Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 1997
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is predominantly negative, with a strong consensus on poor reliability, particularly regarding mechanical and electrical failures.
6 problems reported (3 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentSevere and chronic electrical system failures
Malfunctions, gremlins, complete system issues.
- Very frequentEngine problems
Including oil consumption ("drank oil like a Prius drinks gas"), belching blue smoke, spark plug failures, and complete failures.
- Very frequentGeneral unreliability
Characterized as a constant source of problems, unable to handle daily driving, "complete piles of shit.".
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentAutomatic transmission failures
Multiple replacements under warranty, complete blow-ups, described as a weak point.
- RecurrentPoor build quality / cheap construction
Described as "cheaply made," "cutting corners," with poor quality control from the factory.
- IsolatedFuel inefficiency
Noted for very poor gas mileage, especially in older V8 models.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to identify a consensus "best" model year or trim. Isolated positive experiences are mentioned for a 1992 Fifth Avenue (noted for comfort) and a 1971 model, but these are not presented as recommendations.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Lincoln Town Car/Grand Marquis, Cadillac DeVille/Fleetwood, Ford Crown Victoria and detailed comparisons within owner discussions.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is predominantly negative, with a strong consensus on poor reliability, particularly regarding mechanical and electrical failures. The vehicle is frequently described as comfortable, spacious, and offering a smooth, luxurious ride when functional. Positive remarks are almost exclusively nostalgic, tied to specific memories of comfort or familial ownership, but are heavily outweighed by reports of chronic issues. The model is consistently characterized as a "pile of shit," "complete junk," or a "shit car" that is "cheaply made" and cannot withstand daily use. Feedback spans multiple decades, indicating long-standing quality problems rather than issues isolated to a single generation.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a lower-tier American luxury sedan. Owner feedback explicitly states Cadillacs of the early 80s were "junk" but improved by the early 90s, while Lincolns are cited as "very nice, reliable cars" through the 80s and 90s. The New Yorker is described as "very nice" in concept but "plagued with engine problems and electrical issues," making it inferior to contemporary Lincoln and later-model Cadillac competitors in terms of reliability and build quality. It is seen as a more affordable entry into full-size, V8-powered classics but with significant reliability trade-offs.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations (engine, drivetrain, trim) are recommended by the community feedback.
General recommendations
NOT recommended as a daily driver or reliable primary vehicle due to pervasive reliability concerns. Potentially suitable only as a weekend/project car for enthusiasts with mechanical aptitude and tolerance for frequent repairs. Strongly advised to avoid if seeking dependable transportation. If purchasing as a classic, budget significantly for immediate and ongoing mechanical and electrical repairs. Verify all major systems (engine, transmission, electrical) before purchase.
Remarks
The criticism is remarkably consistent across discussions referencing models from the 1960s through the 1990s, suggesting systemic, brand-wide issues rather than problems with a specific model year. The positive attribute of exceptional comfort is universally acknowledged but is presented as the vehicle's sole redeeming quality, which is ultimately negated by its mechanical shortcomings. The model is often used as a benchmark for poor reliability or excessive fuel consumption in comparative discussions. Analysis based on approximately 30 substantive owner discussions spanning multiple generations.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 36 | 1 | steering |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices1 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
1996 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 98V184000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.
Specifications
3.5i V6
3.5L 6-cylinder · 214 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 1994–1996