1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2002 Lincoln Town Car
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1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car ▼
- Price Range: $3,700 - $9,700
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Standard side airbags (1999-2002)
- Cargo room
- Passenger room
- Quietness
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigning of the only American-brand rear-wheel-drive, full-size luxury sedan slashed nearly 200 pounds from the Town Car's weight. Overall length of Lincoln's "flagship" model was trimmed by three inches, though the car remained quite large. Appearance also changed markedly from the prior generation, which had been on the market since 1990. Three models went on sale, in escalating levels of opulence. The 4.6-liter V8 engine made 200 horsepower when installed in the base Executive or midlevel Signature model. In the top-line Cartier edition, the V8 added dual exhausts, which helped boost output to 220 horsepower. A Signature Touring option included the 220-horsepower V8 and a firmer suspension. A 4-speed automatic transmission was installed in all models. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes were standard. All Town Cars had traction control, leather upholstery, and a 40/20/40 front bench seat, for 6-passenger capacity. Side-impact airbags were not available. Rivals included the Cadillac DeVille, Jaguar XJ sedan, and Lexus LS 400.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Lincoln Town Car Executive Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Lincoln Town Car:
Front side airbags went into the 1999 Town Car, as standard equipment. Front-seat power controls moved from the seat side to the door panels.
2000 Lincoln Town Car:
Safety enhancements arrived for the 2000 models, including an emergency escape release inside the trunk, rear child-seat anchors, and Belt Minder (a chime and warning light to encourage buckling-up). Those changes also went into other Ford products.
2001 Lincoln Town Car:
All Lincolns got free regularly scheduled maintenance for the first three years/36,000 miles starting in 2001. Town Car also gained 25 horsepower and power-adjustable pedals.
2002 Lincoln Town Car:
The biggest '02 change was to treat option packages as separate models. Versions included the base Executive, regular Signature, Signature Touring, Premium, Premium Touring, Cartier, Cartier Premium, and Cartier L. An in-dash CD changer was newly standard.
Our road test for the 1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With a tad more horsepower and a little less weight than before, the latest Town Car moves off the line in a fairly spirited manner. Even so, acceleration cannot match that of a Northstar-equipped Cadillac DeVille. A Cartier edition with the stronger engine took a somewhat leisurely 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The reworked automatic transmission still upshifts seamlessly, but now it also downshifts more promptly for passing--though the latter task sometimes demands a hefty shove on the gas pedal. Ride quality remains smooth--velvety and absorbent, in fact--but the Town Car is now less floaty over pavement irregularities and more controlled than in the past, thanks to a revised suspension. Minor wheel pattering at speed can be expected, however, on some freeway surfaces. Handling also has improved, so the big sedan is no longer as wallowy and boatlike as Town Cars of the past. Less body roll in turns and sharper steering response help it tolerate spirited driving--if not exactly encourage such exuberant behavior. Accommodations always were spacious. Even though the latest Town Car is a bit trimmer, interior room has not suffered. Large doors make it easy to get in and out of both the front and rear seats. Head room is generous all around. Leg room is good but not great, and the car isn't really wide enough to fit six adults without real squeezing. Quietness is another long-standing Town Car tradition. If anything, the new model is even more serene inside than its predecessors, with almost no road or wind noise intruding, and no more than a muted roar from the engine. Gauges now are analog (needle-type) rather than digital, and very legible. User-friendly climate and audio controls are easy to see, reach, and use. Outward visibility is compromised by thick side and rear roof pillars and a tall rear deck. Trunk room is down about 10 percent. That still leaves a lot of luggage space, though much of the volume is again within a deep center well--which can be a strain when you need to load and remove heavy objects. Workmanship on our test Cartier sedan was flawless, though materials felt less-expensive than in some rivals.
Value for the Money
Lincoln's Town Car is the last remaining American-brand, rear-drive, full-size luxury sedan. So, potential buyers aren't overloaded with alternatives. Fortunately, the refined Town Car continues to offer the traditional luxury-car values of spaciousness and splendid riding isolation, as well as a load of comforts and conveniences. Although we give higher marks to the latest front-drive Cadillac DeVille as a domestically built luxury automobile, the Town Car is worth considering--and priced far below imported competitors.
Lincoln's Town Car is the last remaining American-brand, rear-drive, full-size luxury sedan. So, potential buyers aren't overloaded with alternatives. Fortunately, the refined Town Car continues to offer the traditional luxury-car values of spaciousness and splendid riding isolation, as well as a load of comforts and conveniences. Although we give higher marks to the latest front-drive Cadillac DeVille as a domestically built luxury automobile, the Town Car is worth considering--and priced far below imported competitors.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Lincoln Town Car Executive Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Lincoln Town Car includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lincoln Town Car .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Accessory belt:
The serpentine accessory drive belt on 4.6L engine comes off in wet weather requiring a redesigned water pump, tensioner pulley or both. (2001-02)
Coolant leak:
The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1998-2001)
Exhaust system:
The engine idles rough due to the exhaust system vibrating. Installing a damper on the right side of the Y-pipe corrects it. (1998-99)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1998-2002)
Steering problems:
The steering wheel may vibrate and/or buzz. Power-steering hose must be replaced. (1998)
Vehicle noise:
The heat shields come loose on the catalytic converter and muffler causing a rattling and buzzing noise. (1998-99)
Windshield:
Water may leak from the windshield area because of a gap in the sealer. (1998-99)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $435 |
| Alternator | $265 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $875 |
| Brakes | $410 |
| Exhaust System | $525 |
| Radiator | $460 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,315 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $415 |
| Universal Joints | $195 |
Our price chart for this generation Lincoln Town Car details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| Town Car | $7,400-10,800 | $6,700-9,700 | $3,700-5,400 |
| 2001 | |||
| Town Car | $6,300-9,000 | $5,500-7,900 | $2,800-4,000 |
| 2000 | |||
| Town Car | $5,500-7,200 | $4,700-6,200 | $2,300-3,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| Town Car | $4,800-6,000 | $4,000-5,000 | $1,800-2,300 |
| 1998 | |||
| Town Car | $4,400-5,500 | $3,700-4,600 | $1,500-1,900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Lincoln Town Car include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | LWB 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 123.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 221.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.2 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4215 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 20.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 47.1 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Town Cars got the same basic powertrain: a 4.6-liter overhead-cam V8, coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Instead of the usual 200 horsepower, however, the V8 in the Cartier edition made 220 horsepower, helped by dual exhausts. That engine also was included with the Signature Touring option. All models gained 25 horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque in 2001.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 200-225 | 265-275 | 4-speed automatic: 17/25 | 4-speed automatic: 17.3 |
| ohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 220-240 | 275-285 | 4-speed automatic: 17/25 | 4-speed automatic: 17.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Lincoln Town Car include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Town Car |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992-98 Town Car w/speed control system:
The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
1998:
Text and/or graphics for headlamp-aiming instructions, provided in owner guides, are not sufficiently clear.
1998-2000:
Jacking instructions are incorrect and, if followed, could result in vehicle dropping suddenly.
1998-99 limousine w/ball joint containing one-piece bearing:
Bearing within lower control-arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use; eventually, crack could result in separation, allowing control arm to drop to ground.
2000-01:
A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper-motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of wiper function or fire.
2001:
A restraint-control module (RCM) or a side- or front-crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing.
2001:
Driver- and/or front passenger-outboard seatbelt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection.
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