New Car Review of the 2004 Lincoln Town Car Full-Size Luxury Sedan

Description: Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $41,315-$49,905
Invoice Price Range: $37,888-$45,615

Subtle changes applied to Lincoln's full-size flagship sedan last year both in package design and structural and mechanical equipment. A quick glance at the shapely styling -- slick curving shoulders, the exaggerated prow tapering to a bold chrome grille, flared rear fenders and a roof crowned by convexly curved rear glass evoking images of a Bugatti coupe from the 1930s -- looks similar to the predecessor Town Car that debuted as a 1998 model.

The form does not hint at the car's taut and tuned chassis and revised suspension elements, or the fresh layout of a spacious cabin with more room for riders and rearranged best-in-class space in the trunk. Abundant power comes from a big engine tuned with low-torque output so a driver feels the juice flowing through all four forward gears. The single-cam 4.6-liter V8 produces 239 hp and works through a smooth automatic transmission.

Trim designations for Town Car change in 2004 editions. The top-model Cartier is now called Ultimate, the Signature edition remains but entry-level Executive is reserved for fleet sales only. Ultimate adds to the well-equipped Signature a Soundmark audiophile system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, memory for driver's seat, pedals and mirrors, and front heated seats.

Further, a six-inch extension to the 117.7-inch wheelbase creates a long-wheelbase Town Car equipped with widerrear doors and more backseat legroom. This version spins out as the Executive L and Ultimate L.