2008 Lincoln Town Car

Lincoln has been making a major comeback in sales, market share and image thanks to such excellent new products as the MKZ "entry luxury" sedan, the Lincoln MKX "crossover" SUV and the soon-to-arrive, larger MKS sedan. But fans of traditional American luxury cars no doubt rejoice that Lincoln's iconic full-size, full-frame Town Car still graces Lincoln-Mercury showrooms.


The rear-wheel-drive Town Car has evolved through the years from clumsy, blocky and brick-shaped to a sleekly rounded and refined large luxury sedan that remains a favorite of fleets and limousine builders as well as private buyers who still appreciate its virtues. Yes, it is big, heavy and not especially fuel efficient (though not all that bad) at 15 mpg city, 23 highway in EPA's tougher-for-2008 testing. But its living-room comfort and quiet, smooth, pillow-soft ride is difficult to duplicate in a lighter-weight unibody car.

Models and Design

Among its attractions are outstanding roominess for six adults—best-in-class front head room, front and rear shoulder room, hip room and trunk capacity—and a lengthy list of standard features. Town Car is also the first car in history to receive the U.S. government's highest 5-Star rating in all five categories for six straight years, from 2003 through 2008.


The Town Car has been around in its current configuration for 18 years, but it benefited from a thorough suspension, interior and exterior redesign for 1998 and another for 2003. While the long-wheelbase L models added for 2000 were intended primarily for fleet and livery customers, a fair amount of private owners have also opted for its extra-commodious rear seat.


Its formal exterior begins with a chrome Lincoln signature grille under a stand-up Lincoln star hood ornament and is flanked by quad-beam halogen headlamps. Its sides are rounded and smooth, with chrome door handles and a slim protective rubber rub strip encircling the body at bumper level. Its rear fascia, taillamps and chrome license plate surround are clean and uncluttered. Its spacious cabin is lined with rich American burl walnut set off by satin-nickel accents. Signature models roll on handsome 17-inch 10-Spoke machined aluminum wheels.