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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outstanding - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
By alan - December 29 - 5:30 pmRides like no other. Owned Mercedes and Lexus and neither compare with the smooth ride of the Lincoln. Power is adequate interior is super comfortable.
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Best car I have ever owned - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By GPerkins - December 25 - 12:43 pmI was fortunate when I was able to purchase my Lincoln. It is so luxurious and comfortable. This is one vehicle that is still noticed fr its looks and size. A compact car, its not. These cars have such lasting appeal and still look beautiful over 12 years after the design was changed. My husband has a spinal cord injury, and this car is perfect for him. It is so much more comfortable to ride in than newer compact/mid-size cars (which I found to hurt my back after a 700 mile road trip in a rental car). I am forever Lincoln Town Car fan. I am definately spoiled to the various buttons on the steering wheel, which helps when driving, so that I dont have to take my eyes off the road.
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Great Car for the money - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
By omahadave - December 13 - 1:26 amBought this car 4 years ago with 50K on it. Now at 95K and have spent not one cent on a repair of any kind. Amazing. Mileage is unreal. 22-28 on the highway. Comfort like this with such mileage is a winner any way you look at it.
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Longtime Lincoln owner now disillusioned - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By hdelome - December 12 - 11:23 pmThis is my 4th Town Car since 1985. The 1985 and 1988 were very similar and excellent cars. The 1996 was also an excellent car with a newer design. My 2004 is now the newest design and is beautiful to look at from the outside. But, the easy driving/handling of the older models is gone. This soft floaty ride is the major reason I spend the money on this expensive car - along with long term reliability (all previous cars have been driven 150k+ miles) - but this new model now has the "Euro-car" ride which I find rough. I do not want to "feel the rode" as it is put these days. I want to "float along." I will be looking for a cheaper next car - I find nothing in this model worth the $$$.
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Great Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
By Mark Alan - December 12 - 10:00 amI bought this used Cartier used with 35K miles on it. I have owned it for 4 months and already have put 10K miles on it. I have had no problems and it is a great car for my 40 mile commute. I average about 21-22 mpg. This is my first Town Car and I already know I will be looking to buy another used 2004 in 2-3 years. I have had intermittant problems with the rear drivers side window sometimes not going down.
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1998 Lincoln Town Car - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
By presidentme - December 12 - 8:05 amI purchased the car almost 9 months ago with 102k miles. It did need some work, an intake manifold, 2 coils, and a serpentine belt, but honestly I guess thats what to expect when you purchase an older high end car. All cars break as they age, its that fine vehicles, lincoln, mercedes etc, require more costly parts. All that work cost me $1,500 which I guess isnt horrible. I had to replace one of my front headlamps because it became yellowed and fogged over, got a new one on ebay for $90! VERY easy to replace! pretty sweet deal! My ac compressor just went only $200. I really love my car, its sleak, powerful, beyond comfortable, and I get to say I have a lincoln! id buy another Lincoln!
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Better than ever - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By rwd - December 6 - 10:00 amThe 03 town car is better than ever, new front and rear suspension, 17" wheel, a stiffer frame lets this huge sedan feel quite nimble, excellent cornering..better power and noting like it in terms of comfort and interior space. A true American Luxury car, nice torquey v8, 26-27 mpg on the highway, very quiet just a pleasure to drive.
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The new look Towncar - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Lee P. - November 28 - 10:00 amIm happy to see the old look of the Towncar return. New squared off hood and trunk lid improve the overall cosmetics of the car. Much more room in the trunk because the spare has been moved to the side. Lots of leg and head room inside and the comfortable, plush ride the Towncar has been known for.
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opinions are just that! - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By nicole - November 28 - 10:00 amThis is what a Lincoln should be! The interior is impressive. The combination of walnut wood, satin nickel and brass is a very sophisticated! The ride and handling is to die for. Its about time Lincoln has designed a car that states I am accomplished yet unpretentious. Although they did bring back the Lincoln hood ornament(I missed that).
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Might be too good - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Sir Larry - November 25 - 1:56 amThis one took all of five miles to get comfy in. The amenities are quite sufficient and, if I ever read the book, may be astounding. Quietly powerful with understated beauty--essentially invisible to speed traps and such. Respectable.
