Your car, Ms Liz...

The Lincoln Town car has always been one of those luxury vehicles that just focused on taking a person from point A-B in slow motion luxury. So what about the 1999 models? Ford has given the Town Car a makeover for the 1998 model year; is it finally a contender against the likes of the Lexus LS400, Cadillac Deville, etc.?

Driving Impressions:

Like the pre 1998 models, the 1999 Town car feels huge. Not just when taking this car for a spin on twisty roads, but also when stabbing the throttle. To explain, when flooring the gas pedal from a stop, the Town Car is hesitant to move. The 4.6-liter engine, producing a mere 205 horsepower, simply isn't enough to move this vehicle with the prowess of a true luxury car. According to specs, the Town Car is capable of moving from 0-60 in 7.9 seconds, though I am guessing it's more like 10.9 seconds. The Town Car's 4-speed automatic transmission is smooth, which does help this car get the most out of its only adequate horsepower, but it's still not enough. For a car originally retailing for more than $35,000, the Town Car shouldn’t make any compromises when it comes to luxury or performance. After all, luxury cars need to accelerate onto the freeway too, right?

At freeway speeds, the Town Car is whisper quiet and pillowy soft. This really surprised me because this is a 4,500-lb. car so the 205 horses from the 4.6-liter engine have to work overtime. Surprisingly, even when accelerating onto the freeway or up steep hills, the Town Car is kept devoid of engine, wind, and road noises.

Handling is about what you would expect from a big Lincoln; horrible. The Town car is a huge car and it feels every bit that on twisty roads. If you live in an area with twisty roads you may want to go with the Cadillac Deville, it seems to handle itself much better on these types of roads.

Inside the Town Car, a truly huge interior welcomes you. The Town Car allows the driver and passengers to stretch out in total comfort; whether they are in the front or back seats. Unlike the pre 1998 models, it seems as though the current generation town car makes very good use of its space.

The Town Car's interior isn't just huge, it's extremely luxurious. The leather is excellent and the seats are comfortable. Changes for 1999 include revised wood appliques and storage space in the armrest. Ergonomics have also improved; all the controls are right there on the steering wheel to give you easy access to all your amenities. Speaking of amenities, there are tons! A beautiful sounding sound system, power everything, climate control, and like the Infiniti Q45, there is an analog clock right above the stereo. The 1999 Lincoln Town car has front and side air bags, there are designed to provide incremental head and chest protection. Inflation time is upon impact is 30 milli-seconds!


Exterior Innovation:

The exterior of the Town Car screams "class and Luxury" more so than any American car I have seen. If these cars were more rare it would definitely prove to be more of an eye catcher. A traditional Lincoln grille, a bold and rich looking body, and a little Cartier badge, which means, "this is the top of the line Lincoln." That said, the Town Car is the most traditional and luxurious vehicle in the Lincoln line-up.

Conclusion:

Offered in executive, signature, and Cartier editions, the Town Car is a tremendous luxury buy. To get the most out of your money, I highly suggest buying a 1999 Cartier Edition with the touring package. This adds a stiffer suspension and an extra 15 hp. 15 hp may not sound like much, but trust me, you can feel all the extra 15 horses.

Other Car To Consider In Random Order:

1. Linclon LS
2. Cadillac Deville
3. Jaguar S-type
4. Cadillac Seville
5. Volvo C70
6. Audi A8
7. VW Passat W8
8. Lexus Ls 400
9. Mercedes S-Class
10. Infiniti Q45

-Happy Car Shopping!