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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  A Wonderful Ownership Experiance - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By SLR - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car with 20,000 miles on it. I drive every day and I am not easy on a car. My 98 Town Car Signature has been truly a wonderful car and most of all I have had not one major problem with the car and any visit to the Lincoln service department has only given me great treatment.The car is always reliable and built tough, I am approaching 110,000 miles on it and I have got the urge to get something new, however this car has been so good to me I dont want to trade it for something with problems. I would recomend this car for anyone who desires a luxury ride and reliability.

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  Best for the money- by far - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Tom Anderson - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned it for 10 years, and have 274,000 miles on it. Just came back from 2500 mile trip, 80 mph and 25 mpg, sailed along like it always does. Snobs can drive other things, this is the best for a car load of toys and presents and smart driving. I dont care what the others think, theyre wrong. This is a tough, solid car. Had one before totaled, t-boned by squad car, and i didnt even get a scratch. Want to live and live good? Get a towncar.

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  braking problems on ford full size cars - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By CLARENCE - September 2 - 2:00 am

  i have had 4 experiences of brake pedal travel so great that foot feed is pushed down at time of braking , this causes full engine power. i complained many times. i finally cured problem by putting 1/4 inch shims under left foot feed control at fire wall mount and 1/4 in at foot pedal mount.this moves the foot pedal away from brake and stops the problem. i this to showed to dealer.

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  Lincoln Land Yacht - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
  By Botcho - August 8 - 10:29 am

  Big, roomy, smooth as silk. Dont expect sporty handling. Handling is fine for a luxury land yacht. Its like riding on a spacious cloud. Parking in a crowded city can be sporty. For a big car, the mileage isnt bad.

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  good choice - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By noname - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a car that needs nothing to improve it. It is a dream to drive

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  One of the Best - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Vera and Mike - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my share of automobiles, Cadillacs, SUVs, etc. So far this is one of best I have driven for confort.

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  Town Car #2 - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By KenL - July 27 - 5:56 am

  After a roll over crash in a SUV I have been a big fan of large sedans. Have owned a 1994 Crown Vic, and a 1999 Town Car Signature in the past. Last week I purchased a 2004 Towncar Ultimate with 53K miles on it. Whom ever owned it took good care of it as it looks like brand new. Without question the most comfortable vehicle I have ever ridden in with luxury featurs galore. I am disappointed to hear that Lincoln is planning to discontinue this model. That would be a big mistake. I love this car.

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  Last of the "real" American Luxury cars - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Lawrence K. Mahuna - July 13 - 8:30 am

  This Lincon Town Car has a beautiful ride and it does not pretend to be anything else but a comfortable ride. It does not have 400+ horses, nor is it a sports car. But if you want a car that gets you from point A-B in the most comfortable manner possible, chose the Town Car. I have a bad back and the Town Car makes it feel better after a long run and does not make you feel that you need a chiropractor. It is too bad that Ford is thinking of discontinuing the TC. Perhaps a litte more horses and a six speed transmission with electronic control would do the job. It would take so little to make this car attractive to new buyers.

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  96 Cartier Town Car is the ****! - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mike Kahl - July 9 - 10:16 am

  This car IS the MOST comfortable automobile on the road...it Rules!! Even my brother couldnt believe how comfy it was. The air suspention is king too, thats what gives this car the ride, when u have to replace the air suspention, DO NOT go to springs, pay the money for the air bags!!!! My car now has 213,000 miles on it and still goes everyday! If ur concidering buying one of these cars, just do it, you wont be sorry. I have converted 2 friends to the Town Car so far!!! Once you have one, you never go back to anything else

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  My sixth Lincoln... - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By CarCom - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my first experience with the "new generation" and its great! My last one was a 90 Town Car with the famous "float" and the feel of the new one is much better. I bought this one with 60K on it and its like new, still smells good:) The acceleration, handling and braking are a pleasant surprise, heads and shoulders above the old gen. There is not one thing wrong with the car, Im so glad Lincolns have rotten resale or Id be driving a Sable or something...:)