2004 Lincoln Town Car New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Lincoln Town Car?
Lincoln shuffles trim levels for 2004. Executive now denotes limo/livery/fleet models, Signature is affixed to the volume-selling Town Car, and Ultimate replaces the Cartier in the lineup. Mid-year, a new Ballistic Protection Series debuts, a $145,000 armored version of the Town Car sold at six dealerships located in Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Florida, Texas, and California. What? Nothing in Jersey? Otherwise, aside from the late availability of Sirius satellite radio on 2004 Lincoln Town Cars fitted with a navigation system, the company reports "for 2004, new interior and exterior color combinations provide additional sumptuous selections."

Advantages of the 2004 Lincoln Town Car:

• Traditional design with rear-drive and a V8 engine appeals to retired Americans
• Huge interior and cavernous trunk appeals to Mob bosses
• Often sold at deep discounts from sticker price
• New armored car version

Objections to the 2004 Lincoln Town Car:

• Heavy rental fleet sales and livery use undermine premium status of brand with consumers
• Styling hearkens back to when whitewall tires and vinyl roofs defined luxury
• Huge size a liability in today's jam-packed parking lots

Editor's Advice:
Kitschy and fading from consumer view, the 2004 Lincoln Town Car costs too much (unless you're taking advantage of huge dealer discounts), depreciates rapidly, and appeals to few born after 1950. Still, there's a need for this beast. Hail a Crown Vic Yellow Cab? Fuhgeddaboudit! Sometimes a Town Car is the least expensive way to get from midtown to JFK!