2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car: Overview

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.