Overview & Reviews

When the Lincoln LS was first introduced, it was heralded as the domestic answer to the premium midsize sedans from Europe's luxury brands. At the time, the rear-drive LS had the look and the technology to compete with Europe's best in a way few American cars could. Early reviews pegged it as a 10 in terms of fun to drive, and some described it as a car that offered the roominess of a BMW 5 Series at the price of a 3 Series.

The LS had the option of a V6 or V8 and, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive configuration and well-tuned suspension, was reasonably entertaining on a back road. But as good as the LS seemed initially, the car became less appealing over the years as the ranks of newer, more competent and more luxurious entry-luxury sedans grew. With sales slowing, Lincoln discontinued the LS after the 2006 model year.

Though lacking a little in terms of prestige and refinement, the Lincoln LS is still a respectable choice for a used luxury sedan with sporting tendencies. Its pricing is lower than many competing models, and maintenance costs should also be slightly lower than those of some European cars, but don't expect the LS to be as trouble-free as its competitors from Japan.

Most Recent Lincoln LS

A midsize entry-luxury sedan, the Lincoln LS was produced for the 2000-'06 model years. Originally, the LS was available in just two trim levels differentiated by the engine equipped. The Lincoln LS V8 came with a 252-horsepower, 3.9-liter engine that moved the sedan from zero to 60 in 7.5 seconds. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard.

The less expensive choice was the LS V6. Its 3.0-liter engine provided just 210 hp but slightly better fuel economy. For this engine, Lincoln initially offered either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Standard features for both cars included dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, alloy wheels, foglights and ABS. However, a few upscale items, such as a navigation system, weren't initially offered.

At the time, we found that V8 versions of the Lincoln LS delivered smooth and acceptable acceleration. The ride was comfortable and compliant, and the LS was at its best when being used as a touring sedan rather than an all-out sport sedan. Notably, it was roomy enough to provide comfortable quarters for four adults. The interior materials were lacking in terms of quality, though, and storage space was minimal in the cabin.

Early models had automatic transmission problems, so it might be wise to avoid them on the used market. Even when that issue was addressed by Lincoln, shifts from the automatic were not exactly smooth and many customers still complained. For this reason, we'd advise any prospective LS buyer to do a thorough test-drive before making a purchase.

For 2003, Lincoln did its first major update on its midsize luxury sedan. Output for the V8 was raised to 280 hp, and the V6 added 12 hp for a total of 222. The five-speed manual that was available with the V6 was dropped due to lack of consumer interest.

Other changes that year included retuned steering (resulting in better feel), a retuned suspension (resulting in a slightly softer ride) and improved interior materials and storage. New features were also added, such as a navigation system, side curtain airbags and a THX sound system. To make the most of your used-car dollar, we suggest looking at 2003 or newer LS models.

A few other changes occurred before the Lincoln LS was discontinued. Satellite radio was added as a dealer-installed option for 2004, and Lincoln made additional improvements to the automatic transmission to improve shift quality. For the final year, the V6 version was dropped from the LS lineup.

User Reviews:

• 

  Value? Well see - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Fred S. - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Having been in the auto industry its no secret that there is no better value then a couple year old lincoln. Neighbors think you paid 40G, but beware make sure there is plenty left on your warranty. We have six monthes of warranty left and were starting to get a bit nervous. Headliner drooping, headlight covers leaking, airbag light always coming on, both rear wheels needed bearings, numerous vibrations and rattles. But I paid 45% under MSRP, the engine has been solid, my wife is happy! and it cost me less then a Taurus.

• 

  Get This Car!! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By MikeAVega - July 2 - 10:00 am

  An incredible automobile that feels like it belongs on the most challenging raceway, yet offers the convenience and luxury you’d expect in a Lincoln.

• 

  fun car - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By trectony - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I got my 2001ls8 back in oct.03 its been a pretty fun car to drive the only problems ive had was the sun roof and the rear right window just stopped working the dealership replaced both rear window motors so I wasnt to mad.

• 

  My First Ford product - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By leadfoot4 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I was always a GM buyer, however when they discontinued their RWD models, I was forced to look elsewhere. I had heard some things about the LS, so my interest was aroused. I took my wife to the dealership to test drive one. Although she wasnt initally won over by the rather conservative styling, she was impressed with the way the car handled. Its very sporty and responsive, yet is still very comfortable. Weve had the car 4 years, and the car has just over 30,000 miles. Weve had no major problems with the car. Bottom line, we really like this car, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a medium sized, sport sedan.

• 

  Airbags I agree... - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Patrick B... - June 22 - 9:53 am

  I have owned a 2000LS 3.9V8 in 2006, it had around 100K miles and had a fatal wreck...I coded out twice on the way to the hosp., yes I slid off the road and into a ditch, rolled into a tumble, in to a tree...Photos upon request, NO airbag deployment at all. 24days in the hospital, many broken bones yet IF I would have been in a foreign vehicle, I truely feel that I would not be alive. I just purchased my used 2005LS V8 with 60K mile on it and feel safer now then ever before. regardless of airbags, this is a very safe car. so I do agree with "Stacy M" "have airbags checked" and Lincoln please bring the LS back. Patrick...

• 

  Great Improvement over 2001 - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By drcaveman - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my V8 premium sport so realiabilty is more based on the safety recall for imporperly heat treated wheels, and transmission that wont shift smootly into third after 1500 miles. To sum this car up in one easy statement. It Rides like a Lincoln and Handles like a BMW. There are still a few points that remind me that I am in an American, which is not a bad thing. For example, Great low end torgue, a super smooth ride, and lots of neat features, that dont overwhelm IE BMWs I drive.

• 

  2001 LS V6 Auto - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Peter - June 7 - 9:30 pm

  The LS is a great car, I have very few complaints other that the V6 with auto is a bit underpowered. I just dont feel a real punch from it. Also the steering is a little too overassisted for my tastes, I prefer a little better road feel. Starting the car presents another problem not just with mine either, all LSs almost never start on the first try in a cold start. It takes some cranking. Cornering ablilty is top notch however and everything else about the car is wonderful.

• 

  After two years - Still Great - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By sawmill - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought the LS non-sport V8 in February, 2000. Although the dealer experience was the worst anyone could possibly imagine, the Execs at Lincoln fixed the problems. The car had its own set of early-build quality problems - which also were all couteously repaired by a different dealer. But now, for about a year and a half, the car gets better and better as the tranny and engine wear-in. The car is still silent as a tomb inside, gas mileage improves with age, and the Firestone Firehawk tires hold up and hold on to the road beautifully. Paint still looks showroom- new, and the cars styling standout in Beverly Hills as well as the desert highways.

• 

  Couch on Wheels - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By sanger92 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. Never get tired of being in it. Almost drives itself.

• 

  lincoln ls - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By blake - May 14 - 10:00 am

  simply over priced,and extreamly over rated.i experienced nothing but costly problems and the lincoln service is not swell,unless your the type of person that like to be without a car!..lol. overall looks,id have to say the car looks sporty and classy.