1991 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition 4.6 Modular V8 from North America

Summary:

Sensible large car before the disposable era of plastic parts, faulty sensors and computer modules

Faults:

Window motor/regulator.

General Comments:

Just purchased a 1991 Lincoln Town Car with 49,000 miles for $900 US. It had minor rear end damage and was traded in at a dealership, where I went to look at a 2011 Honda Civic. I remember sitting in the Civic and feeling cramped and looking out the window at the fabulous Lincoln, so we got the keys for the Lincoln.

Once seated in the leather chairs, I realized this could be a way better car. It was so airy and comfortable. It drove very well. So I had a mechanic check it over. It needed tires and brake pads and the tail light. The dealership wanted this off their lot, so I haggled it down to a fraction of the price of the Civic.

After a few weeks, here are my first impressions. It gets 10 L/100 km (24 mpg) highway easily, but I was able to get 8 L/100 km (29 mpg) cruising at 90 km/hr (55 mph) with cruise control. That's incredible for a car of this size and era. The air ride suspension is a little too floaty and jiggly on bad streets and seems prone to repair, but it's working fine and feels fantastic on the highway. City fuel consumption is double that of highway. All the windows motors seem weak. ABS system works, but it's another system to fail.

Tape deck works nearing 30 years! So does A/C! The cabin is dead quiet. Visibility is outstanding. Huge windshield, big windows, tiny pillars. The side and rearview mirrors are a bit small. It's a dream to sit in and drive. Parking seems easy, due to great visibility.

The seats are very comfortable and wide; the leather is very good quality compared with many cars I've driven (new Lexus and Grand Cherokee). Sunroof is big. The sound system is OK, it has a subwoofer. Trunk is huge. Rear seats are very comfortable, among the best I've sat in.

The dash display is digital but easy on the eyes, and dims all the way. Controls are simple and intuitive. Very pleasant but a bit too familiar in places (Ford parts bin). No touchscreens or infotainment.

With snow tires, it is still terrible in snow, don't think it has positrac. I'm comparing it to other RWD with snow tires. I'll have to weigh down the trunk, or not drive in winter perhaps.

I think this era Town Car styling has aged rather well and the car gets a lot of comments.

I will report back on reliability. Being an old car in 2020, my expectations must be realistic. My mechanics assured that these were pretty solid cars and easy to service.

So far I'd give it a 9/10.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th February, 2020

16th Feb 2020, 16:14

Nice review, and I completely agree, the 1990s was the sweet spot for cars. Good reliability from most manufacturers, probably due to cars not being too complex, but modern enough to be enjoyable.

16th Feb 2020, 22:02

The reviewers on this site who make these incredible mileage claims must be looking at the instant MPG readout on their trip computer, probably while coasting, or going downhill, and then presuming that is their MPG for the entire trip...

1991 Lincoln Town Car Cartier 4.6L single overhead cam from North America

Summary:

Excellent car for its era and technology

Faults:

In all these years I've had the water pump replaced and the radiator expansion tank replaced.

Heater core just replaced Jan 2016.

Window lifts redone also in Feb 2016 for the second time.

Power antenna just broke in Feb.

General Comments:

I LOVE THIS CAR! So comfortable and powerful. Beautiful in light metallic blue with full dark blue cabriolet roof. ACTUALLY just recharged and checked. Originally redone to new r-134 freon. Cools excellent. All systems work well and have required little to maintain full functionality. My 2011 Caddy CTS 4 has cost more!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2016

13th May 2016, 17:45

24 years! You should be commended for your loyalty!

13th May 2016, 22:47

I still have a 1968 Buick Wildcat parked in my backyard since 1984.

Is that loyalty?

15th May 2016, 03:02

Glad to hear you are having a good experience :)

One question: Single or dual exhaust?

17th May 2016, 21:26

If it's been sitting there since 1984, I would say that's neglect not loyalty.

18th May 2016, 07:41

He probably meant it's parked at his house everyday. He has had long term ownership and takes it out frequently.

29th May 2016, 02:54

Single or dual exhaust?

31st May 2016, 02:42

Hope you have an X pipe to equalize the gases.