The 1987 Lincoln Town Car is a full-size luxury sedan built for smooth highway cruising, a soft ride, and classic American comfort. Positioned as Lincoln’s flagship sedan, it appealed to buyers who wanted limousine-like space without stepping up to a true limo or chauffeur service. For 1987, it sits in the boxy, body-on-frame era that many shoppers seek today for its traditional styling and easygoing driving feel. It’s ideal for collectors, weekend cruisers, and anyone who values comfort, simplicity, and a relaxed V8 driving experience over modern handling.

1) V8 POWERTRAIN: Most 1987 Town Cars were equipped with Ford’s 5.0L V8 (302 cu in) paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, tuned for low-stress cruising rather than quick acceleration. 2) BODY-ON-FRAME PLATFORM: Traditional construction helps deliver a cushioned ride and can make certain repairs (like suspension and underbody work) more straightforward than on modern unibody sedans. 3) FULL-SIZE COMFORT: Wide bench-style seating (often with plush upholstery), a roomy rear seat, and a large trunk make this a practical classic for longer trips. 4) LUXURY EQUIPMENT: Depending on trim and options, many examples include power seats, power windows/locks, cruise control, and premium audio features typical of late-1980s Lincoln comfort. 5) SMOOTH, QUIET ROAD MANNERS: The Town Car’s steering and suspension tuning prioritize isolation and ease, which is a core reason these cars remain popular for relaxed driving.

Shoppers researching 1987 Lincoln Town Car reliability often find that the drivetrain can be durable when maintained, but age-related and system-specific issues are common on surviving cars. Here are common complaints associated with “1987 Lincoln Town Car problems” and “1987 Lincoln Town Car common issues”: 1) AOD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT ISSUES: Some owners report delayed shifts, slipping, or inconsistent shifting, often linked to throttle valve (TV) cable adjustment, wear, or neglected fluid service. Symptoms can show up anywhere from 80,000–140,000 miles, and driving with an incorrectly set TV cable can accelerate internal wear. 2) EEC-IV SENSOR AND DRIVEABILITY FAULTS: Rough idle, stumbling on acceleration, or poor fuel economy can be caused by aging sensors and controls (such as the throttle position sensor, idle air control, MAP/BARO-related inputs depending on configuration, vacuum leaks, or aging ignition components). These complaints commonly appear as the car ages, even at relatively modest mileage if rubber lines and connectors have deteriorated. 3) AIR SUSPENSION (IF EQUIPPED) SAGGING OR COMPRESSOR PROBLEMS: Some Town Cars were equipped with rear air leveling. With age, air springs can leak, height sensors can misread, or compressors can run constantly and fail. Owners often notice rear sagging after parking overnight, or a compressor that cycles frequently. 4) COOLING SYSTEM AGING: Overheating risks often come from old radiators, weak fan clutches, tired hoses, or neglected coolant. Many classic Town Cars run cool and steady when refreshed, but a neglected cooling system can create reliability headaches, especially in hot weather or slow traffic.