 | 2001 Lincoln Town Car The last big rear-wheel-drive American luxury car.
By Jim McCraw,
New Car Test Drive .com |
Overview
The Lincoln Town Car is the last of its kind. It's big. A powerful V8 engine drives the rear wheels. Handling is surprisingly good. And this enormous luxury cruiser has enough interior room to satisfy even the most long-legged passengers. It boasts a smooth ride, a cabin that's easy to get in to and out of, and a trunk that allows for a plethora of luggage. Model Lineup
Most Town Car buyers will choose from the Signature Series ($41,315) and the Cartier Series ($43,700) models. (There's also an Executive Series sold primarily as a fleet car.) A 220-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 powers the Town Car. A more powerful 235-horsepower V8 with dual exhaust is standard on the Cartier and is available with the Touring Sedan option package on the Signature. In addition to the stronger engine, the Signature Touring Sedan package gets larger 235/60SR16 tires on unique 16-inch alloy wheels, a beefed-up torque converter in the transmission, a 3.55:1 rear-axle ratio for quicker acceleration, and revised springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars for a sportier ride. With more than 20 special parts designed to improve performance, the Touring Sedan package is well worth its $710 price. Also available is the Cartier L ($48,510) long-wheelbase version. The body is extended six inches at the factory, providing a more luxurious ride and more legroom in the rear cabin. Wider door openings, heated rear seats, a folding armrest with storage bins, rear audio and climate controls, mood lighting and a cigar-sized ashtray make this a luxurious ride for those with chauffeurs.
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