Expert Reviews
By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National August 30, 2005Vehicle Overview
Lincoln's rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan earned a substantial reworking for the 2003 model year. Flaunting a new stand-up hood ornament, the four-door Town Car's appearance grew noticeably more formal.
For 2006, Lincoln offers Signature, Signature Limited, Designer and Signature L trim levels. The Signature L sedan is 6 inches longer than its mates, both overall and in wheelbase length. Three additional series are available for limousine and livery use.
Two new body colors and a pair of new two-tone paint schemes are available for 2006. The Town Car's new wheel selection includes machined-aluminum units with 10 or 12 spokes, as well as an 18-spoke chromed-aluminum wheel. New front crash-severity sensors were installed for 2005, and the front passenger seat got occupant-weight and seat-track-position sensors.
Exterior
The Town Car's formal appearance leads off with a chrome vertical-bar grille that's flanked by quad-beam halogen headlights. A stand-up ornament is mounted at the front of the hood. High-intensity-discharge headlights are optional on uplevel models. Large taillamps bring up the rear.
Standard models are 215.4 inches long overall on a 117.7-inch wheelbase, while the extended-length L sedans measure 221.4 inches long overall with a 123.7-inch wheelbase. All models have 17-inch tires on aluminum wheels. Whitewall tires, two-tone paint and a powered glass moonroof are optional.
Interior
Equipped with a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, the Town Car seats up to six occupants. The seats are trimmed in premium leather. Panels with burl walnut appliqué decorate the instrument panel and doors, and an elegant analog clock is installed.
Standard equipment includes eight-way power seats for the driver and outboard front passenger, power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals and extended rear parking assist. Heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood inserts are standard in the Signature Limited model.
Designer sedans feature Provence leather seating surfaces and adjustable rear head restraints. The extended-length Signature L has heated rear seats, a folding rear armrest, remote audio and climate controls, and rear-located controls for the outboard front passenger seat. Lincoln's optional navigation system incorporates THX-Certified audio and a six-CD changer.
Under the Hood
The Town Car's 4.6-liter V-8 develops 239 horsepower and 287 pounds-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is the sole transmission available. All-speed traction control is standard.
Safety
Dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are standard.
Driving Impressions
Current models deliver a more secure, confident sensation than pre-2003 Town Cars by offering a greater connection with the road. This sedan yields a surprisingly appealing driving experience.
Town Cars are exceptionally stable on the expressway and especially easy to drive; they deliver a smooth yet controlled ride. The sedan is very quiet, but you can hear the engine. Braking is less pleasing because the pedal may exhibit a long dead spot before the brakes become effective.
Interior space is abundant, and rear legroom in the extended-length L sedan is massive. The seat bottoms are fairly long and well cushioned, but support could be better.
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