Why did they stop making the Lincoln Town Car?
The Lincoln Town Car, a beloved American luxury sedan, was discontinued by Ford Motor Company in 2011 after a production run that spanned over three decades. The decision to end the Town Car's production was driven by a combination of factors, including changing consumer preferences, the rise of SUVs, and the need for Ford to adapt to a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
The Town Car's Storied History
The Lincoln Town Car first debuted in 1981 as a successor to the Lincoln Continental. It quickly became a symbol of luxury and status, favored by limousine services, government officials, and those seeking a comfortable and spacious ride. The Town Car's distinctive styling, with its long, boxy silhouette and chrome accents, made it instantly recognizable on the road.
Shifting Consumer Preferences
As the 21st century approached, consumer preferences began to shift away from traditional luxury sedans like the Town Car. Customers increasingly gravitated towards SUVs and crossover vehicles, which offered more versatility, cargo space, and a higher driving position. This trend, coupled with the rise of luxury SUV models from competitors, put pressure on Ford to adapt its lineup to meet the changing demands of the market.
The Rise of SUVs and Crossovers
The popularity of SUVs and crossovers was not limited to the luxury segment. Across the automotive industry, these vehicle types gained significant market share, often at the expense of traditional sedans. Ford recognized this shift and made the strategic decision to focus its resources on developing and marketing its SUV and crossover offerings, such as the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition.
Ford's Restructuring and the Town Car's Demise
In the late 2000s, Ford underwent a major restructuring effort to streamline its operations and improve its financial performance. As part of this process, the company made the difficult decision to discontinue several of its less profitable models, including the Lincoln Town Car. The Town Car's production ended in 2011, marking the end of an era for the iconic luxury sedan.
The Town Car's Legacy
Despite its discontinuation, the Lincoln Town Car remains a beloved and iconic vehicle in the minds of many. Its spacious interior, smooth ride, and distinctive styling have cemented its place in automotive history. While the Town Car may no longer be in production, its legacy continues to influence the design and development of luxury vehicles in the modern era.
Is Lincoln going to make the Town Car again?
Yes, both the Continental and MKZ are expected to be released as 2026 models around September to October of this year. However, we still don't have confirmation on whether the Town Car will return. We should have more information by mid to late September.
Why did Lincoln discontinue the Town Car?
The Lincoln Town Car was discontinued due to declining sales, an aging platform, and the high cost of updating it to meet new fuel economy standards and modern market expectations. The model was replaced with newer crossovers like the MKT, which was aimed at the livery market that the Town Car served, and other modern sedans.
- Market changes: The traditional full-sized American sedan market declined, as consumers shifted to SUVs and smaller vehicles. The Town Car's primary customer base was also aging.
- Aging platform: The vehicle was built on an old platform (the Panther platform), making it costly to modernize with new technology and features.
- Poor fuel economy: The Town Car's fuel economy was significantly lower than government averages, and a major redesign would have been necessary to improve it.
- Cost: Ford deemed the cost of retooling the Town Car to meet modern standards and consumer demand as too high for the expected sales volume.
- Company strategy: Ford discontinued the model as part of a broader corporate restructuring plan and a shift in focus toward newer vehicle platforms like crossovers.
What year to avoid Lincoln Town Car?
Years to avoid for a Lincoln Town Car include 1998–2002 due to a decline in build quality and various issues like faulty electronics, and the 2001 model year due to specific steering and recall concerns. The 1996–2007 range, in general, is prone to cracked plastic intake manifolds that can cause coolant leaks.
Specific years to be cautious of
- 1998–2002: Several sources indicate a dip in build quality and an increase in issues like paint flaking, faulty electronics (window switches, power seats), and blend door failures.
- 2001: This model year had six recalls, with one specifically related to the potential for steering shaft separation, which could lead to a loss of control.
- 1999–2003: Some owners reported issues with timing chain tensioners.
Common problems across certain years
- 1996–2007: This range is known for intake manifold failures that cause coolant leaks. While Ford released a reinforced manifold, it is best to check for leaks and replace the manifold if necessary.
- Most model years: The rear air suspension is known to fail over time and may need replacement. This can be converted to coil springs relatively cheaply if needed.
Tips for buying
- Check maintenance history: Due to the common issues with coolant leaks and air suspension, look for vehicles with a good maintenance history.
- Inspect carefully: Check for signs of coolant leaks, listen for electrical problems, and have the car inspected by a mechanic.
- Consider later models: Some enthusiasts suggest that later models like the 2003+ have had some issues ironed out. Models from 2006 and 2010+ are also mentioned as being relatively reliable.
Is Lincoln making a 2026 Town Car?
Now here's where Lincoln never really lost its touch interiors. And the 2026 Town Car is expected to lean hard into that reputation. We're talking wood trim brushed metal finishes.
