2008 Lincoln Town Car

Powertrain and Features

Signature L and fleet-only Executive L extended-wheelbase versions are available, the latter for limousine and livery buyers. In addition to a six-inch wheelbase extension (to 123.7 vs. the standard 117.7 inches), both offer such rear-seat amenities as a folding armrest with tissue and storage bins, four-way rear head restraints, dual power points, headliner vanity packs with illuminated mirrors and remote push-button controls for the audio and climate systems and even the front-passenger seat. The Signature L model also has a heavy-duty front stabilizer bar and heated rear seats.


The Town Car's robust body-on-frame construction is favored by most commercial and many retail customers for its durability and comfortable ride. It comes with standard variable-speed power steering, traction control and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. The standard 239-hp 4.6-liter V-8 drives its rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.


Despite its substantial size, the Town Car is pleasantly effortless to drive and amazingly quiet on the road. The steering is light with little feedback, yet surprisingly precise. Performance is more than adequate, the soft but capable suspension does a commendable job of hanging on through turns and absorbing road irregularities without being overly floaty, and the big disc brakes bring its bulk to stable stops without drama or noticeable fade, at least in normal driving. The otherwise comfortable and soft leather-trimmed front seats offer little lateral support, but no one is likely to try especially aggressive cornering in this car.

Safety and Comfort

Among the Town Car's long list of standard features are remote keyless entry and a (Ford exclusive) programmable keyless entry pad; dual-zone automatic climate control; power heated outside mirrors with auto-dimming on the driver's-side; power decklid with key fob open and close; Soundmark Audiophile sound system with six-disc in-dash CD changer; premium leather-trimmed seating; leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with wood inserts and audio, cruise and climate controls; power adjustable pedals; eight-way power heated front seats with power lumbar support; memory driver's seat, pedals and mirrors; passive anti-theft ignition key system; SmartLock anti-lockout system; and a universal garage door opener. Newly standard and highly important for 2008 is a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS).


To help protect occupants in case of a crash, every Town Car boasts Ford's Personal Safety System, which Ford says incorporates one of the most comprehensive driver and front-seat passenger restraint systems available. It includes driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags and safety belts with pretensioners and energy management retractors.