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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  Last of the Best - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By John Abbey - January 31 - 11:33 pm

  Bought our first Town Car (low mileage 91) in 97. We loved it, however, we did do major repairs on it the fourth and fifth year we owned it. I have been wanting one more of the Classic style pre 98 versions and recently found another low milage (58K) at the same dealership we bought the 91. I have never bought an eight year old car that looks and feels as "new" as this does. It is a dream to drive and in perfect condition! There is just no comparision when it comes to ride and quiet -- the smoothest ride going and this one gets over 27 mpg on the road. I feel we will enjoy this Lincoln for a long time and it was very reasonable to purchase.

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  Nothing rides like a lincoln! - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By daniel49546 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, I always have loved Lincolns air ride. Seats are comfortable and spacious, Cup holders are an improvement. Heated seats and gps are quality.

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  Excellent, Could not be more satisfied - 1998 Lincoln Town Car
  By George - December 28 - 3:00 pm

  Bought when new. Regular maintanence, Only time it has ever been in the shop is to have the oil changed every 15000 miles. This makes my 7th Lincoln and they were all wonderful and maintenance free, but this has been the best one yet. To be 10 years old, I still have people think it a brand new car. The styling is so current and it is the most comfortable and smooth, quiet riding car I have ever known. No rattles or leaks. Youll never find a better car or a car with a larger trunk. To this day we get 21.5 mpg on highway. If you are looking for economy, buy a moped! I have absolutely no complaints.

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  Easy to Love and Easy to Drive - 2003 Lincoln Town Car
  By CommanderRR - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Great Ride compared to 02 Towny, THIS IS the AUTO to be Ridin the Freeway/Tollway or anyway. Yes, Yes,Yes rear drive American luxury is the best!! Auto wipers, lights, radar, sonar, compass, nav system, and lots of ROOMMMMMMMM. And...while inside the weather is so delightful!! Everything operates with ease (I programmed the home-link). The T Car is so easy to drive. Great brakes, acceleration and nimble handling. Outside is, well...outside and Im inside chillin or warmin and cruisin. Love when the radar/sonar shuts off my audio system!!

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  Great car for my dad - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By Sven - December 12 - 3:53 pm

  My 80 year old dad had a minor accident that totaled his Buick. Put him in a used Town Car with only 31,000 miles for $15000. He and mom love this car. It is easy to drive and very comfortable. Dad has been impressed with the gas mileage and says that this is the best car he has ever owned. The people at their church think that he must have won the lottery. His last car cost more and was not nearly as plush. It runs very smooth and has plenty of power. I also enjoy driving the car, putting 6000 miles on it on a cross country drive with 4 people and luggage and still got 24 MPG. It is much more fun to drive than my brothers Lexus and much easier to get in and out of, very nice ride.

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  From an Escort to a Lincoln - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By G. Gill - December 6 - 7:46 am

  I drove a Ford Escort for 13yrs. to an from work, 60 miles a day. Loved the fuel economy, but not the ride or getting around in the snow. After 350,000 miles I found a 1996 Lincoln TC, with 102,000 miles on it for $4,000.00. WOW!...now I love driving to work! What a ride, with 21mpg! Built like a tank! Some mechanical issues...intake manifold[ Ford service bulletin]...lower contol arm/ball joint assembly broke in the middle of a J.C.Penney pkng. lot..that was fun! Wife has 1998 Lincoln TC, first year of the new body style and it aint built no where near as good as my 1996.Smaller interior, very high maintenance and ugly! Find an 1990s Lincoln in good shape you wont be sorry!

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  Engineering Reserch ( AFESC ) Services - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Raduazo A W. - December 3 - 2:00 am

  COMFORT! SIZE! QUIET! Can pull a 2500lbs Bass boat!!

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  Great highway cruiser !! - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Rib - December 3 - 2:00 am

  A great highway car - extremely comfortable. The handling is superb on the highway - but, a little sloppy on rough surfaced roads. The fuel economy is exceptional for a car of this size and weight. I am averaging about 25 - 26 MPG on the open highway ( where I do the bulk of my driving . I have owned six previous Lincoln Towncars - 1985, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1998 and a 2001 before the present Lincoln Towncar. These are great cars, I would definitely buy another Lincoln Towncar ! Highly reccommended.

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  Typical Ford Product - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By MackS - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Fit finish and decor typical to Ford products. Why pay for a Lincoln when you can own a Ford (e.g., Crown Vic) for MUCH LESS!! Problematic airbag system. Dealer has tried to fix many times to no avail and states this is a problem with all Town cars. Average gas mileage for size of vehicle. Depreciation unacceptable for type of vehicle. Very boaty ride. We should have bought a Cadillac and we will next time.

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  My Towncar - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By Bill Johnson - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is very comfortable. Its only been in the shop (dealer) once for a faulty spark plug.