Nowadays Lincoln competes with Cadillac for the title as America’s best selling luxury car brand. It has not always been that way. In the 1950s Lincoln produced sporty smaller cars. Then its cars got bigger and bigger leading to their popularity as limousines for heads of state. The Town Car was first introduced in 1970 as a luxury version of the Crown Victoria. Since then it has only been redesigned once every decade and has become a unique "conventional" American luxury car, the last of a breed so to speak.
4. Review of Current Town Car
In 1998 the Town Car received its most complete redesign in its 30-year history. Although still based on the same chassis as before the engineers reworked the suspension, giving the car much more responsive handling characteristics without giving up any ride comfort. The interior has been redesigned and fitted with analog gauges giving the car a more modern luxurious feeling. The body also had a complete makeover such that it has very little in common with the old model except size. The rounder body shape has drawn mixed reviews with some people loving it and others hating it. Nobody will deny though that it stands out in the crowd, which is what most people want in a large luxury car.
5. Basic Facts: 1990 - 1997 Town Car
Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan
No. Passengers: up to six
Origin of assembly: Wixom, MI
Engine: (standard): 5.0-liter 150 hp V-8 ('90); 4.6-liter 190 or 210 hp V-8 ('91-'97)
Transmission: 4-spd automatic; rear-drive
Length: 219 inches
Wheelbase: 117 inches
Width: 77 inches
Height: 57 inches
Curb weight: 4000 lbs. (approx.)
Cargo volume: 22 cu. ft.
Fuel tank capacity: 18 gals.
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway): 17/25
6. Changes in the Lincoln Town Car Line 1990 - 1999
1990 Model Year
New model based on same chassis as before
1991 Model Year
A more powerful and efficient aluminum block 4.6-liter engine on all models
Traction control offered as an option
Revised front suspension
Disc brakes all round instead of front disc/rear drum setup
1992 Model Year
Optional dual exhaust package produces 210 hp compared to 190 for the base engine
1993 Model Year
Dual airbags become standard
Handling package offered as option
Remote keyless entry system standard
1994 Model Year
Dual exhaust standard- all models produce 210 hp
1995 Model Year
Numerous exterior changes to headlights, grille taillights etc. freshen look
Redesigned dashboard
Electronically adjustable steering optional
Redesigned seats
1996 Model Year
Upgrades to engine make it smoother
Real wood trim added to dashboard on Cartier series
1997 Model Year
Dual exhaust system dropped - power output drops to 190 hp
1998 Model Year (first year of new model)
All new model introduced
Rounder, shorter body on same chassis as before
More luxuriously appointed interior
1999 Model Year
Power output increased
Side airbags standard
7. Safety Notes
NHTSA Crash rating (‘96 model year): Driver 4; Passenger 5 (5 is best)
ABS standard on all Town Car models from 1991
Driver side air bag standard from 1990, dual air bags standard from 1993
8. Value Guide
Prices listed are for base models. Options can add considerably to the lowest price listed as these are usually "stripped" models. In many cases, very few vehicles are ever sold at the lowest price listed! Source: Kelley Blue Book
1992 Model Year
New: $32,137 to $37,265
1993 Model Year
New: $35,025 to $38,425
1994 Model Year
New: $35,375 to $38,725
1995 Model Year
New: $37,040 to $41,840
1996 Model Year
New: $37,550 to $42,600
1997 Model Year
New: $37,950 to $43,870
1998 Model Year (first year of new model)
New: $38,500 to $42,500