Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Quietness
- Ride
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Rear visibility
Acceleration
4/10
Town Car trails the Cadillac DTS for overall performance but is quick enough. A Signature L did 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds in our test. The transmission hesitates to kick down for passing but is otherwise responsive and smooth despite only having four speeds.
Fuel Economy
3/10
In Consumer Guide testing, a Signature L averaged 16.0 mpg. Town Car uses regular-grade gas and can also run on E85 ethanol.
Ride Quality
8/10
American-luxury traditional. This large sedan has a plush, absorbent feel, yet exhibits decent body control over humps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
4/10
Town Car leans more in turns than import-brand rivals. The steering has good accuracy and road feel but is slightly overboosted. The standard traction control tends to kill power at just the wrong moment for maintaining speed on slippery surfaces. Braking is short and stable for a heavyweight, though sudden stops induce some nosedive.
Quietness
8/10
The engine is quiet even at full throttle. Tire thrum is noticed only on very coarse pavement. Wind rush rises above 60 mph, but it doesn't intrude.
Controls
7/10
The dashboard design is straightforward with simple, handy switchgear.
Details
7/10
Interior decor is a bit stuffy, though materials approach those of some costlier import-brand rivals.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)
7/10
Three on the standard bench seat, but the middle rider must straddle the transmission hump. Headroom and outboard legroom are abundant. Power-adjustable pedals are a benefit for shorter drivers. Over-the-shoulder visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars.
Room/Comfort (Rear)
9/10
Plenty of headroom and legroom, and Signature L's 45.4 inches of leg stretch is tops in class. But three adults need to squeeze here, too, and the rear bench isn't as sofa-comfortable as it looks.
Cargo Room
6/10
Most trunk space is concentrated in a deep center well, so shifting heavy objects is a strain. The spare tire stows vertically inside the right rear fender. The optional removable cargo bin contains a lid and partitions, making it rather handy.
Value Within Class
4/10
Town Car blends old-school American luxury, space, and isolation with surprisingly good road manners, all things considered. Cadillac's rival DTS is a far newer design with better performance and handling, but this elderly Lincoln still makes sense to some buyers.
Highlights
The 2010 Lincoln Town Car is the only American-brand premium-large sedan with rear-wheel drive. It comes in Signature Limited and limousine-like Signature L with a 6-inch-longer wheelbase. All use a 239-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine that can run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. The sole transmission is a 4-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, and front-side airbags. Standard features include power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather upholstery with heated front seats. Signature L models add rear audio and climate controls and heated rear seats. Among the few options are xenon headlamps and chrome alloy wheels. Newly available on the Signature Limited is a Continental Edition Package, which includes specific interior and exterior trim. Note that dealers do not stock Town Cars as part of their regular inventory. They must be special ordered for retail delivery.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium-Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have six-figure price tags.
Our Best Buys are the Hyundai Genesis, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Fisker Karma, Jaguar XJ Series, Lexus LS, and Porsche Panamera. The BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class gain gas/electric hybrid models for 2010.