13th Jan 2013, 11:23
While these Town Cars were solid vehicles that rode better than most other luxury cars made the same year, the 1998-2011 models were just too cheapened up from the 1981-1997 cars.
Not only that, but the Town Car didn't translate well into the more aerodynamic styling. People just couldn't relate to the newer models as well as the older ones, as the boxiness was a Town Car trademark.
The Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria fared better in terms of styling, looking less bulbous and being even better deals for the money. Starting in 1998, Ford failed to provide solid differences between the three Panther vehicles and they became too similar. Why buy a new Town Car for around $45,000 when a brand new Grand Marquis offered the same experience for about $15,000 less?
Now the reviewer bought his car used, years after it was produced. He was smart and probably got it for a good price, as these vehicles depreciate quickly. They will still go for many hundreds of thousands of miles without issues and are still cheaper to maintain than other luxury vehicles. To the reviewer, keep the car for as long as possible; while not the best big cars Ford ever made, they are still superior to most import luxury cars, and are a solid bargain.
12th Jan 2013, 17:10
Your comment about people riding in the car and noticing how smooth the drive is, is so true. I drive a fully loaded Crown Victoria (same platform), and anyone who rides in my car comments on how smooth and comfortable the ride is, no matter what they drive.
A lot of people don't understand why people buy these cars until they ride in one!
On the plus side, these cars are also bulletproof tanks; 300k mileage is easy on the original engine and transmission as long as you change the oil once in a while. Can't say that about many other cars on the market these days.