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2008 Lincoln Town Car Full Review
Date Published: 4/11/08
Also in the 2008 Lincoln Town Car Review:
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Lincoln Town Car Full Review
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2008 Lincoln Town Car Review
The 2008 Lincoln Town Car is the only American-brand premium large sedan with rear-wheel drive. It comes in Signature Limited and limousine-like Signature L with a 6-inch-longer wheelbase for more rear legroom. All use a 239-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, and front side airbags. Standard features include power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone climate control, front bench seat, and leather upholstery. Among the few options are xenon headlamps and chrome alloy wheels. A navigation system is no longer available.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have six-figure price tags.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
News
Ford Motor Company now says Town Car will hang on through 2009 and possibly beyond. Expect few changes along the way. Town Car would have died with a 2007 plant closure, one of many cutbacks under Ford's "Way Forward" recovery plan. Instead, the company decided to move production to the Canadian plant that builds the related Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis.
Meantime, a new midsize Lincoln sedan is due for 2009 on the Volvo-originated D3 platform of the Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego sedans. Styling and name are taken from the recent MKS concept. A 3.7-liter V6 being developed exclusively for Lincoln will probably be the sole engine and should team with a 6-speed automatic transmission. MKS takes over from the old rear-drive Lincoln LS, but will offer front drive and optional all-wheel drive. And once Town Car dies, it will be Lincoln's flagship car, as a planned larger version fell victim to Ford's mounting money losses.
Meantime, a new midsize Lincoln sedan is due for 2009 on the Volvo-originated D3 platform of the Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego sedans. Styling and name are taken from the recent MKS concept. A 3.7-liter V6 being developed exclusively for Lincoln will probably be the sole engine and should team with a 6-speed automatic transmission. MKS takes over from the old rear-drive Lincoln LS, but will offer front drive and optional all-wheel drive. And once Town Car dies, it will be Lincoln's flagship car, as a planned larger version fell victim to Ford's mounting money losses.
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2008 Lincoln Town Car Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Quietness | Rear visibility |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Town Car trails the Cadillac DTS for overall performance but is quick enough. A Signature L did 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds in our test. The transmission hesitates to kick down for passing but is otherwise responsive and smooth despite only having four speeds.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 4 | 7.3 |
Town Car trails the Cadillac DTS for overall performance but is quick enough. A Signature L did 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds in our test. The transmission hesitates to kick down for passing but is otherwise responsive and smooth despite only having four speeds.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a Signature L averaged 16.0 mpg, including gas-eating acceleration runs. Town Car uses regular-grade gas.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 3 | 3.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a Signature L averaged 16.0 mpg, including gas-eating acceleration runs. Town Car uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
American-luxury traditional. This large sedan has a plush, absorbent feel, yet exhibits decent body control over humps.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 8 | 8.2 |
American-luxury traditional. This large sedan has a plush, absorbent feel, yet exhibits decent body control over humps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Town Car leans more in turns than import-brand rivals. The steering has good accuracy and road feel but is slightly overboosted. The standard traction control tends to kill power at just the wrong moment for maintaining speed on slippery surfaces. Braking is short and stable for a heavyweight, though sudden stops induce some nosedive.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 4 | 6.9 |
Town Car leans more in turns than import-brand rivals. The steering has good accuracy and road feel but is slightly overboosted. The standard traction control tends to kill power at just the wrong moment for maintaining speed on slippery surfaces. Braking is short and stable for a heavyweight, though sudden stops induce some nosedive.
Quietness
The engine is quiet even at full throttle. Tire thrum is noticed only on very coarse pavement. Wind rush rises above 60 mph, but it doesn't intrude.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 8 | 8.4 |
The engine is quiet even at full throttle. Tire thrum is noticed only on very coarse pavement. Wind rush rises above 60 mph, but it doesn't intrude.
Controls
The dashboard design is straightforward with simple, handy switchgear.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.8 |
The dashboard design is straightforward with simple, handy switchgear.
Details
Interior decor is a bit stuffy, though materials approach those of some costlier import-brand rivals. It's disappointing to see that a navigation system is no longer available.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 7 | 8.4 |
Interior decor is a bit stuffy, though materials approach those of some costlier import-brand rivals. It's disappointing to see that a navigation system is no longer available.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Three on the standard bench seat, but the middle rider must straddle the transmission hump. Headroom and outboard legroom are abundant. Power-adjustable pedals are a benefit for shorter drivers. Over-the-shoulder visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 7 | 8.8 |
Three on the standard bench seat, but the middle rider must straddle the transmission hump. Headroom and outboard legroom are abundant. Power-adjustable pedals are a benefit for shorter drivers. Over-the-shoulder visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Plenty of headroom and legroom, and Signature L's 45.4 inches of leg stretch is tops in class. But three adults need to squeeze here, too, and the rear bench isn't as sofa-comfortable as it looks.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 9 | 7.9 |
Plenty of headroom and legroom, and Signature L's 45.4 inches of leg stretch is tops in class. But three adults need to squeeze here, too, and the rear bench isn't as sofa-comfortable as it looks.
Cargo Room
Most trunk space is concentrated in a deep center well, so shifting heavy objects is a strain. The spare tire stows vertically inside the right rear fender. The optional removable cargo bin contains a lid and partitions, making it rather handy.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.1 |
Most trunk space is concentrated in a deep center well, so shifting heavy objects is a strain. The spare tire stows vertically inside the right rear fender. The optional removable cargo bin contains a lid and partitions, making it rather handy.
Value within Class
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 to some buyers.
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.5 |
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 to some buyers.
Total Score
| Signature L | Class Average |
| 67 | 74.6 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 67 | |
| Average Score | 74 | |
| High Score | 87 |
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2008 Lincoln Town Car Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/25/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Signature Limited 4-door sedan | $45,295 | $41,626 | $920 |
|
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| Signature L 4-door sedan | $50,900 | $46,670 | $920 |
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 Limited
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, tilt wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated dual 8-way power front split bench seat w/lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, cornering lights, 225/60R17 tires, alloy wheels.
Signature L adds to Signature Limited:
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-inch-longer wheelbase, rear radio and climate controls, rear controls for front-passenger seat, heated rear seats, rear illuminated visor mirrors.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Trunk organizer
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||
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Signature L, Signature Limited
|
$195
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$168
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Xenon headlights
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Signature L, Signature Limited
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$495
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$426
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Signature L, Signature Limited
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$895
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$770
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225/60R17 whitewall tires
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Signature L, Signature Limited
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$125
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$108
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 78.5 | 78.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 59.0 | 59.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4345 | 4518 |
| 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. | 39.4 | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | 37.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.6 | 45.4 |
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 | 15/23 |
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 | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 6/70,000 | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Lincoln Town Car Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lincoln Town Car Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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