3rd generation was just a way better vehicle. Tail lights had the Lincoln emblems, 1 hood ornament not 2. Suspension in the 3rd generation was cheaper to fix and better design. The front doors had a flip up lid for storage, 4th generation screwed that up with the push button that breaks. Chrome door handles turned to cheap painted handles. 4th gen Just a lesser car. I have been in the Limousine business for 30 years Badger State Limousine Service. Just north of you in Milwaukee. I still operate a 1999 Town Car stretch that is just Cherry. I used to run Cadillac, but GM kept cranking out crummy motors an Lincoln took over, the Town car was and still is king. 2011 the last of the American Luxury Work horse.

My 2005 signature series is still running awesome, even at 299,999.89 miles

I have a 3rd and a 4th generation Lincoln Town Car. I love them both, but the 2001 actually saved my life when I was rear ended at a stoplight. I was at dead stop and a driver plowed into me at about 25 mph. Her car’s front end was crumpled to her windshield~ her car was totaled and had to be removed via flatbed. My 2001 Town Car had been shoved forward, no apparent damage except a slight crack in the rear bumper. At that time I viewed that car as something different than a vehicle~ I realized that it was my loyal friend.

I love the 4th Gen front but the 3rd gen rear. I love the lincoln badge in the taillight. It's just classy to me..

I absolutely love the 3rd Gen body style, especially the rear.

98-02, you can see all the Jaguar influence in the design.

The round plastic arm on the outboard side of air intake snorkel AND the triangle shaped box next to engine are both baffles. They are in place to quiet the wheeze and whines of the engine as you accelerate. It cuts down on any of the noise the passengers may hear while inside car. They are on all Panther platform models from 2005 till the end of production....minus the P71 Police Interceptor package. Enjoyed comparison video. You both have nice Towncars.

I prefer the 4th gen look.

Great find! Looks like it is close in color as yours. The '98-02 isn't bad looking. Although, I still like the '03-11 body style better.

i'm sorry they lost me at no hood ornament. A Lincoln MUST have the hood ornament.

Wow that 01 interior is absolutely clean.

I prefer the 1995 - 1997 Lincoln Town Car . I like the Classic lines of the 95-97 and the seats are far more comfortable in them . I just have a hard time warming up to the 3rd and 4th gen . I only WISH LINCOLN would come back with the TOWN CAR in a very CLASSIC kind of ROLLS ROYCE way . When they came back with the CONTINENTAL It did nothing for me and I was EXCITED about the car . To SMALL for me . WE NEED A TOWN CAR

The trunk has that shelf in order clear the rear axle in this rear-drive car, which also accounts for the leg room difference compared to an Avalon. The funny tube on the engine air intake is a Hemholtz resonator designed to mute uncouth intake noises. Unlike an Avalon, the Lincoln can do some serious towing. The factory tow rating is 2,000lbs, but it shares engine, transmission, rear axle, and body-on-frame construction with the Ford F-150. Both are rated the same for towing with the standard 3.08 rear axle ratio. The tow ratings for the F-150 with shorter axle ratios show the potential of the TC with those same ratios. Due to the lack of a serious transmission oil cooler, Ford didn't increase the tow rating even when the TC was equipped with optional shorter ratios. With a proper trans cooler and a shorter gear, the TC can match the F-150 (IMO). Having those things done, along with a Class III trailer hitch and trailer brake controller, costs ~$2000. Most people won't bother, of course, but it's why I bought my 2001 TC instead of a 3rd generation Avalon. It will tow my sports car, or an enclosed trailer, or whatever. I also paid about half as much as I would have for the Avalon, so even with the towing upgrades it still cost me less. Just thought I'd toss that out there. If there is anything more dependable and durable than a Toyota, the Ford Panther (Crown Vic, Marquis, TC) is it. Panthers regularly went 500k miles in fleet service as taxis, limos, police cars, etc.

Thanks for this video. We got a 2001 Signature similar to the one shown but with a few less features(south Texas = no heated seats required). GREAT comparison.

I got a 01 town car signature touring edition used as a livery vehicle had to replace floor pans, rockers and trunk floors quarter repair and so on labor of love and took out the interior to find all the water leaks makes me happy to bring one back from the brink of the junk yard

That air peace is the balance the difference in air pressure coming in. Lots of different cars have that! I'm getting a signature series next couple weeks

The 03 and up just handle so much better. That aluminum steering axle the came up with is so much better. I've had an 03 grand marquis then went to a 01 crown vic lx and I like the 01 but it's just not nearly as good around corners

Thanks for making this video! I find myself loving the 3rd gen more than the 4th with all the stuff you point out. I'd take either of these two they're both mint!

My last four cars were Town Cars, a 1984, 1990, 2000 and now a 2006 designer. I absolutely love these cars, when I was looking for a replacement for the 2000 (2 deer strikes when my cataracts were so bad I shouldn't have been driving) I couldn't find anything that drove/rode like a Lincoln. It seemed like everything I could find either drove like a cheap sedan, a sports car or a truck. Finally found the 2006, garage kept, beautiful condition, rode like what I was looking for. The 84 (which I still own) was my favorite as far as looks, it's just in terrible condition and would cost far too much to restore but I haven't been able to be shed of it. I may be dead before my current Town Car needs to be replaced, but if not I'll be looking for the 2011 probably.

Interesting comment on the 1998-2002 headrests. They can be swapped out for Mk. VIII headreests which are taller. The swap is direct fit as the mounting posts are identical. The hardest part is getting the C-clip to release the posts.

98 to 02 is better looking imo more of a pimp mobile the lincoln badges on the tail lights better wheel options and it looks more like a lincoln then 03 and up they look more like crown vics they got more updated stuff but the 98 to 02 has more style, my humble opinion

10:49 It is at this moment, memories of the time I accidentally discovered a feature on a car I had for a few years. I walked to the car from the store loaded down with bags, and as I stood behind the trunk, preparing to put the bags down, the car beeped twice, and the trunk opened. Turns out, it was a feature. That being said, I currently have a 99 Town Car, Cartier, everything works, like driving a sofa, and I'm just fine with this.

great video of both cars, mine is a 01 with 73,681 mi. have a question, your friend has cup holder I have been looking for, can you tell me where he got it? Thank you!

I own a 2004 Town Car and I'm partial to the 4th gen myself. I'm kind of indifferent about the 3rd gens personally.

Those two chambers on the air intake duct are basically mufflers. Cold air intake systems make the air intake louder and you can hear the engine sucking in air. Those chambers on the factory one do the opposite of that. They are intended to make the air intake and therefore the engine in general quieter. Hope this helps 2 years later lol

I have a 2002 Town Car, and I like the fact that the grill is NOT attached to the hood, unlike the 2003 to 2011 cars. However, I prefer the look of the wider grill on the 2003 to 2011 cars. The transmission fluid dipstick on both of these cars is so far under the cowl, it is hard to get it out and back in to check the fluid. If you need to add some trans fluid, you need a very flexible funnel.

Yeah I had a second Gen and was looking for another but ended up liking the 4th Gen thru my search. Never liked the 3rd so much. But I do like the tail lights a bit more on a 3. Either way I got the 06 limited 70k miles. I love it love it. It's the best. Almost perfect and I sure paid for it but still happy about it id do it again.

Really informative, I hadn't realised the styling differences on this 3rd incarnation, I thought they were all the same. Thank you

4th gen which is what I have now looks so much better than 3rd gen which is my least fav of all gens. 1989 will always be the best looking Town Car to me

The tube on the intake is designed to quiet the engine noise!

Mice will absolutely chew the insulation on the underside of the hood like that when the car is in storage. If you store it for any length of time in a building which is not vermin proof then I suggest you place ample amounts of mothballs under the hood. A long time ago I had a similar experience with a Chrysler the mouse sat on top of the engine and chewed a hole in that insulation. It's also a good idea to place mothballs around the vent intake under the windshield so as to hopefully keep them out of there and potentially getting inside the vehicle.

I’m going to look at one tomorrow to buy. 2001 Cartier maroon color really clean with 180k miles. Older couple had it and it’s supposedly been very well maintained. Owner says everything works and good cold air and heat works. $2800

I like the 2006 because I don’t like that grill on the 2001 and the headlights on the 2001

Love my 05

I'll take both of them !! I have slight preference to the 4th gen like you have , but I'm very jealous of both and would take either or in a heart beat.

The 4th gen has a spot on the top shelve in the trunk to put a full spare, there is a metal loop under the carpet to attach the hook for the spare tire. The full size spare was an option in the 4th gen town car.

I'm enjoying this very much... I found a 2001 for sale that I'm thinking about picking up

I hate to admit this but I've only been in a TC one time it was an 2005. That was the most comfortable car I'd ever been in. I have a crown Vic. It's comfortable for the most part just doesn't have that plush living room couch feel.

Truly appreciate this video, considering to buy one of the two at the moment. I also had noted the 3rd gen steering wheel control has more options than the 4th gen, which I like, similar to the 2007 Navigator I have. I also like the star in the taillights.

I had a 89 town car and it was repair free, I now have a 01 for 9 years now repairs fuel pump, alternator, and replaced the air springs with Coil springs still very nice ride. Treat yourself and get one of these smooth and comfortable boats I prefer 89to 91 octane for best performance 4.6 engine.

I've always wondered why they went away from the more aerodynamic front of the 3rd generation LTC.

Will Lincoln ever reproduce the Town Car again .

3rd is prettier...IMHO. I also think Lincoln started to cutting cost in the 4th gen.

Nice I enjoyed watching. Never noticed some of the small differences.

The 06 is a nicer design.

sold a 99 for a 03 because of the steering upgrade a world of difference rack and pinion !

I’ve got the same 01 in light parchment gold. Love it !

I prefer the front end look of the 2001, which I owned once.

The extra air intake thing is to make the intake quieter that’s why it’s not on crown victoria etc town car is more luxury so they have the added air chamber to quiet it down

I have a 2007 Executive 64" "Presidential 64" stretch limo that has a full size spare tire mounted where the 3rd gen's is located. I wish I had the mini spare. Overall, I like the 4th Gen look better.

Honestly I think these are the cheapest luxury cars on the road today some say old man's car but old man must enjoy comfort and style the new Continental is crazy but I can wait my 01 is lovely.👍💪 03-11 doesn't have as comfortable a ride as 98-02 get one of these and nice cigar

I think 91 to 93 was the pinnacle of Town Cars interior, felt way more luxurious. Things went down hill with every next generation, the last one was meant to be a taxi. Between these two I prefer the exterior of 03-11 as it’s more boxy in the front. I feel like the wheels on the 98 seem to small, the pointy front also don’t go well with the rest of the car.

I personally prefer the 3rd generation....

I love to go with the 4th Generation of that Lincoln Town Car a whole lot more especially Signature L! 😎😍🤩🙌🏾💪🏾🎸💖☮✝☯🟢 #Lincoln #TownCar #CartierL #SignatureL

The biggest difference is the transmission change in 2006 (not 2003 like wikipedia says) found that out the hard way. The old transmissions werent bad pretty average but the newer 4r75 transmissions are the only cars you see with 500,000 miles up for sale like you always do.

1:30 the "jellybean" style

I like the newer generation better. For me 4th generation town cars are for the win win 😇

Anti-hoot tube on intake. During shutdown it could reverse air flow causing a whistle sound.

I 100% think the 4gen looks night and day better. I remember when the 3rd gen came out my other had a 96 towncar and thought they completely messed up the towncar until the 4th gen came out. I also own a 2005 and my mother still has her 96. My two cents. Also random thought…my 05 has auto open and close trunk yours should too. I see you popped it but then closed it by hand.

I have a 2004 Signature. I love it. We had a bad storm and I got stuck in the road I live on. I had left to get help and some 1 rear-ended it and broke my driver side rear tail light cover as well as broke the bumper and knocked the reverse sensor out. I got a great deal on it and now I have to figure out a way to fix it being on a tight budget. Any idea where I can get parts at a reasonable price? Love the video!

2001 just fine

Also AC condenser is on top of engine compared to later models where it is down closer to road

I like the design of the Mercury Grand Marquis from 1983 to 1991 with the turbine wheels as like the picture you showed ar the end. Great video btw! 🙂👍

Great vehicle I test drove one they drive like a cloud

Interestingly, my 2000 doesn't have the under hood light.

I'm going to have to give it to the 3rd Gen on styling.

The latest before discontinued especially after bringing back the Lincoln star logo hood ornament. My floor mats didn't have the logo when I had the 2006 Lincoln Town Car Signature, but my 2017 Lincoln Continental Reserve have the logo on the floor mats.

The third gen was supposed to be more European, that’s why it was more streamlined and lacking a hood ornament. The 4th gen remember that most buyers were, older people, mobsters and limo companies that all want large and imposing cars so they return to that feeling.

🔥🔥🔥

I wish they made them. They could have kept making the front wheel drive mid sized Continental with the front split bench seating option. It would be just like this but better for the city and mpg.

12:22 that "shelf" is the gas tank

17:28 that is a noise reduction tube to make the intake quieter

I didn't like the location of the temporary spaee tire is, especially when having to change out bulbs for signal which I had to do often. Better when the spare tired was on the shelf. My Continental has telescoping steering wheel which hardly use but as tilt its power/electric.

How did you get that center cup holder on the 3rd gen?

the '03-'11 looks a little better and i prefer the dash design and center console is better. I hate the plastic door handles and it doesn't ride as well as earlier chassis though

I believe those are both 3rd. Generation towncars with minor variations;)

I wonder if you could tell me where you got the cup holders on the 2001? I have a 1998 and the factory ones really do not do it. My 1998 town car does have a better ride than my 2003 town car (Cartier L), but the 2003 does have more style. I think my next town car would be a 2007 designer loaded. Hard to beat these Lincolns.

Great review. I’m looking at a 2001 signature series with only 43000 mi. That could be a good or bad thing however. The air ride is bad. That seems to be quite common in these. Do you know if the coil over conversion kit is a wise choice? Thank you again for your review.

I also never realized that Bob Rohrmam was also in Illinois. I always thought there was only one

03 to 11 is the best one then 93 to 97

I own 2001 LTC, but i cant stand it's front end with this roundy grille 'cause monumental car looks so smiley. On the other hand, i have idea that I could transfer front end from fourth generation to third generation (hood, fenders, bumper cover, headlights etc.). As for me, the perfect towncar of this body is 4-th gen exterior with 3-th gen interior and 3-th gen stoplights (with lincoln badges). Also I miss about cigarette lighters in rear doors.

The tear marks in the insulation under the hood That’s from the serpentine belt breaking not a animal

How did he get those cup holders on the other town car I need those?

The "bottom piece" is not cosmetic on my 06 25th Anniversary Edition. The fog lights were in there! On the 01 did the tire guy that sold you tires from INDONESIA use hammer-on-wheel weights instead of stick-ons? Yes, he did!

4th gen front end (bumper, headlights and hood) with 3rd gen from the A pillars back is the ultimate Town Car. Head rests on modern cars are all super annoying, if you sit with your seatback in a normal upright position (ie not leaned back like a moron), they push your head forward and strain your neck.

I like them all, but the second generation is my favorite. 🤓👍

That chamber on the intake is a resonance chamber, it helps with noise and power, kind of the same idea as blowing air over a bottle. Look up Helmholtz resonance chambers.

Third gen was 1998 to 2011.

I'm looking for center caps for a 2001 Lincoln Town Car Cartier

Gotta replace that intake manifold and those upper and lower ball joints

Gen 4

Where did your dad come from? Always wondered because of your accent

2000 Cartier L Series 325k miles, been garaged for a few years, started right up, but it's running like crap, misfiring, and I have a bad oil leak that I can't figure out where it's coming from, maybe the rear main seal, %@#/÷&*%, I'm not great at diagnostic stuff, I'm thinking of replacing the 8 coils and plugs, is that a sucker move? Cleaned the mass air sensor, didn't help, new air filter, no change....scanners not giving me a code...advice?

Which one rides the best?

What do you have?

Ford got cheap, plastic intake . It's a lot of little details I want you to think The average age of this purchaser was 61 years old and today's dollars it's about 78 Grand for the third generation and 4th generation Lincoln Town Car. They lost a contract with Cartier. That's Mickey mouse. That means four didn't want to pay. And did they pass the saving time to the consumer? No, they didn't. Henry Ford be rolling in his grave. Other than that though, I just bought this car a couple years ago. It's been nothing but a dream

I prefer the third gen town car. I like the headlight and grille design

I have always preferred the frontal appearance of the earlier version.

Ar you wiling to seel the 4 gen lincoln

The weird piece is a muffler for air intake