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The lap of luxury just got a little more inviting. Lincoln’s Town Car, the darling of mature owners and private livery companies, has been redesigned for 2003. It offers traditional luxury in a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive package noted for its plush ride, big trunk and outstanding comfort.

While Town Cars may not appeal to young buyers, current owners, whose average age is 70, will often have nothing else. That’s why the new model plays to the previous car’s strengths while advancing its presence with more room, enhanced safety and a new interior.

The 2003 styling features a bold chrome grille, clear-lens headlights and a more formal look. The redesign adds a new frame, longer wheelbase and a much-improved interior. Although the Town Car has been modernized, its essence, or automotive DNA, remains intact. There are five models: Cartier, Signature, Executive series, Cartier L and Executive L. The L models have a 6-inch longer wheelbase, which is a first.

The new frame, with hydroformed front sections, is stiffer than the old model’s, and structural foam inserts are used in strategic areas to improve crash-worthiness and safety.

The added stiffness results in a quieter ride and better handling. Long-wheelbase models are not stretched, per se, but use one-piece side frame rails and unique body stampings, according to Lincoln. Town Car’s front seat hip room of 57.3 inches and legroom of 45.8 inches are superior to the Cadillac DeVille and Lexus LS430. Rear-seat legroom of the Cartier L is a whopping 47 inches, the most of any regular production car, says Lincoln. The back seat of the test car, a Cartier L, was the most spacious I have seen outside of bespoke limousines.

The new interior follows Lincoln’s 2003 design vocabulary that is also used in the Navigator and Aviator. Brushed nickel trim, light colors and burl walnut trim look rich without being gaudy. A monochrome black trim package is also offered. An analog clock with jewellike features sits in the center of the instrument panel. The steering wheel has fingertip controls for audio, temperature and cruise control. An automatic, dual-zone climate control system is standard. The graphics of the Town Car’s instruments are consistent with the new Navigator: white numbers on a black background with red luminescent needles. Flipping on the headlights in the daylight requires adjusting the gauge brightness so the white numbers are easily readable. The long wheelbase of the Cartier L provides not only a huge back seat but a ride that is as smooth as a lake at sunset. Choppy pavement creates only tiny ripples, and big bumps are but minor waves. The wheels are 17-inchers. The mirror-smooth ride is a key reason older buyers love the Town Car.

Steering feel has been enhanced for 2003. On-center feel is decidedly “creamy,” in Lincoln’s words.

The 4.6-liter, SOHC V-8 engine, now rated at 239 horsepower, has received a modest bump of 19 horsepower over the previous ver sion. This engine is especially smooth, and acceleration is adequate for a car of this size and weight. A little more zing would be handy for merging with freeway traffic or for hauling three friends, and their golf clubs, to the links. The fuel economy rating of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway is pretty impressive considering the vehicle’s size and weight.

The brake system has been upgraded, and anti-lock and traction control are standard. Like other Lincolns, the Town Car is available with VCS for voice-activated calling, automatic airbag activation notification, occupant-initiated emergency assistance, roadside assistance, route guidance and personal information services (news, sports and stock updates).

Town Car buyers are loyal Lincoln owners, and the 2003 gives them more of what they like: room, comfort, safety and a soft ride.

Price
The base price of the test car was $49,805. It was a preproduction vehicle and did not have a price sticker.

Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles.

Point: The 2003 Town Car is a giant step forward for the most traditional Lincoln. It offers more room, more comfort and finer materials than before without sacrificing its basic DNA. The long-wheelbase versions have one of the largest back seats in production.

Counterpoint: More power would be in order for a car of this size, especially when it is loaded with people and gear. In general, young buyers won’t really cotton to the pillow-soft ride and extra size of the long-wheelbase Cartier L, but then they aren’t the target audience.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 4.6-liter, 239-hp V-8
Transmission: automatic Rear-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 123.7 inches
Curb weight: 4,467 lbs.
Base price: $49,805
As driven: not available
Mpg rating: 17 city, 25 hwy.
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