The Lincoln Town Car, a vehicle synonymous with American luxury and spaciousness, underwent significant re-engineering for the 2003 model year, a design that extended through the 2011 models. It shared its platform with the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, both also updated in 2003. Notably, from 2008 onwards, the Ford Crown Victoria was exclusively available for fleet sales, and the Mercury Grand Marquis ceased production after 2010. To understand the safety performance of this generation, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted rigorous crash tests on the 2003 Lincoln Town Car. These ratings are applicable to 2003-2011 models manufactured after May 2003, following a crucial airbag system modification.
The IIHS assessment involved two 40 mph frontal offset crash tests against deformable barriers. The initial test revealed a potential head injury risk due to the dummy’s head impacting the B-pillar with high acceleration upon rebound. This finding prompted Lincoln to implement changes in the frontal airbag deployment settings for Town Cars manufactured after May 2003. It’s important for owners to check the certification label, usually located on or near the driver’s side door, to determine their vehicle’s production date and ensure it incorporates this safety enhancement.
A subsequent test was performed on a 2005 Lincoln Town Car equipped with the modified airbags. The results from this second test form the basis of the safety ratings presented here, demonstrating the effectiveness of Lincoln’s safety improvements.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | A |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled in the second test. During rebound, the top of the head hit the roof rail and adjacent window frame between the A- and B-pillars. As in the first test, the driver’s seat tipped toward the door. | A |
The overall evaluation for the 2005 Lincoln Town Car in the frontal offset crash test is “Good” (G), the highest rating awarded by IIHS. This signifies a strong level of occupant protection in this type of collision. Specifically, the structure and safety cage of the Town Car also earned a “Good” rating, indicating that the vehicle’s fundamental structure effectively maintained its integrity during the crash, providing a robust survival space for occupants.
Looking at driver injury measures, the 2005 Lincoln Town Car performed admirably in most categories. Head and neck protection was rated “Good,” as was chest protection, suggesting a low risk of significant injuries to these critical body regions in a frontal offset crash. However, the protection for the driver’s left leg and foot was rated “Acceptable” (A). In contrast, the right leg and foot protection achieved a “Good” rating. This discrepancy indicates a potential area of vulnerability in the footwell region on the driver’s side.
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics were deemed “Acceptable”. While dummy movement was reasonably controlled in the second test, contact between the dummy’s head and the roof rail and window frame during rebound suggests room for improvement in occupant containment within the vehicle. The seat tipping observed in both tests also warrants consideration in future design enhancements.
Technical measurements from the crash test provide further detailed insights into the 2005 Lincoln Town Car’s performance.
Technical Measurements for the 2005 Lincoln Town Car Crash Test
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0313 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 10 |
| Left (cm) | 12 |
| Center (cm) | 14 |
| Right (cm) | 11 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 6 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 5 |
| Right (cm) | 5 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 3 |
| Rearward (cm) | 3 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 7 |
These measurements quantify the extent of intrusion into the occupant compartment. Footwell intrusion, particularly in the center and left footwell areas, was notable, reaching 14 cm and 12 cm respectively. Rearward movement of the instrument panel and steering column, along with A-pillar movement, indicate the forces exerted on the structural components during the impact.
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF0313 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 265 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 15 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.5 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 10 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.26 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 36 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 7.5 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 2.6 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 13 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.97 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.34 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 4.2 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 2.4 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 87 |
| Right | 60 |
The driver injury measures provide specific data points related to potential injury risks. Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and peak G-force at hard contact were low, corroborating the “Good” head/neck rating. Neck tension, bending moment, and Nij values were also within acceptable limits. Chest compression was moderate. However, femur force, tibia index, and tibia axial force for the left leg were notably higher than those for the right leg, aligning with the “Acceptable” rating for left leg/foot protection and indicating a higher potential for lower leg injuries on the driver’s left side.
Conclusion
The 2005 Lincoln Town Car, when equipped with the post-May 2003 airbag modifications, demonstrates a “Good” overall safety performance in the IIHS frontal offset crash test. It offers robust structural integrity and good protection for the head, neck, and chest of the driver. While the protection for the driver’s right leg and foot is also good, the “Acceptable” rating for the left leg and foot, coupled with higher injury measures in this area, suggests a potential vulnerability. Prospective buyers and owners of a 2005 Lincoln Town Car should be aware of these findings when considering overall vehicle safety. It is important to verify that any 2003-2011 model year Town Car was manufactured after May 2003 to ensure it includes the improved airbag system for optimal safety performance.
