2006 Lincoln Town Car Model Update

Still In Town

Lincoln's Town Car is the last of a nearly extinct breed of old-school American luxury barges.

A staple of Lincoln's lineup dating back to 1981, the Town Car is what most American cars used to be — large and rear-wheel-drive, with a spacious interior, voluminous trunk, pillowy ride and chrome aplenty.

The current generation launched with the 1998 model. While the exterior has been massaged over the years to look more modern and aerodynamic, it remains a traditional Lincoln to its core.

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Lincoln is in transition, though, so the forthcoming replacement model (said to be based on Ford's front-/all-wheel-drive Five Hundred sedan) might very well spell the end of the old American luxury land barge as we know it today.

In the meantime, the 2006 Town Car remains as it ever was in its oversized glory. Updates this year are limited to an all new assortment of aluminum wheel choices and added exterior colors, including Pewter Clearcoat Metallic and Dark Cherry Clearcoat Metallic, as well as two new two-tone combinations and an added Medium Light Camel interior treatment.

Available in Signature, Signature Limited, Designer and the stretched Signature L trims, all Town Cars are powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that generates 239 horsepower. The transmission is a four-speed automatic. This is far from modern technology, as many V6 engines now produce as much or more power; and five or six (sometimes even seven) forward gears are now standard in contemporary luxury cars.

The suspension was improved in 2003. Though more reponsive, it remains ultrasoft and enables the Town Car to traverse railroad tracks and potholes with barely a disturbance to passengers. Four-wheel disc antilock brakes and traction control are standard.

Its handling could perhaps best be described as gentle, meaning the vehicle is much happier turning the corner at a stop sign than it is whipping around a curvy mountain road. Still, it performs adequately within its limits, and few Town Car buyers probably expect — or would likely want — more than that. Plus, it's impressively quiet and solid.

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The Town Car's large interior is well designed and includes comfortable sofa-like seating for up to six passengers. A wealth of features include front side-impact airbags, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a CD stereo, power adjustable pedals, heated auto-dimming side mirrors, power leather seats and rear reading lights.

Options include a power moonroof, high-intensity-discharge headlamps, a CD changer and a navigation system that incorporates a THX-certified audio array and satellite radio compatibility. Unfortunately, unlike some other large cars in its class, rear-seat riders won't be able to relax with a movie, as a DVD entertainment system along with many other contemporary features offered elsewhere remain unavailable.

All Lincoln vehicles come with regular maintenance at no additional charge for 12 months or 12,000 miles.

The Town Car is a good value, particularly in the face of deep dealer discounts and generous factory incentives. Due to the large number of Town Cars used as fleet vehicles (limos and rentals), the resale value tends to poor. However, a two- or three-year-old used version — gently driven, of course — would be an even better bargain.