Comments on: Lincoln Town Car Review

By: rick la komy

rick la komy — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:20:02 +0000

Well, we have been enjoying our Towncar for about a year now and have had no problems until yesterday when I turned off the ignition for a few minutes and when I re-started it and put it in gear the engine stalled and continued to do so about six or so times before I was able to drive away. Is anybody familiar with this? We only have 8,000 or so miles and use Chevron.

By: TODDK5250

TODDK5250 — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 03:08:20 +0000

O.K., can anyone else beat the shit out of my car !! Have you looked at the Cadillac lately?
Yes, Lincoln does need to refine some details, and I’m sure with these comments they will.
If ya don’t like the TC, you should have driven and tested every syllable of it. If ya didn’t, I’m laughing all the way to my new 2008.

By: Big Jack

Big Jack — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 07:08:52 +0000

oh by the way, I forgot to mention that my other car is another “dull” ford, it’s an SVT mustang cobra and it sure fills my desire for that extra kick. Pampered in the town car, and wild as hell in the cobra. What’s the problem with american cars, they’re the only one’s I’ll buy

By: Big Jack

Big Jack — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 03:31:23 +0000

I just bought a new designer series town car and it is fabulous. I don’t know what everyone is so apoligetic about. I test drove the cad dts, infinity g45, toyota avalon and a 2003 BMW seven series (I loved the car, but I read how many times it’s owners had the car in the shop). The town car is head and sholders above all of these cars. I am pleased with it. By the way, I haven’t seen a BMW, Toyota, Infinity, Lexus or volvo Limo. This car is white choclate and, have I mentioned that it is fabulous, $10K off, none of the other overpriced light weights could compare. And I am very happy that I am retired, don’t have to put up with the corporate BS any more, live on my investments, and travel in this new beauty. Cheers, hopefully you can enjoy live as I do
Big Jack

By: arichboylincoln

arichboylincoln — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:22:34 +0000

June 01,2007
My second Lincoln Town Car (Last one an 04)
After 38 New Cars, including 4 New Cadillacs,
I personally find the 06 Town Car appealing,but
never exciting. Ford products after about 18 months of driving all feel and act the same-
moderately dull. Lincoln TC feel more and more like a Crown Vic should be, not like a Lincoln should be. In an ailing company they still need to upgrade the Lincoln or close the company (Ford Corp.)
Nice car, like it, but truly dull.
Until they do something about excessive depreciation no American car will ever hold long term appeal nor loyalty.
I’m all for American Car companies succeeding but they really need to wake up dull products.
Maybe I should get invloved in their design and quality divisions??!!
It wouldn’t hurt!
R McMillan
Oxford, NC

By: rick la komy

rick la komy — Thu, 24 May 2007 01:34:37 +0000

I never really considered myself in the target market for this type of car, even though I am. What we wanted was a big, roomy, comfortable car that we could depend on. We put 240,000 miles on a 89′ Volvo 740 that gave us virtually no trouble at all. It just got to be too rough of a ride for me, which was the reason we gave it away after putting new brakes and tires, also having it re-painted and fixing the interior including the headliner and a new windsheild. We looked at a new Volvo but it has been down sized to a mid size car. We tried a new Buick Lucerne CXS, but it had problems so GM bought it back. And that leaves out a Cadillac, as it’s just an expensive Buick. I’m trying to buy American but the Luxury sedan’s just aren’t available. Forget about a SUV cause their just too tall. I’m only 188 lb’s and my wife is small, but come on, who wants to be crammed into mid size car and expect to be comfortable? Seems like everyone is being programmed to squeeze into what ever is available to them. Don’t get me wrong, I have a
C-5 Corvette I drive around and really enjoy and there isn’t much room in that. It’s made to be sporty, fast and have things right at your fingertips. Lets just hope that Lincoln keeps a Luxury sedan in production.

By: CocoaFL

CocoaFL — Sat, 19 May 2007 04:07:55 +0000

I suspect that almost none of the reviewers here are 55+/retired. I am, and I’m probably dead-center in the target market. The Town Car has a highly loyal base among the silver-haired set and there is nothing to replace it at anywhere near the price. Do I care about “sporty handling” any longer? No. I want to drive a sofa with a transmission. And that’s exactly what the TC has been and hopefully will continue to be.

Sure there are some shortcomings. The oddest is that navigation is not available in the Signature series. Memory seats should be standard. The ashtray should be replaced by (at least optionally) decent, sturdy cupholders. The newer 6-speed transmission would be a plus, but I’d keep the tried and true 4.6 engine. Over the course of driving a half-dozen Town Cars, all but one got at least 25 MPG on the road, all the time. One, a rental, got 28-29 with cruise on at a steady 72, another got in the low 20s. But that’s pretty decent gas mileage for a whale.

I’ve sat in the big Lexus and it just feels smaller. Ditto for the Mercs. Frankly, so does the DTS and it also feels lower and therefore more difficult for an oldster to get in and out of. Finally, many old people do not care for vehicles with a center console.

The Town Car is as much luxury as I can afford, and I’ll keep buyi8ng them as long as they are produced.

By: rick la komy

rick la komy — Wed, 16 May 2007 19:36:34 +0000

We just purchased a 2007 Signature L, Black on Black (our first Lincoln). You talk about a roomy Automobile, this one has room for everyone to stretch out and enjoy the ride. Quite attractive inside too, with all the copper nickel accents everywhere, the Lincoln logo on the carpets, and it’s quiet inside. We’ve been getting about 25 MPG on the highway even with that extra 6″ added to the rear passenger section. Should get better after we get a few miles on it. One thing I really like is the rear park assist. Without it I’d probably have run over a few things by now. I have considered replacing the Michelins with something that will give a softer ride around town though, with what I don’t know yet.

By: Sajeev Mehta

Sajeev Mehta — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 21:35:57 +0000

I think all us Pather platform lovers are harsh about the current offerings because they could have been so much better if Ford hadn’t been asleep at the switch for the last 10 years.

Well said. Not just better, but also they’d have a chance at being competitive in the world of large FWD, V6 luxury imports.

By: Sherman Lin

Sherman Lin — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 04:26:18 +0000

I just rented one and the interior was definitely cheap in comparison to the Avalon that I also rented. I also didn’t get anywhere close to 25 MPG. It was a decent car but the Avalon was a better car. There is no way a Toyota is supposed to be better than a Lincoln but that’s the problem these days. Thanks to the mismanagement at Ford.

By: Facebook User

Facebook User — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:10:51 +0000

I just got back from a 1,000 mile driving trip between Albuquerque, New Mexico and Meade, Kansas in a rented 2007 Town Car Signature. It was not a sports car in any respect, but was a great highway cruiser–very quiet, enough power, the patented panther platform ride, and 25 mpg. On the way back I drove over 17 miles of dirt/gravel road (a New Mexico state highway no less) with no hesitation. The platform and the extra clearance from the big tires make you feel you can take the Town Car places you would never take a DTS, Lucerne, or Lexus. Underneath the bloated body there is still an indestructible chassis. So, while I agree with most of Sajeev’s criticisms, there is still something about the Town Car that is unique, and good. I think all us Pather platform lovers are harsh about the current offerings because they could have been so much better if Ford hadn’t been asleep at the switch for the last 10 years.

By: NickR

NickR — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 18:07:35 +0000

That 2002 Continental Concept was/is gorgeous. It could have been to Lincoln what the 300 was to Chrysler. Actually better. I don’t know why the Big 2.5 fritter away their time on these thrilling designs only to leave them on the shelf, while turning out monotonous and/or dated designs year after year. I think that design, if backed by suitable powertrain, would vault Lincoln back into a the lead of the big, luxury sedan market. In the meantime, I will have to settle in to the back seat for my ride to the airport.

By: Sajeev Mehta

Sajeev Mehta — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:36:13 +0000

Ford is talking about bringing the Falcon here, but it probably won’t replace the Panther dinosaur. We can only hope it will happen, and kill off the 500.

Nice as it is, the Falcon isn’t born to shuttle old people/wannabe pimps/cops/taxi drivers like the Panther.

By: HEATHROI

HEATHROI — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:28:12 +0000

Ok how about this replacement for the old Panther dinosaur and the stupid 500.

http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1137385365703&pagename=Page&c=DFYPage

and where else are you going to find four litre straight six turbo? and ford aready makes it.

By: DaveClark

DaveClark — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 23:45:51 +0000

This is not a “stick it to the man car.” It has about as much appeal as a AARP card to a Baby Boomer (you’ve arrived: you’re now officially OLD).

The QOTD is: What needs carbon dating more, Buick or Lincoln?

By: Sajeev Mehta

Sajeev Mehta — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:55:07 +0000

Will: I do agree with you that IRS is a good idea for the Lincoln Town Car. Considering Ford had the stones to put it on their SUVs when nobody else does (even Toyota) I know it can be made to work. Heck use the same design as the Mark VIII and even the rear air springs are good to go for Limo duty.

But I betcha that police/taxi guys will dislike it: it will raise the MSRP and require more maintenance after rough use. No way a half-shaft, U-joint, misc. brackets is gonna out-tough a solid axle. After seeing how many curbs those Manhattan Taxicabs hit, I’m pretty sure its the best for the job.

Crown Vic = Watts Link
Town Car = IRS

That would be nice.

By: willbodine

willbodine — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 21:21:08 +0000

Sajeev Mehta: Point taken about the police/taxi preference for solid axle RWD. Of course they would balk at IRS, they have rarely (if ever) been offered it. If Independent Front Suspension can be made reasonably durable (and it is) so too could a properly designed IRS. Personally, the engineering elegance of IRS is what appeals to me. Bolting the differential to the frame eliminates beaucoup unsprung weight and frees up valuable underbody space at the rear that can be used for fuel, cargo or back seat room. Ford knows this because of the new Expedition and Explorer.

By: taxman100

taxman100 — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 18:20:39 +0000

With Ford cutting production like crazy, a “niche” platform like the Panther that will still sell 200,000 units a year at a profit after a decade of neglect starts to sound pretty good.

I’ve heard rumors they are looking at moving Ranger production to Crown Vic plant – it could become like the island of misfit toys for neglected Ford products.

If they only spent a fraction on the panther that they spent on the Five Hundred, they would be much further ahead.

By: Sajeev Mehta

Sajeev Mehta — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:17:43 +0000

Stephan: I’m sure fleet buyers of the Crown Vic were thrilled to have a Tach (not to mention muscle car fans looking for a partner for their Impala SS) and it only makes sense to give the Townie what the Ford has.

Terry: Its already been done. Last Friday Ford reported they will move Townie production to their Crown Vic plant in Canada, its saved and will more than likely see a redesign in 2009, as that’s when the CV is slated for one.

I’ve been in a Limo once, it was a Town Car. I liked it, except I could hear the driver flooring it (4-2 downshifts) all the damn time. It smelled fine though.

poozinsc: That ad was part of my motivation to say the Town Car is an “American Dream”. To promote a Japanese (MKZ, MKX) or Swedish (MKS) chassis as part of the American Dream (their latest tagline) without even mentioning the real deal (Townie) is downright shameful.

As you said, the only Lincoln-Mercury car with instant brand recognition is the Townie. A freshman business student understands that much about product promotion and marketing, but Lincoln obviously doesn’t get it. Shameful.

By: poozinsc

poozinsc — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 15:43:52 +0000

I was watching a football game Sunday when an automobile commercial came on. It was sort of cool — it was all of the models of the particular brand moving in shilouette (sp?) — then I realized that I didn’t recognize a SINGLE one of the cars. Not a one…

The line being advertised — Lincoln. Later in the day I saw an older Town Car. There was no doubt what it was — distinct and easily recognizable.

By: allegro con moto-car

allegro con moto-car — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 11:44:04 +0000

Sajeev Mehta thanx for the link to the TC concept car!

Great pics!

A suicide doors TC would be awesome. It really opens up the interior unlike any car, and makes the interior look 50% bigger than what it is, and the interior is already very big. However, it would not be possible to build this b/c of the loss of rigidity without the center post. (Hey, it’s just a concept.)

The proportions of this sheet metal and a big V-8 RWD would give the 300C some real competition.

I do not think the new CEO can build it. First of all, he has got to take Ford into bankruptcy, and bring out with a new “car passion” corporate culture. Second, he is not young enough to do the bankruptcy and the radical redesigns and see these things through completion. And third, (even if he was young enough) he’s got the Ford family Dodo bird hovering over his head, they won’t let him do anything. The Ford family will eventually give up control, but not before a few more CEO cycles.

By: Facebook User

Facebook User — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 10:29:48 +0000

Good review Sajeev, as usual. I agree that the Panther is an excellent platform, and Ford should stick with it for awhile. It is unique, and while it has its drawbacks, it also has significant advantages. With a new engine, new transmission, and better interior, the Town Car could be a viable alternative in many applications. And its not like Ford has many alternatives.

By: Terry Parkhurst

Terry Parkhurst — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 05:11:39 +0000

Minor correction to last post: Last sentence in first ‘graph should read, “Once, as I recall, I was in a back seat, etc. etc.”

By: Terry Parkhurst

Terry Parkhurst — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 05:09:48 +0000

Your review is a nice piece of work, Sajeev. I especially liked “this powerplant is the automotive equivalent of the little black dress.” In a way, this piece relates to Robert’s about limos – to my mind, anyway. Several times in my life, I have been fortunate enough to ride in Lincoln Town Cars that were serving as limos, for commercial limo services. Once, as I recall, i was in a back seat, three across in a Lincoln Town Car; and it still felt quite comfortable.
There was an article in the NY Times last week that said Ford plans to kill the Town Car, after the 2007 model year; and close down the Wixom, Michigan plant where they are built. I think that is about as dumb as it gets. Maybe Mr. Mulally will get a clue and reverse that order.

By: doctorv8

doctorv8 — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 02:27:13 +0000

I’ve appreciated tachs, and full gauges for that matter, in all my automatic cars, Stephan. Just because I’m not shifting doesn’t mean I don’t want to know what rpm the car is shifting at or cruising at.

Granted, the average TC buyer won’t care, but the fact that the tach has finally showed up hopefully portends more enthusiast oriented hardware in the future.