Skip to main content

1998
Lincoln Town Car

Starts at:
$38,030
Shop options
New 1998 Lincoln Town Car
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn Executive
    Starts at
    $38,030
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Signature
    Starts at
    $39,680
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Cartier
    Starts at
    $42,830
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Expert 1998 Lincoln Town Car review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

It was late when I climbed aboard the Lincoln Town Car, tired and gloomily anticipating a 130-mile solo drive back to Phoenix.

I stretched out in the leather seat, cued up a CD and wheeled the massive white cruiser out of the parking lot.

Now, I have to admit, I’m not a fan of these big luxo-barges. They seem anachronistic, wasteful and somehow indecent.

But the new Town Car is a heckuva lot sleeker and drives a whole lot better than the previous generation. No longer is it so squared off, or burdened with a pretentious formal roof line or velvet boudoir interior.

And no longer does it drive like the Queen Mary. Though hardly what you’d call sporting, this “full-size luxury car” now rides on a suspension that’s much better controlled, still soft, but less likely to heave and sway.

The steering’s quicker, the brakes are better, and the whole package feels tighter and better put together.

The first part of my trip was mostly over a desert road, straight as an arrow, but with deep undulations through the washes. The 2-ton Town Car rushed quietly through the darkness, unfazed by road irregularities or the sudden drops and rises.

I felt snug and secure on my leather throne, with plenty of headroom, shoulder room and, most importantly, legroom for my lanky self. The driver’s seat is soft and not real supportive on turns, but as comfortable as an easy chair. The split-bench front seats are a lot better than those ersatz living-room sofas from the old Town Cars.

One of the top draws of this big craft is the space within. The new version has an impressive level of comfort for six, with a back seat styled for a busy executive being chauffeured to the next board meeting.

Once the American driving landscape was loaded with full-size, rear-wheel-drive cars. But now, the Town Car and its corporate siblings, Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Grand Marquis, are the last of the breed body-on-frame construction, live rear axle, the way we used to build ’em.

As such, these cars attract a cadre of mature drivers who favor the traditional feel of a big American car. Only better.

Trouble is, Lincoln’s clientele is rapidly aging, with the average Town Car buyers well into their 60s. Lincoln would love to attract some less-geriatric drivers to the fold.

Lincoln Navigator, the luxury sport-ute behemoth based on the Ford Expedition, has helped bring in a younger crowd this year and pushed Lincoln sales way up the chart. Next year, Lincoln benefits from Ford’s ownership of Jaguar, getting two sporty midsize sedans with input from the British marque.

For the Town Car, the rounded, sportier styling and improved driveability is directed at younger drivers, while trying not to scare away the traditional buyers. For instance, check out all that chrome, a definite ’50s throwback.

The roof is rounded into a coupelike style, which looks from the outside as if it would compromise headroom in the back. That’s deceiving, becau se even an NBA player should be able to sit back there in regal comfort.

The front end has a refined version of Lincoln’s traditional formal grille, but now it’s angled lower and appears more aggressive.

The Town Car is most distinctive from the rear, where its rounded trunk lid and enormous taillights make it look something like a newer Bentley. Reactions were mixed, but I think this look will sell and be copied by others.

The trunk space is enormous, but it’s in the shape of a deep basin, lacking the practical advantages of a broad, flat trunk.

Our test car was a Cartier Edition, slathered with luxury appointments, leather, chrome bits and plastic wood trim. Otherwise, the interior is pretty straightforward, maybe a bit boring for such a high-end car.

This model also has the more powerful V-8, with 10 percent more horsepower than the base Executive model. Even so, acceleration is not terribly brisk, the 220 ponies working hard to haul the 4,000-pound car up to spe ed. But the engine is very smooth and quiet, in keeping with the Town Car’s character.

Aside from the Cartier package, another optional upgrade is the Signature Touring Sedan, which offers tighter suspension and improved handling, along with the higher-output engine. According to other media reports, this is a worthwhile addition that should appeal to a younger crop of drivers.

Anyone considering the Town Car might check out the Grand Marquis, basically the same car with a similar level of appointments, but significantly less costly.

On the freeway between Tucson and Phoenix, the miles rolled by quickly, the Town Car quietly doing its job at 75-plus miles per hour, the excellent stereo reeling through the CDs. I enjoyed the solid ride, especially when passing phalanxes of semis. Wind noise was absent, and only faint tire rumble intruded on the climate-controlled cabin.

Aside from touring Manhattan, this is the kind of driving in which the Town Car excels, where its weight and driving ease are at their best.

I arrived home around midnight, feeling pretty mellow. The Town Car is a grand touring car in the American tradition – maybe not my style, but definitely well-appreciated on this late-night voyage.

1998 Lincoln Town Car

Vehicle type: Six-passenger, four-door sedan, rear-wheel drive. Base price: $41,830. Price as tested: $44,050. Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 220 horsepower at 4,500 rpm, 275 pounds-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm. Transmission: Four-speed automatic. Curb weight: 4,030 pounds. Length: 215.3 inches. EPA fuel economy: 17 city, 24 highway. Highs: Many improvements. Roomy interior. Distinctive body style. Lows: Needs stronger engine. Dull interior. Geriatric image.

1998 Lincoln Town Car review: Our expert's take
By

It was late when I climbed aboard the Lincoln Town Car, tired and gloomily anticipating a 130-mile solo drive back to Phoenix.

I stretched out in the leather seat, cued up a CD and wheeled the massive white cruiser out of the parking lot.

Now, I have to admit, I’m not a fan of these big luxo-barges. They seem anachronistic, wasteful and somehow indecent.

But the new Town Car is a heckuva lot sleeker and drives a whole lot better than the previous generation. No longer is it so squared off, or burdened with a pretentious formal roof line or velvet boudoir interior.

And no longer does it drive like the Queen Mary. Though hardly what you’d call sporting, this “full-size luxury car” now rides on a suspension that’s much better controlled, still soft, but less likely to heave and sway.

The steering’s quicker, the brakes are better, and the whole package feels tighter and better put together.

The first part of my trip was mostly over a desert road, straight as an arrow, but with deep undulations through the washes. The 2-ton Town Car rushed quietly through the darkness, unfazed by road irregularities or the sudden drops and rises.

I felt snug and secure on my leather throne, with plenty of headroom, shoulder room and, most importantly, legroom for my lanky self. The driver’s seat is soft and not real supportive on turns, but as comfortable as an easy chair. The split-bench front seats are a lot better than those ersatz living-room sofas from the old Town Cars.

One of the top draws of this big craft is the space within. The new version has an impressive level of comfort for six, with a back seat styled for a busy executive being chauffeured to the next board meeting.

Once the American driving landscape was loaded with full-size, rear-wheel-drive cars. But now, the Town Car and its corporate siblings, Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Grand Marquis, are the last of the breed body-on-frame construction, live rear axle, the way we used to build ’em.

As such, these cars attract a cadre of mature drivers who favor the traditional feel of a big American car. Only better.

Trouble is, Lincoln’s clientele is rapidly aging, with the average Town Car buyers well into their 60s. Lincoln would love to attract some less-geriatric drivers to the fold.

Lincoln Navigator, the luxury sport-ute behemoth based on the Ford Expedition, has helped bring in a younger crowd this year and pushed Lincoln sales way up the chart. Next year, Lincoln benefits from Ford’s ownership of Jaguar, getting two sporty midsize sedans with input from the British marque.

For the Town Car, the rounded, sportier styling and improved driveability is directed at younger drivers, while trying not to scare away the traditional buyers. For instance, check out all that chrome, a definite ’50s throwback.

The roof is rounded into a coupelike style, which looks from the outside as if it would compromise headroom in the back. That’s deceiving, becau se even an NBA player should be able to sit back there in regal comfort.

The front end has a refined version of Lincoln’s traditional formal grille, but now it’s angled lower and appears more aggressive.

The Town Car is most distinctive from the rear, where its rounded trunk lid and enormous taillights make it look something like a newer Bentley. Reactions were mixed, but I think this look will sell and be copied by others.

The trunk space is enormous, but it’s in the shape of a deep basin, lacking the practical advantages of a broad, flat trunk.

Our test car was a Cartier Edition, slathered with luxury appointments, leather, chrome bits and plastic wood trim. Otherwise, the interior is pretty straightforward, maybe a bit boring for such a high-end car.

This model also has the more powerful V-8, with 10 percent more horsepower than the base Executive model. Even so, acceleration is not terribly brisk, the 220 ponies working hard to haul the 4,000-pound car up to spe ed. But the engine is very smooth and quiet, in keeping with the Town Car’s character.

Aside from the Cartier package, another optional upgrade is the Signature Touring Sedan, which offers tighter suspension and improved handling, along with the higher-output engine. According to other media reports, this is a worthwhile addition that should appeal to a younger crop of drivers.

Anyone considering the Town Car might check out the Grand Marquis, basically the same car with a similar level of appointments, but significantly less costly.

On the freeway between Tucson and Phoenix, the miles rolled by quickly, the Town Car quietly doing its job at 75-plus miles per hour, the excellent stereo reeling through the CDs. I enjoyed the solid ride, especially when passing phalanxes of semis. Wind noise was absent, and only faint tire rumble intruded on the climate-controlled cabin.

Aside from touring Manhattan, this is the kind of driving in which the Town Car excels, where its weight and driving ease are at their best.

I arrived home around midnight, feeling pretty mellow. The Town Car is a grand touring car in the American tradition – maybe not my style, but definitely well-appreciated on this late-night voyage.

1998 Lincoln Town Car

Vehicle type: Six-passenger, four-door sedan, rear-wheel drive. Base price: $41,830. Price as tested: $44,050. Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 220 horsepower at 4,500 rpm, 275 pounds-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm. Transmission: Four-speed automatic. Curb weight: 4,030 pounds. Length: 215.3 inches. EPA fuel economy: 17 city, 24 highway. Highs: Many improvements. Roomy interior. Distinctive body style. Lows: Needs stronger engine. Dull interior. Geriatric image.

Safety review

Based on the 1998 Lincoln Town Car base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Side driver
4/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
2 years / 24,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Current plus five previous model years / Less than 60,000 actual miles
Basic
6 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited warranty
Dealer certification
200-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 1998
    4.8
    Lincoln Town Car
    Starts at
    $38,030
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2001
    4.9
    Mercury Grand Marquis
    Starts at
    $23,105
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 1994
    4.0
    Lincoln Town Car
    Starts at
    $34,750
    -
    MPG
    -
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    -
    Drivetrain
    Compare

Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 21 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.6
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • A worthy ride

    The only issues I'm having is the computer it turns on and off at will of its own the car continues to run only the speedometer,cruise control fail. To work, it's a heavy car so keep up on lube jobs. Other than that it cruises nice mine has 250,000 miles on it and still runs well.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Is One of the Safest Vehicles on the road.

    The Lincoln Town Car is now fazed out since 2011, but those that own one, should be very satisfied. You do not see any or very very little to be bought, WHY because they are, reliable, quiet ride, easy handling, and very Safe Body Frame, and Rear wheel Drive. If you get a chance to find one and need a large vehicle check it out. Do not forget to see all the New Vehicles they have to choose from now, they are really a top notch vehicle for everyone. Plus they are American Made.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Excellent Condition

    This car is in excellent condition. Only 63,000 miles and mostly was under a cover in the garage. Brand new tires and no mechanical issues.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • most attractive car I owned

    this car was always roomy and has a huge trunk for traveling back and forth to florida, it is so comfortable over the road, and so quiet, I have enjoyed this car so much I hate to give it up.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Awsome

    This was such a great buy for something that is 20 years old. Very good condition and just a super car. The dealer Gagnon Motors was great and very friendly. I would go back there again. This is just a great car, I am so happy that I bought it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This thing is deathless. Well made American car!

    I drive this car everywhere without fear. I've driven it from NY to FLA a couple times without a problem. The main reason I got it was because I see them used in NYC as cabs and limos and they are very durable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • beautiful

    The nicest and most comfortable car I'v ever owned. I was sad when they made it smaller because it was a fine road car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • beautiful road car plus great mpg

    One of the best luxury cars I've ever owned and I've had them all.like riding on a cloud power when you need it comfort great entertainment system.plenty of room front and rear also has rear air.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Lincoln

    Lincoln cars is one of the best-selling automobile today these car from Lincoln is as good as they were in the past.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Only owner

    We purchased our Lincoln Town Car Signature model in 1998. My wife was the daily driver and I took the wheel on trips. We have owned our Lincoln for eighteen years and really love it. It has a great ride, it is comfortable and beautiful to look at. Recently I was thinking about getting another Lincoln so I took it to my mechanic for an evaluation and he said that it was in great shape and that I should keep it. We are presently going through it to take care of some small problems and I am really thinking about having it repainted to better than factory specs. Our Lincoln only has 126,000 miles on it and it's should be good for another 175,000 before any critical work. The best darn car I ever owned.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Gypsy Limo

    I have owned 3 Town cars in a row. I just put over 2,000 miles on a road trip to Chicago, over Christmas. I worked for Ford and Dodge dealerships and have driven pretty much anything out there under $80,000.00. The Lincoln Town Car is hard to beat. and the older models still run like a top.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • great driving and comfort

    great driving,comfortable cars,gas mileage on highway really amazing 28mpg,around ttown 18,but this dea;ler is a thief
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Lincoln dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1998 Lincoln Town Car?

The 1998 Lincoln Town Car is available in 3 trim levels:

  • Cartier (1 style)
  • Executive (1 style)
  • Signature (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1998 Lincoln Town Car?

The 1998 Lincoln Town Car offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1998 Lincoln Town Car?

The 1998 Lincoln Town Car compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1998 Lincoln Town Car reliable?

The 1998 Lincoln Town Car has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1998 Lincoln Town Car owners.

Is the 1998 Lincoln Town Car a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1998 Lincoln Town Car. 95.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 21 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.8
Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"sedan_fullsize","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Sedan","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]