Acceleration

Signature L	Class Average
4	6.9

Trails Cadillac DTS for overall performance, but is quick enough. Test L did 9.5 sec 0-60 mph. Other models lighter, perhaps a bit faster. Transmission hesitates to kick down for passing, but is otherwise responsive and smooth. Still, most rivals have 5-speed automatics.

Fuel Economy

Signature L	Class Average
4	4.2

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

Ride Quality

Signature L	Class Average
8	8.5

American-luxury traditional. Plush, absorbent feel, yet decent body control over humps. Patter nicely checked on washboard surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Signature L	Class Average
4	6.9

Leans more in turns than import-brand rivals. Steering slightly overboosted, but has good accuracy and road feel. Standard traction control a plus for snowy climates, but this system tends to kill power at just the wrong moment for maintaining speed on slippery surfaces. Braking short and stable for a heavyweight, though sudden stops induce moderate nosedive.

Quietness

Signature L	Class Average
8	8.5

Engine muted even at full throttle. Tire thrum noticed only on very coarse pavement. Wind rush rises above 60 mph, but doesn't intrude.

Controls

Signature L	Class Average
7	5.9

Dashboard straightforward. Decor a bit stuffy, though materials approach those of some costlier import-brand rivals. Power-adjustable pedals help shorter drivers. Over-the-shoulder visibility hampered by thick roof pillars. No opportunity yet to test with navigation system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Signature L	Class Average
7	9

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

Signature L	Class Average
9	8.1

Plenty of head and leg room, and Signature L's 45.4 inches of leg stretch is tops in class among regular factory models. But three adults is a squeeze here, too, and the rear bench isn't as sofa-comfortable as it looks.

Cargo Room

Signature L	Class Average
6	5

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

Value within Class

Signature L	Class Average
4	5.4

Town Car blends old-school American luxury, space, and isolation with surprisingly good road manners, all things considered. Cadillac's rival DTS is a far newer design with better performance and handling, but this elderly Lincoln still makes sense for some buyers.

Total Score

Signature L	Class Average
61	68.4

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		59
Average Score		68
High Score		79