http://www.mcsmk8.com/97-TOWN-CAR/97-TC.htmlThe term "they dont build them like they used to" really does apply to the body on frame cars. You cant say that about anything else as all new cars are built better than older cars... but when you start talking the platform the car was built on,
the body on frame is king vs the faster constructed and less costly unibody. Today full frame is gone except in full size trucks, never to return in the interest of saving a buck on the assy line. Its probably a matter of time before you see the full frames being phased out on light trucks and large SUVs too.
Right now (2013) the best vehicle made is the F-150/250/350 and the GM trucks too. Why??? Well they are still full frame. When those see their end, they will represent their own end of an era like the Town Car is now... when that happens....
Its really kind of ironic; the town car (new) was affordable new compared to non frame cars like BMW and Benz. You can argue all day long which one felt better new and had more gadgets, power, performance, etc......but take this exact town car here and put it up with a 97 7 Series BMW kept just like this, exactly like this, same miles, apples to apples...
and lets see which one is still going with less maintenance and actually has more real world life left in it. The answer is obvious, and if you think different, you just don't know cars.......