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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  99 Lincoln TC Sig. - 1999 Lincoln Town Car
  By bzoerner - April 9 - 11:26 pm

  I have had a 75,77,89,95 and just bought a used 99 town car. The car had 170000 when i bought it. I changed the ball joints & tie rod ends, belt, oil, trans filter. Removed the air susp. bags and replaced with new coils for a crown vic. Awesome car and good to go! You buy a used Lincoln-replace the ball joints and tie rods. Dont wait for them to fail. This is the best lincoln yet and I will buy another! I love it! Just remember- you will find alot more good reviews about the 99 town car than bad reviews!

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  owner - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By Terry - March 22 - 6:26 pm

  I have owned three of these Lincolns, a 95 & Two 97s. As far as i;m concerned its one of the best buys out there, for the money, comfort. very good gas mileage for a large car, At 60 mi per hr. you can get as high as 30 mpg. I have done it many times, Got 15 mpg. pulling a 2500 # trailer to Florida

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  High Class - 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  By Mea - March 4 - 9:50 pm

  I went from driving a very Large Chevrolet conversion van to driving my Lincoln Town Car. I love how smooth it drives and how you dont hear any clinking in the engine. Its a pleasure to drive.

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  Lincoln-Ford Got it right - 2000 Lincoln Town Car
  By Del - March 4 - 4:33 pm

  Ive allways held true to ford.. When they built this car they got it right. Some say its a Grandpa car I say NO! Rides down the road better then any cadi Ive ever owned. And to my surprize when I manually shifted threw the gears and held the "pettle to the metal I grabbed rubber in 2nt grear. Not bad for a full size 205 hp car!! talk about fun when you hit 2nt gear then the tires "churp" and then get her a little sideways, when getting on the freeway I was thinking of buying a crown vic but I bought this insteed about the same car but a little more style. and the millage is not bad concerting how big the car is about 22 in town and 28-32 on the road. the 4.6 is a great motor

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  love my lincoln - 2005 Lincoln Town Car
  By bee - March 4 - 1:43 am

  have owned a lot of vehicles in my time but the lincoln is the only car that makes you smile on long trips and you know you are going to get there in reliability without having to stop by the bank for fuel money, buy used mine had 25,000 miles on it was just broke in good have 75,000 on it now still just like new

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  Great Road Car - 2010 Lincoln Town Car
  By sdbconsulting - February 21 - 12:33 am

  Yes, yes, yes . Its an out of date design, its an out of date platform, drive train, etc, etc . But for those of us who travel a lot, its very comfortable, reasonable fuel efficient on the highway for the size (24 mpg), very safe, and I have found it to be as reliable as anything else Ive owned (Benz, Volvo, Cadillac). I wouldnt pay the price for a new one, but I can buy one of these behemoths as a program car with a few miles on it for a reasonable price, still under warranty, put 100k miles on it in two years, then turn it and not lose too much money. Edmunds rates it a "6". Owners of the car rate it a "10". nuff said.

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  The Best Yet - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By tbrecheen - February 16 - 6:13 am

  This is my 7th Towncar since 1992. It is superior to my 92,95,97,96,99 and 01.All it take is just a little maintenance and they will last seemingly forever. All my others were great and we still have 3 in the family. I have also had 5 Mark VIIIs which were also fine cars. The greatest single description I believe is the dependability. Cant be beat.

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  A True Luxury Auto - 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  By paskez - February 6 - 2:00 am

  A true luxury vehicle in ALL ways. Comfort,reliability,handling and ride.

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  The Town Car the ultimate Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln Town Car
  By donlemc - January 18 - 5:50 am

  This car is the Lincoln Town Car Ultimate Palm Beach Edition. What a car! It attracts constant admiration and comments. It is maroon with a half stone white top. It is one of the best cars Ive ever had in the 50+ years Ive driven. Quiet, smooth riding and handling. When I pass a slower car even my grandchildren are impressed with the pickup. The stereo is magnificent. I like especially the remote trunk and the easy to adjust clock. I have gotten up to 27 miles to a gallon, normal is 25.4. Ive had Packards, Cadillacs, and Chryslers over the years. Nothing comes close to the Lincoln in quality and dependability, and Ive had 7.

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  Millions of retired guys cant be wrong - 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  By K Kraus - January 8 - 12:03 am

  Just brought home my "new too me" 97. Previously owned a 91 and two 85 Crown Vics. Im 42 and have owned nearly 40 cars in my life, without question the 91 to 97 Town Cars will go down as legends. They strike the perfect balance of ride, fuel milage, comfort, dependability, performnce and just about every other catagory I can think of. The only short coming is driving in snow, but thats only because of RWD, but really, if you have half a brain, youll be fine. If you dont get 22-24 MPG and 250,000 miles out of one of these, you arent trying. And trust me, once you drive one, you will want to put 250,000 on it. All other cars will fall short, way short. If you are looking to buy one, DO IT