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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  J. W. Of Fredericksburg - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Jim Walsh - July 25 - 10:00 am

  It has been a pleasure to ride.

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  Love My Town Car - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By KevinandThom - July 21 - 5:20 am

  Bought the car used from the dealer that sold it brand new. Gentleman that owned it before our purchase was buying his 2008 model Town Car when we walked in...lets say his trade was not on the lot for long. We bought it that same day. It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven, and gets very good fuel economy on the highway (averaged 32 mpg on recent trip to NJ and back to VA) I would suggest purchasing used, the car is phenomenal, but does not hold value at all. Then gent that traded this one in paid 52,000 for a new one.. our price for a 3 year old car with 27,000 miles on it... 17,995. So I think we got a good deal.

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  Love my Lincoln! - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Donna H - July 20 - 3:40 pm

  This is the 3rd Lincoln Towncar Ive owned. All have been excellent vehicles. I have 121,000 miles on my 2001 Lincoln; have spent very little on upkeep other than new tires and a heater coil in the 8 years Ive owned it. Love the large trunk; can haul almost anything; very reliable; gas mileage could be better, but car is so heavy and sturdy, that makes up for it. They dont make them like this anymore!

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  Outstanding Automobile - 2006 Lincoln Town Car
  By Wisegy123 - July 14 - 1:03 pm

  This is my fourth Town Car and I love it. I have found the Lincolns to be very reliable with superior quality. It is a very comfortable vehicle to drive. I have owned BMWs and Mercedes Benzs, but I keep coming back to the Town Car. I find them more economical to maintain and repair without sacrificing luxury and quality. I would recommend the car to anyone. After our first one, it is the only make of car that my wife wants to own.

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  SCRIVS RESULTS - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By J SCRIVS - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I love the smooth ride, and luxury provided with this car.Accelerates effortlessly while still quiet as a mouse.

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  Best kept secret.... - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Phil Austin - July 7 - 12:16 am

  Finally talked my California girl into going with me to look at a new Lincoln Town Car, and even she is now a believer...for a great price we got a terrific automobile that rides like a dream and is the essence of comfort. Plenty of power, and satisfactory mileage I, and yes, even we, could not be happier with this best kept secret of the luxury car market....If its comfort, performance and quality you want, you have arrived and will travel well with a Lincoln town car...A phenomenal car for the money!!!

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  Presidential Series - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By P. Hruz - June 22 - 3:56 am

  My car was priced around $53,000 when it was new in 1996; I bought it used with 20,500 miles on it. I paid $28,000 with financing for 4 years. I absolutely love my car!!! When I saw it on the lot, and then looked in side, it was love at first sight. Ive never regretted buying it. My Lincoln has 122,000 miles on it and I had planned to get another 200,000 more before buying a new one. Yesterday, my husband was backing it up to put it in the garage and backed into a tree. Although it dented the side a little, and scratched it A LOT, I would rather get it repaired than to go buy a new one. Needless to say, I dont feel I can ever replace it. Once youve driven a Linc. Town Car, no compareisons

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  Improvement over previous years - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By Trader - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Car rides stiffer, have more feel for the road. Car stays on track better, and pretty much level/flat response to road bumps. Interior nicer looking, front end also classier.

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  The Big Linc - 2002 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mark - June 2 - 8:16 pm

  This Town Car replaced a Grand Marquis and drives and rides somewhat better - seems to be a lot more quiet on the inside. The road noise is greatly reduced over the Crown Vic & Marquis - and the handling, even on rough roads, is very good. Fuel economy is great - as is with the Ford V8 - 25/20 (hwy/city). Havent owned a Lincoln for several years, but this one is worlds ahead of the 1980s models.

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  So - so - 2001 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mike L - May 11 - 8:50 pm

  We have had our Towncar for 3 years and it will be my retirement car. My wife and I really like the car with a few exceptions. We feel a lux. car like the Lincoln should have a softer leather. Ours has very hard leather which makes it somewhat uncomfortable on trips, slippery, stiff, etc.. My biggest objection with the car is the mushy ride and the way the car floats on corners. I had a Thunderbird before with 258K miles and I loved the handling package, made you feel like you had control of the car, not vice versa. I have a pickup that I drive 35000 mile a year and I feel safer with the handling than the Lincoln. Also had a bunch of intermittent electrical issues. But, still love the car.