2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car: Road Test

Town Car trails Cadillac's DeVille for overall acceleration, though it's quick enough. A test Ultimate L sedan accelerated to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds. The transmission hesitates to kick down for passing, but is otherwise responsive and smooth, though most rivals have five-speed automatics. An Ultimate L averaged 16 mpg, hurt slightly by gas-eating performance tests. Lincoln recommends regular-grade fuel. Ride quality ranks as American-luxury traditional. Absorbent and hushed, the Town Car's suspension delivers fine body control over humps. Patter is nicely checked on washboard surfaces. A Town Car leans more in turns than import-brand rivals. Steering is slightly overboosted, but precise, and provides good road feel. Traction control is a must for snowy climates, though this system tends to kill power at just the wrong moment for maintaining speed on slippery surfaces. Braking is short and stable for a heavyweight, with fair but non-alarming nosedive in sudden stops. Noise levels are fine, but not best in class. The engine is muted even at full throttle, and tire thrum is noticed only on very coarse pavement. Wind rush rises above 60 mph, but does not intrude. Tradition-bound instruments and controls reside in a no-surprises layout. Power-adjustable pedals help shorter drivers. Over-the-shoulder visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars. Switchgear is too generic, but interior materials approach those of some costlier import-brand rivals. Three can squeeze into the standard front bench seat, but the middle rider will straddle the transmission hump. Head room and outboard leg room are abundant. The extended-length L's bountiful 46.9 inches of rear leg room is tops in class among regular factory models. Other Town Cars have good leg room, as well as generous head clearance, but three adults are a squeeze into the rear as well as the front. Also, the rear bench isn't as sofa-comfortable as it looks. Most trunk space is concentrated in a deep center well, so shifting heavy objects is a strain. The spare tire is mounted vertically inside the right rear fender. A useful removable bin, with lids and partitions, has been available for Ultimate models.

Value for the Money
Town Cars shine for traditional American-style luxury, space, and isolation. Not nimble, this sedan has a welcome measure of dynamic confidence and ride control. Cadillac's DeVille still has an edge with its more modern engineering, but the Town Car is a thoughtful take on a time-honored formula.