Used 2007 Lincoln Town Car

The Town Car is the last of a dying breed. This full-sized, body-on-frame, V8-powered American luxury car that once populated the driveways of the well-to-do now serves primarily as the backbone of the stretch limo business and as transportation for an aging retired population. No longer capable of competing with BMW, Audi or Lexus (if it ever was), the Town Car serves its own unique customer base: Those who prefer their dashboards simple and straightforward and their rides pillow soft. Of course, the Town Car does have its selling points, like a powerful V8 engine and a trunk deep enough to swallow four golf bags. Then again, customers looking to save some money can find many of the Town Car’s best attributes in the less-expensive Mercury Grand Marquis or Ford Crown Victoria.

Although the Town Car’s ride is probably one of the smoothest you’ll find at any price, its suspension upgrades provide it with surprisingly good road manners. The feeling encountered once behind the wheel is one of control and moderation, without the floating disconnect that plagued previous models. Power for the Town Car comes from Ford’s modular 4.6-liter V8. Although not the most powerful V8 on the market, the 239-horsepower engine has no problem propelling the Town Car’s vast bulk, nor is it short on torque. Off-the-line acceleration is strong in the Town Car, and its four-speed automatic transmission ticks through gears with all the precision of a Swiss watch. Once up to speed, wind and road noise are nearly completely shut out, leaving you in a space where conversations can almost be conducted in a whisper.

The Town Car’s prominent center console design features a vast stretch of wood that runs the width of the front panel. This places the audio and ventilation controls front and center. A nice touch is the new analog clock with chrome chaplets (those little wing-like decorative dressings) that adorns the new center stack. Legroom is more than generous, especially on the L model that has six inches added to the wheelbase.

Lincoln’s attempt to return to the squared-up styling cues from previous Town Cars delivers mixed results. The rear treatment looks great, but the new grille and front headlamps could easily be mistaken for a Mercury Grand Marquis. Signature Limited models feature handsome 10-spoke machined wheels to give the car an upscale appearance that is uniquely Lincoln. Other Lincoln styling cues include a stand-up hood ornament, C-pillar badges and the Lincoln logo embedded in the taillights.

Analog Clock
A classic analog clock returns to the Lincoln instrument panel.

Power Trunk Lid
The Town Car’s optional power-operated trunk lid means you won’t have to put down your packages or golf bags before loading them into the massive trunk.

The Town Car features dual-zone automatic air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), front and rear cup holders, power locks, power windows, illuminated keyless entry, automatic headlamps, dual-heated power mirrors, inside and left-side auto-dimming mirrors, Rear Park Assist, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD, eight-way power seats, leather seating, cruise control, tilt steering, traction control and 17-inch alloy wheels. Signature Limited models add memory for the pedals, driver’s seat and mirrors, Audiophile sound, heated front seats, leather and wood steering wheel and power trunk open and close.

Options include voice-activated navigation with THX audio, six-disc CD changer, HID headlamps, two-tone paint, a Designer Edition and a power glass moonroof.

Ford’s 4.6-liter V8 is more than sufficient to move the Town Car. Although no BMW slayer, the big V8 is quiet and vibration-free, traits most Town Car owners appreciate more than raw power. Considering the Town Car’s ponderous weight, its impressive highway fuel economy figures may make it a better choice than some similarly-sized SUVs.

4.6-liter V8
239 horsepower @ 4900 rpm
287 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17 (E85), 17/25 (Gasoline)