to Own - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By amdo - October 31 - 6:08 pmIve owned this car for 4 years, I bought it with 121k miles and now it has 165k. It has been the most reliable car I could ask for, I got rear ended and it got totaled but since the damage was almost un-noticeable I did the buy back and I still drive it. I buy crap cars to try and keep wear off of the car. Where all my other cars have failed this has been there to catch me and hold me as my only car as well as backup. I hardly ever have to maintain it, I had to change a ball joint once and just change the oil. One of the best cars ever made.
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I may be crazy but... - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
By John - October 7 - 5:36 amJust bought the Signature series TownCar. An absolute dream - inside and out. Although the gas prices have gone through the roof, I am pleased to see that I am getting 20 miles per gallon - mostly city driving. Very comfortable; great features and great all around visibility.
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Outstanding - 1994 Lincoln Town Car
By Wallace,J.E - September 24 - 2:26 amThe best car Ive ever owned. The red color and paint are like new. Gas, oil,shocks,tires and battery are the only parts that have been replaced. Average overall gas mileage has been excellent. Highway - 24 to 26mpg. Town - 21 to 23mpg. with 4.6L, V8. An excellent automobile.
