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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2003 Lincoln Town Car - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By 2003Cartier - December 16 - 10:00 amGreat new snarl that could only come from a throaty American V8 .
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great american luxury - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By joe palmer - December 13 - 8:56 amthis is the first lincoln i have purchased it is the ultimate limited edition and it has been nothing but a pleasure to own,after many cadillacs and along time gm owner i find the ride to be far superior to any thing i have owned the gms were good cars but the quiet ride is a true pleasure.
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99 Town Car - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
By jnc1948 - December 4 - 10:00 amGreat ride and handle very good in the rain.
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LAND YACHT - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
By LAND YACHT - November 30 - 3:40 pmI simply love my Land yacht as my spouse calls it-i have owned chrysler 300d- mercedes-olds-pontiac-ford Land Rover etc. but this is the best car so far-I had local Lincoln dealer review any needed repairs and manual recs- drives like a dream- excellent condition-I look forward driving it everyday. my granddaughter falls asleep quickly- one granddaughter mentions for old person car-18 ft. 4000lbs-car is loaded
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My Experience with my Lincoln - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Big Z - November 29 - 3:00 amAfter purchasing my lincoln in june of 2003, I found that luxury and comfort were superior. I finally had a car I was proud of. I added a landau top and extra chrome to the vehicle and was very happy with the car.
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2001 Toown Car Cartier - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
By zog - November 19 - 5:43 pmThis is my fifth Town Car, and I loved them all. I bought this one with 64,000 miles and it has been flawless. Comfortable, reliable, smooth and great mpg...21 city and 27+ hiway. I love the big car ride and the rear wheel drive. I do all my own maintenance and this is easy to work on. I fully expect it to go 200,000+ miles.
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happy i bought it - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
By Mary Ann - November 18 - 8:40 pmI like lincolns especially the town cars- my father always said they were well built and comfortable. He was 100% right. The ride is great and it feels like you are being hugged in safety.
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Great 0ld luxury car - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
By jim - November 18 - 12:10 pmThis large car has performed way above our expectations. The fuel economy is outstanding with several long highway trips in excess of 24 mpg and overall since purchase of 21.6 mpg. The creature comforts are great and no major malfunctions in almost a quarter of a million miles.
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Loving To Use Regular Gas - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
By Tedd Dee Bear - November 16 - 10:00 amThis car was great on our family trip to Chicago, Illinois from Buffalo, New York. In spite of the fact that it had the interior look of a senior citizens car, the ride was a dream. Five passengers were comfortable on the 12 hour trip!!
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Big car works for big man - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
By Gerry - November 12 - 3:10 pmThis is my first car in about 10 years, but my third TC. I am 69" and about 300lbs and have the leg room and head room in this car that I need. I had an Expedition before, nice vehicle, but no Town Car. Really enjoy the drive. I just took a 17 hour trip from Michigan to North Dakota and was amazingly fresh after being in this smooth rider for so long. Great car and I got over 25 mpg on the trip.
