2002 Lincoln Town Car Review

Wealthy folks drove luxury cars such as Packards, Cadillacs and Lincolns in the 1930s, when such autos were exceptionally big, long and often breathtaking. Those cars really stood out, especially if they had custom bodies that could be readily ordered. For instance, a 1936 Packard Twelve with a custom body by Fernandez & Darrin of Paris was simply stunning. Average wage earners were happy to own a Ford or Chevrolet. Few really big American luxury cars exist. The 1930s Packard, Duesenberg and Pierce-Arrow are long gone, and General Motors and DaimlerChrysler no longer are in the V-8, rear-drive luxury sedan market.

However, the Lincoln Town Car remains in that market. The latest version recently went on sale as an early, strategically improved 2003 model. It has the same front-engine/rear-drive layout and some of the visual impact of those glamorous 1930s luxury models. The Town Car is Lincoln's highest-selling model and remains the longest luxury auto sold in America. The Signature, Cartier and Executive versions of the Town Car are 215.4 inches long, while the long-wheelbase "L'' versions of the Cartier and Executive are 221.4 inches long. In contrast, the Cadillac De-Ville front-drive sedan is 207 inches long and the long-wheelbase versions of the largest new BMW and Mercedes-Benz rear-drive sedans are about 203 inches long.

The L models aren't "stretched'' versions of the standard cars. Rather the frame side rails are fabricated as a one-piece unit, and the roof, body sides and doors are unique stampings. The extra length of the 2003 Cartier L that I tested presented no maneuverability problems, but it barely fit in a long garage. It's hard to tell the regular new Lincoln models from the long-wheelbase ones because Lincoln disguises the extra half foot of length by using black molding along the front edge of the rear door glass to make the roof's center post look wider to allow a conventional appearance.

Most of that additional space is devoted to more rear-seat room, which puts the back seat of the L versions in the limousine class. In fact, they have more rear seat leg room than any regular production car, however, the standard-length Town Car has plenty of rear-seat room. The 2002 Town Car had good handling for a car with a cloudlike ride, and its 4.6-liter overhead-camshaft V-8 and responsive automatic transmission teamed up to deliver lively acceleration. The Town Car could have remained competitive for a few more years in 2002 form, if only because its part of the market has few competitors and it has high customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, Cadillac and DaimlerChrysler might be returning to the market occupied by the Town Car. So Lincoln decided to give the 2003 Town Car key mechanical improvements, besides a more "formal'' look.

There are subtly redesigned hood, fenders and quarter panels and a new chromed grille that stands more upright. The grille is flanked by quad-beam halogen headlights that are 60 percent brighter than the 2002 dual-beam design. At the rear, the fascia and taillamps have been redesigned for a cleaner look. Horsepower has been increased by 19 to 239 for livelier acceleration and there are a new frame, steering system and front suspension. There also are brake system upgrades and rear suspension refinements. The new Town Car is no sports sedan, but can be safely driven quite swiftly.

The front frame rails now are fully boxed sections of hydroformed steel, which is lighter and stronger than the old frame's welded steel channels. And the new rails are filled with structural foam in key locations to help control dissipation of crash energy through the frame for better offset collision performance. The stiffer frame also helps handling, as does the new rack-and-pinion steering that replaces the older model's less precise recirculating ball steering gear. Steering effort is low at parking speeds and rises progressively as speed increases.
The front suspension has a more robust design with such items as upgraded shock absorbers to sharpen handling. The revised rear suspension provides better handling and reduces the transmission of road impacts into the car's structure. It has a rear stabilizer bar, and load-leveling air springs maintain a constant ride height--regardless of vehicle load.

The more powerful four-wheel, anti-lock brake system has a new booster that provides a "panic assist'' during emergency stops. The interior is quieter, but Lincoln allows the traditional sound of a powerful American V-8 to be heard during brisk acceleration. After all, big American luxury cars and V-8 engines go together. There is a revised instrument panel, and the classy analog clock dresses up the church-quiet interior.

Dashboard controls for the sound system and climate controls are small, but there are steering-wheel-mounted speed control, climate and audio controls. Among other new items is a new dual-zone climate control system. Doors open especially wide and there is plenty of cargo space in the trunk, which has a lower, much wider opening. While the dashing 1930s luxury cars had great romantic appeal, the new Town Car easily could outperform them.

2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR

Prices
$40,270-$50,700
Likes
Roomy. Posh. More powerful. Improved steering, handling and safety.
Dislikes
Small climate and sound system dashboard controls. Long garage needed.