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:
Showing 431 through 440 of 498.00-
Good but not Great - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
By asmart - March 12 - 2:00 amThere have been numerous defects and mechanical problems over the last 12k miles. Front end wobble and alignment. Transmission shudder in third gear and overdrive. Catalytic converters going bad. Trim pieces falling off. Stalling and dying without warning. No error codes to indicate trouble. The list of other minor things go on.
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Great Car But... - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
By Jeff Bazell - March 11 - 10:00 amLike other reviews, incredible drive, better handling over previous years. Two expensive problems so far; load leveler compressor kaput, cost $500 to replace. Ford products have history of light bulbs blowing out alot. PRNDL light went out at 16K miles. Lots of other people complain of same problems. Prefer my fun car, 1998 Honda Prelude Type SH. Town Car good gas mileage.
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Pure luxury automobile - 2007 Lincoln Town Car
By robert shields - March 1 - 7:44 amUnparalleled transportation
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Older design that still works! - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
By Andy - February 12 - 3:56 pmThis is Lincoln number nineteen for me and no, Im not 100 years old! I have driven this car for up to 14 hours at a time with absolutely no fatigue while obtaining 27+ mpg. Ive tried it in other cars (namely, my wifes Jaguar, the BMW that preceded it, and a Cadillac I purchased once in a moment of temporary insanity) and Ill take the Lincoln anytime. Sure, other cars have lots of fancy technology. Would be great if it worked, which has not been my experience. Like I said, Ive had 19 Lincolns and have never been stranded by a single one of them, nor even had a major repair for that matter. Im 52 years old and hope they keep building them for as long as I live!
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2003 Towncar-Signature - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By tuko - January 22 - 11:56 amI purchased my TC in early 2007 with only 29000 and have had nothing but good service from it. Yes, its old American styling and ride but I love the car anyway. Gets 20mph city and 25-26 highway if you dont abuse it. Whisper quiet ride. Huge trunk. Minimal problems after 66000 miles. Getting 200,000 miles shouldnt be problem but I may find a nice low mileage 07 to 09 at some point in time. My only complaint---lousy in the snow and ice.
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Flawless Town Car - 2008 Lincoln Town Car
By TODD - January 11 - 12:36 amI am a 41 year old guy who has owned 18 town cars since the age of twenty. I strayed a couple times to a 430S Class Mercedes and a 530I BMW. The maintenance every 7000 miles was high and the ride in both was rough and caused lower back pain. This Town car like all the other are super smooth and average 22mpg. I can drive to Naples Florida and get out of the car and feel rested rather than feeling stress. From the Country Club to the store I never feel out of place. Im sold on Lincoln Town car 2008.
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Last of the Great Land Yatchs!!! - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By SxS16Ga - December 29 - 10:00 amWe have had this car in our stable since new. We had a couple of engine sensors replaced. This is a car you can drive 750 miles in a day and not feel rung out. What other car can you put 4 200lb plus guys in drive 75-80mph and get 21 mpg. I just made a 600 mile round trip and averaged 70 mpg and got 23.7 mpg. Why would anyone drive a cracker box car for fuel economy when you can buy a CLEAN Town Car for not much more money have all the confort of your favorite easy chair and get over 20 MPG with 1-6 people and couple of pile of gear in the trunk. No wonder the MOB loves them they can put 2 bodies in the trunk 3 or 4 if they are small.
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2005 Lincoln - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
By SMITH C> - December 29 - 5:36 amOverall I like this car. Have 13,400 mile on it. Had a rear wheel seal leak. Was fixed right away no other problems. It drives and handles like I like. I was looking at 2006 DTS. This car is a lot better buy.
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I love this car....... - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By Furley - December 28 - 9:16 pmThis car is a commuters dream; I drive from Scranton to NYC daily and I must say this is the best car for commuting ever! I have had other cars nothing compares to the Lincoln Town Car. I would say for the price I paid, and that fact that any garage anywhere can do a quick service on it with out any difficulty is perfect for me. I love the ride, it is perfect for NYC potholes. This car has 200,000 miles on it everything still works. No problems at all.
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2003 Lincoln Town Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By JustinM - December 16 - 10:00 amBig improvement over old model. Better handling, ride, appearence, quality and its loaded with more features. Love it!
