2001 Lincoln Town Car

Redesigning of the only American-brand rear-wheel-drive, full-size luxury sedan slashed nearly 200 pounds from the Town Cars weight. Overall length of Lincolns flagship model was trimmed by three inches, though the car remained quite large. Appearance also changed markedly from the prior generation, which had been on the market since 1990. Three models went on sale, in escalating levels of opulence. The 4.6-liter V8 engine made 200 horsepower when installed in the base Executive or midlevel Signature model. In the top-line Cartier edition, the V8 added dual exhausts, which helped boost output to 220 horsepower. A Signature Touring option included the 220-horsepower V8 and a firmer suspension. A 4-speed automatic transmission was installed in all models. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes were standard. All Town Cars had traction control, leather upholstery, and a 40/20/40 front bench seat, for 6-passenger capacity. Side-impact airbags were not available. Rivals included the Cadillac DeVille, Jaguar XJ sedan, and Le Minimize