Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2000 Lincoln Town Car Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2000 Lincoln Town Car Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2000 Lincoln Town Car Review
Midyear introduction of a long-wheelbase model and a Limited Edition option package makes news for the last American-brand, rear-drive full-size luxury sedan. Regular-length Town Cars come in Executive, Signature, and Cartier models. The new optional Cartier "L" package brings a 6-inch longer wheelbase and an additional 6 inches of rear leg room. Cartier L equipment includes wider rear-door openings, heated rear seats and rear audio and climate controls. The L package is intended to help Town Car maintain its leadership in the "livery" market, where it accounts for 85 percent of non-stretch limousine sales.
All Town Cars have a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 200 horsepower in Executive and Signature models, 215 with standard dual exhausts in Cartier versions. A Touring Sedan package for Signature models includes the 215-hp engine, plus firmer suspension. All models have a 4-speed automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, leather upholstery, and 40/20/40 front bench seat. The new Limited Edition option package is available on the Signature and includes Power sunroof, chrome alloy wheels, and upgraded interior trim. Like other Ford Motor Company cars for 2000, Town Car gains an emergency escape release inside the trunk; rear child-seat anchors; and BeltMinder, a chime and warning light to encourage seat-belt usage.
All Town Cars have a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 200 horsepower in Executive and Signature models, 215 with standard dual exhausts in Cartier versions. A Touring Sedan package for Signature models includes the 215-hp engine, plus firmer suspension. All models have a 4-speed automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, leather upholstery, and 40/20/40 front bench seat. The new Limited Edition option package is available on the Signature and includes Power sunroof, chrome alloy wheels, and upgraded interior trim. Like other Ford Motor Company cars for 2000, Town Car gains an emergency escape release inside the trunk; rear child-seat anchors; and BeltMinder, a chime and warning light to encourage seat-belt usage.
Competition
This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
The ancient Town Car continues on, selling mostly to taxi and limo services. Since Ford has this market locked up, don't look for any big changes to the Town Car in the immediate future.
2000 Lincoln Town Car Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Quietness | Rear visibility |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Town Car can't match Cadillac's DeVille for acceleration, but it's sufficiently quick: 9.5 seconds 0-60 mph in our tests. The transmission provides seamless upshifts but is hesitant to downshift.
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 6.4 |
Town Car can't match Cadillac's DeVille for acceleration, but it's sufficiently quick: 9.5 seconds 0-60 mph in our tests. The transmission provides seamless upshifts but is hesitant to downshift.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is about par for the class at 17.3 mpg in our tests. Unlike many luxury rivals, it runs on regular.
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Fuel economy is about par for the class at 17.3 mpg in our tests. Unlike many luxury rivals, it runs on regular.
Ride Quality
Soft, plush, and often pitchy in "American Traditional" style. Some on our staff find body "float" excessive over heaves and dips.
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.5 |
Soft, plush, and often pitchy in "American Traditional" style. Some on our staff find body "float" excessive over heaves and dips.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Shows far more body roll and less grip than most luxury imports, and doesn't like to be pushed. The traction control can cause anxious moments when scooting across slippery intersections.
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Shows far more body roll and less grip than most luxury imports, and doesn't like to be pushed. The traction control can cause anxious moments when scooting across slippery intersections.
Quietness
There's little road noise and just a muted engine note. Wind rush rises above 60 mph but doesn't intrude.
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
There's little road noise and just a muted engine note. Wind rush rises above 60 mph but doesn't intrude.
Controls
Gauges are analog and very legible, climate and radio controls close-by and user-friendly.
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Gauges are analog and very legible, climate and radio controls close-by and user-friendly.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
The mandatory 40/20/40 bench can squeeze three across, but a middle passenger must straddle the transmission hump. Head room for all is abundant, as is outboard leg room.
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.6 |
The mandatory 40/20/40 bench can squeeze three across, but a middle passenger must straddle the transmission hump. Head room for all is abundant, as is outboard leg room.
Room/Comfort (rear)
With 47.1 inches of rear leg room--tops among factory-built automobiles--the new L package strengthens Town Car's hand as livery transport. Standard models have good rather than great rear leg room, but version has generous head clearance. Still, three adults across is a squeeze.
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
With 47.1 inches of rear leg room--tops among factory-built automobiles--the new L package strengthens Town Car's hand as livery transport. Standard models have good rather than great rear leg room, but version has generous head clearance. Still, three adults across is a squeeze.
Cargo Room
Trunk volume looks fine on paper, but is concentrated in a deep center well that makes loading and unloading heavy objects a strain.
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Trunk volume looks fine on paper, but is concentrated in a deep center well that makes loading and unloading heavy objects a strain.
Value within Class
Cadillac's DeVille is a better car, but Town Car delivers traditional American luxury-car values of spaciousness and isolation, and its base prices are the lowest in this class.
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Cadillac's DeVille is a better car, but Town Car delivers traditional American luxury-car values of spaciousness and isolation, and its base prices are the lowest in this class.
Total Score
| Executive | Cartier L | Class Average |
| 59 | 59 | 59.9 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 59 | |
| High Score | 72 |
2000 Lincoln Town Car Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/05/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Executive 4-door sedan | $38,830 | $35,364 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| Signature 4-door sedan | $40,830 | $37,144 | $720 |
|
|
|||
| Cartier 4-door sedan | $43,330 | $39,369 | $720 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Executive
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 200-horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction assist.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side-airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable-assist power steering, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning w/automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 8-way power 40/20/40 split front seat with dual power recliners, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, rear defogger, AM/FM/cassette, diversity antenna, digital clock, remote fuel-door release, power decklid pulldown, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, cornering lights, 225/60SR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Signature adds to Executive:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Memory driver-seat, power lumbar support, memory mirrors, automatic day/night rearview and driver-side mirrors, compass, universal garage-door opener, Alpine audio system, steering-wheel radio and climate controls.
Cartier adds to Signature:
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 215-horsepower engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Upgraded leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded door trim panels, analog clock.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Gold pkg., dual exhaust, chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Mirrors and Compass Group
|
||
|
Executive
|
$245
|
$210
|
|
Automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, compass.
|
||
|
Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
Signature
|
$710
|
$610
|
|
Upgraded suspension, 4.6-liter V8 215-horsepower engine, dual exhaust, performance axle ratio and torque converter, perforated leather upholstery, 235/60TR16 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Limited Edition
|
||
|
Signature
|
$1,995
|
$1,716
|
|
Power sunroof, two-tone seats and door trim, wood steering wheel, unique floormats, chrome alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Signature, Cartier
|
$2,130
|
$1,832
|
|
CD changer, power sunroof.
|
||
|
Cartier L Pkg.
|
||
|
Cartier
|
$5,005
|
$4,304
|
|
6-inch longer wheelbase, heated rear seats, rear illuminated visor mirrors, rear seat armrest (includes storage, cupholders, auxiliary power outlets, audio and climate controls, front passenger seat controls).
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Signature, Cartier
|
$1,525
|
$1,312
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
Signature
|
$400
|
$344
|
|
CD changer
|
||
|
Signature, Cartier
|
$605
|
$520
|
|
Voice-activated cellular telephone
|
||
|
Signature, Cartier
|
$800
|
$688
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Two-tone paint
|
||
|
Signature
|
$260
|
$224
|
|
NA w/Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
Tri-coat paint
|
||
|
Signature
|
$375
|
$322
|
|
Engine block heater
|
||
|
Cartier, Executive, Signature
|
$60
|
$52
|
|
Full-size spare tire
|
||
|
Cartier, Executive, Signature
|
$130
|
$112
|
|
225/60SR16 whitewall tires
|
||
|
Cartier, Executive, Signature
|
$95
|
$82
|
|
NA with Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
2000 Lincoln Town Car Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lincoln Town Car 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. | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 47.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V8 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.6 /281 | 4.6 /281 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 200 @ 4500 | 215 @ 4500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 265 @ 3500 | 285 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 17/24 | 17/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lincoln Town Car 4-door sedan | Lincoln Town Car 4-door sedan |
| Collision | NA | NA |
| Collision (HLDI) | NA | NA |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | NA |
| Injury | NA | NA |
| Injury (HLDI) | NA | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | NA |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 1/12,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Lincoln Town Car Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
