Acceleration

Executive	Cartier L	Class Average
4	4	6.4

Despite a 25-hp boost for 2001, Town Cars can't match Cadillac DeVille for acceleration. They're sufficiently quick, however, at under 10 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. Heavy "L" version doesn't feel significantly slower. Transmission provides seamless upshifts but is hesitant to downshift.

Fuel Economy

Executive	Cartier L	Class Average
4	4	4.3

Fuel economy is about par for the class at 17.3 mpg in our tests.

Ride Quality

Executive	Cartier L	Class Average
6	7	7.7

Absorbent and hushed, spoiled by mild float over humps and minor tire pattering on some freeway surfaces. Braking is short and stable for such a softly sprung heavyweight, but pedal action isn't progressive, nosedive is pronounced.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Executive	Cartier L	Class Average
5	5	6.1

Far more body roll, less grip than most luxury imports. Doesn't like to be driven aggressively. Steering is reasonably accurate, if too light for our tastes. Traction control is helpful, but can't match grip of front-drive rivals. Also, system can interrupt engine power, making acceleration tricky on slippery surfaces.

Quietness

Executive	Cartier L	Class Average
7	7	7.8

Refinement is a plus. There's little road noise and just a muted engine note. Wind rush rises above 60 mph but doesn't intrude.

Controls

Executive	Cartier L	Class Average
7	7	5.6

Gauges are analog, very legible. Climate and radio controls close-by, user-friendly. Power adjustable pedals allow shorter drivers to sit a safer distance from airbag. Visibility compromised by thick side and rear pillars, high rear deck. Entry/exit is easy. Interior materials are less substantial than those in Cadillacs and import-brand luxury cars.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Executive	Cartier L	Class Average
7	7	7.7

Standard bench can squeeze three across, but middle passenger must straddle transmission hump. Head room is abundant, as is outboard leg room.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Executive	Cartier L	Class Average
6	8	6.9

Cartier L's 47.1 inches of rear leg room is tops among factory-built automobiles. Standard models have good rather than great rear leg room, but all have generous head clearance. Still, three adults across is a squeeze, and the ill-formed rear cushion isn't the sofa-comfortable seat it should be.

Cargo Room

Executive	Cartier L	Class Average
6	6	4.5

Trunk volume looks fine on paper, but it's concentrated in a deep center well that makes loading and unloading heavy objects a strain.

Value within Class

Executive	Cartier L	Class Average
3	3	4.9

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
55	58	61.9

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		61
High Score		78