2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Lincoln Town Car
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2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car ▼
- Price Range: $8,700 - $28,400
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger room
- Ride
- Cargo room
- Quietness
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Revised styling and underskin mechanical changes highlighted the 2003 revamp of the lone American-brand rear-wheel-drive, full-size luxury sedan. Lincoln's Town Car models ascend through the Executive, Signature, and Cartier trim levels, topped by a limousinelike Cartier L that adds 6 inches to the wheelbase. All retained a 4.6-liter V8, but the dual-exhaust version with 239 horsepower was now standard--14 more hp than the 2002 single-exhaust edition. A four-speed automatic was the sole transmission. Standard traction control carried over, but no antiskid system was offered. New for 2003 were a revamped frame and suspension, different steering system, and standard 17-inch tires vs. 16s. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were standard, now with full-power "panic assist." In addition to reworked front and rear sheetmetal, the Town Car got a restyled dashboard with a dual-zone climate system and CD/cassette audio. Front side airbags were now standard, but no rear or curtain side airbags were available. Power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, and a front bench seat were standard. A rear-obstacle-detection system was optional on the Executive, and standard elsewhere. High-intensity headlamps were a Cartier option. Available on all Town Cars was Lincoln's Vehicle Communications System, providing "one-button" emergency assistance and information services. (Sprint cell service was required.) Luxury-sedan rivals are few, led by the front-drive Cadillac DeVille and rear-drive Lexus LS 430.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Town Car Ultimate L Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car.
Year to Year Changes
2004 Lincoln Town Car:
Satellite radio became available for the first time in a Town Car, as a dealer-installed option. Trim levels this year included the Signature, Ultimate, and limousinelike Ultimate L, which added 6 inches to the wheelbase to create more rear leg room. The base Executive of 2003 was gone. All Town Cars now had a standard rear-obstacle-detection system. High-intensity headlamps and a navigation system were optional.
2005 Lincoln Town Car:
Trim-level choices changed again for 2005, to Signature, Signature Limited, and limousinelike Signature L.
2006 Lincoln Town Car:
For 2006, Town Car added a new Designer Series model to its trim lineup. The Designer model was basically a retrimmed Limited.
2007 Lincoln Town Car:
Town Car carried over unchanged.
2008 Lincoln Town Car:
The 2008 Lincoln Town Car is the only American-brand premium large sedan with rear-wheel drive. A navigation system is no longer available on 2008 models.
Our road test for the 2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Town Car Ultimate L Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
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.
Battery:
The battery warning light may come on due to lack of charging from alternator if vehicle is started, put in gear and driven before engine speed has returned to idle. (2003)
Blower motor:
The blower motor may quit working or switch to another speed without input from the driver requiring a new wiring harness from the blower motor speed controller. (2003-04)
Electrical problem:
The radiator fan motor may stop working requiring a new wire between the powertrain control module (computer) and fan motor. (2003)
Engine noise:
Some 4.6L engines may develop a ticking sound from the engine at idle requiring replacement of the cylinder head and camshaft assembly. (2003-04)
Wheels:
The rear wheels may chatter during low speed turns requiring installation of a revised clutch pack in the 8.8-inch, limited slip differential. (2003-05)
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 | $510 |
| Alternator | $460 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,250 |
| Brakes | $600 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $0 |
| Exhaust System | $375 |
| Radiator | $425 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,105 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $650 |
| Universal Joints | $825 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Signature L | $26,000-30,500 | $24,200-28,400 | $17,200-20,100 |
| Town Car | $21,500-26,000 | $19,800-23,900 | $14,000-16,900 |
| 2007 | |||
| Signature L | $22,000-26,000 | $20,200-23,900 | $14,300-16,900 |
| Town Car | $18,200-23,000 | $16,700-21,200 | $11,600-14,700 |
| 2006 | |||
| Signature L | $19,000-23,500 | $17,500-21,600 | $12,400-15,300 |
| Town Car | $15,700-20,200 | $14,300-18,400 | $10,000-12,900 |
| 2005 | |||
| Signature L, Ltd. | $16,500-19,500 | $15,000-17,700 | $10,600-12,500 |
| Town Car | $13,500-17,500 | $12,300-15,900 | $8,000-10,300 |
| 2004 | |||
| Town Car | $11,500-13,700 | $10,400-12,300 | $6,300-7,500 |
| Ultimate | $14,000-16,500 | $12,700-15,000 | $8,500-10,100 |
| 2003 | |||
| Cartier | $11,500-13,500 | $10,400-12,200 | $6,300-7,400 |
| Town Car | $9,700-11,700 | $8,700-10,500 | $5,000-6,100 |
|
|
|||
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 | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 117.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 215.4 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.2 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4369 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 21.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 45.8 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.1 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Town Cars hold the same powertrain: an overhead-cam 4.6-liter V8 engine rated at 239 horsepower, driving a four-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 239 | 287 | 4-speed automatic: 17/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
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 | 2003 Town Car |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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 2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2003 fleet/police cars:
Wheel bearings and axles could become overloaded due to high loads, leading to early bearing failure and ultimately to axle-shaft fracture.
2005:
Battery cable's fusible link on some cars may contact and subsequently chafe on cross-member bolt, which may result in heat damage and possible fire.
2007:
A front wheel bearing and hub assembly may fracture due to improper heat treatment. As a result, the wheel may separate from the vehicle potentially resulting in a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
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