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2004 Lincoln Town Car Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2004 Lincoln Town Car Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2004 Lincoln Town Car Review
Satellite radio is available for the first time on the lone American-brand rear-wheel-drive full-size luxury sedan. Town Car ascends through three trim levels: Signature, Ultimate, and the limousinelike Ultimate L, which adds six inches to the wheelbase to create more rear leg room. Last year's base Executive model has been dropped. All have a 4.6-liter V8 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. ABS, traction control, and front side airbags are standard, but no antiskid system is offered. Rear airbags or curtain side airbags are unavailable. Other standard features include power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone climate control, front bench seat, and leather upholstery. Newly standard for '04 is a rear-obstacle-detection system. Xenon headlamps and a navigation system are optional; satellite radio is a new dealer-installed option.
News
Lincoln is said to be putting top priority on a new flagship sedan for 2009, possibly a bit earlier. Ford Motor Company planners have apparently scotched another makeover of the current Town Car's 1979-vintage "Panther" platform for a somewhat enlarged spinoff of the Volvo-based 2005 Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego sedans. Standard all-wheel drive is rumored, but the rest of the picture remains murky. Meantime, the current Town Car should cruise on with little basic change, though the 2006 reportedly gets a moderate restyle and possibly a 6-speed automatic transmission. The related Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis get their own '06 updates.
In other news, Lincoln is said to be mulling a sporty 2-seater or 2+2, suggested by the recent Ford Thunderbird-based Mark X concept convertible. But don't look for anything like this anytime soon. Lincoln needs stronger mainstream products yesterday, and Ford doesn't have the cash now to bankroll niche models with limited sales and profit potential.
In other news, Lincoln is said to be mulling a sporty 2-seater or 2+2, suggested by the recent Ford Thunderbird-based Mark X concept convertible. But don't look for anything like this anytime soon. Lincoln needs stronger mainstream products yesterday, and Ford doesn't have the cash now to bankroll niche models with limited sales and profit potential.
2004 Lincoln Town Car Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Quietness | Rear visibility |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Test Ultimate L averaged 16.0 mpg, hurt slightly by gas-eating performance tests. Lincoln recommends regular-grade fuel.
| 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
American-luxury traditional. Absorbent and hushed, with fine body control over humps. Patter nicely checked on washboard surfaces.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
Three can squeeze in on standard bench seat, but middle rider will straddle transmission hump. Abundant head room and outboard leg room.
| 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'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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2004 Lincoln Town Car Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/11/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Signature 4-door sedan | $41,675 | $38,213 | $795 |
|
|
|||
| Ultimate 4-door sedan | $44,515 | $40,768 | $795 |
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| Ultimate L 4-door sedan | $50,120 | $45,813 | $795 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Signature
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, rear-obstacle-detection system, emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, dual 8-way power front split bench seat w/power recliners and lumbar support, power-adjustable pedals, cupholders, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, rear defogger, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, analog clock, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, remote fuel-door and decklid release, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, automatic headlights, automatic parking-brake release, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, cornering lights, 225/60R17 tires, alloy wheels.
Ultimate adds to Siganture:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), heated front seats, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded sound system.
Ultimate L adds to Ultimate:
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-inch-longer wheelbase, 6-disc CD changer, rear radio and climate controls, rear controls for front passenger seat, heated rear seats.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Limited Edition
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||
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Ultimate
|
$1,595
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$1,388
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Two-tone upholstery, unique floormats, chrome alloy wheels.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Ultimate
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$3,100
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$2,697
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Ultimate L
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$2,495
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$2,171
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Ultimate includes 6-disc CD changer.
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Power sunroof
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Ultimate
|
$1,595
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$1,388
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6-disc CD changer
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Ultimate
|
$605
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$526
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Trunk organizer
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Ultimate, Ultimate L
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$195
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$170
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Xenon headlights
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Ultimate, Ultimate L
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$495
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$431
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Special Paint
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Ultimate, Ultimate L
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$595
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$518
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2-tone paint
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Signature, Ultimate
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$295
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$257
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Ultimate, Ultimate L
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$895
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$779
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225/60R17 whitewall tires
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Signature, Ultimate, Ultimate L
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$125
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$109
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2004 Lincoln Town Car Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lincoln Town Car 4-door sedan | Lincoln Town Car (L) 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 117.7 | 123.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 215.4 | 221.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.2 | 78.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.6 | 58.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4369 | 4474 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 21.0 | 21.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.0 | 19.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 45.8 | 45.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 37.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.1 | 46.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.6 /281 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 239 @ 4900 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 287 @ 4100 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 17/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lincoln Town Car 4-door sedan | Lincoln Town Car (L) 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 | NA |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 1/12,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Lincoln Town Car Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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