Acceleration

Ultimate L	Class Average
4	6.7

Lincoln Town Car trails Cadillac DeVille for overall acceleration, though it's quick enough: Test Ultimate L did 9.5 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission hesitates to kick down for passing, but is otherwise responsive and smooth, though most rivals have 5-speed automatics.

Fuel Economy

Ultimate L	Class Average
4	4.2

Test Ultimate L averaged 16.0 mpg, hurt slightly by gas-eating performance tests. Lincoln recommends regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Ultimate L	Class Average
8	8.2

American-luxury traditional. Absorbent and hushed, with fine body control over humps. Patter nicely checked on washboard surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Ultimate L	Class Average
4	6.8

Leans more in turns than import-brand rivals. Steering slightly overboosted, but precise and provides good road feel. Traction control a must for snowy climates, though this system tends to kill power at just the wrong moment for maintaining speed on slippery surfaces. Braking short and stable for a heavyweight, with fair but not-alarming nosedive in sudden stops.

Quietness

Ultimate L	Class Average
8	8

Fine, but not best in class. Engine muted even at full throttle, and tire thrum noticed only on very coarse pavement. Wind rush rises above 60 mph, but doesn't intrude.

Controls

Ultimate L	Class Average
7	6.1

Tradition-bound, with no-surprises layout. Power-adjustable pedals help shorter drivers. Over-shoulder visibility hampered by thick roof pillars. Switchgear too generic, but interior materials approach those of some costlier import-brand rivals. We've not yet tested a Town Car with a navigation system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Ultimate L	Class Average
7	8.6

Three can squeeze in on standard bench seat, but middle rider will straddle transmission hump. Abundant head room and outboard leg room.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Ultimate L	Class Average
8	8.2

Ultimate L's bountiful 46.9 inches of rear leg room tops in class among regular factory models. Other Town Cars have good leg room. All have generous head clearance. But three adults is a squeeze here too, and the rear bench isn't as sofa-comfortable as it looks.

Cargo Room

Ultimate L	Class Average
6	4.9

Most trunk space concentrated in a deep center well, so shifting heavy objects is a strain. Spare tire mounted vertically inside right rear fender. Useful removable bin, with lid and partitions, available for Ultimates.

Value within Class

Ultimate L	Class Average
4	5.1

Town Car shines for traditional American-style luxury, space, and isolation. Though not nimble, it also 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.

Total Score

Ultimate L	Class Average
60	66.8

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		57
Average Score		66
High Score		80