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:

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  Superb blend of ride, handling, luxury - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Londine - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Smooth shifting tranny, ample torque let you slot into any hole in traffic -- easily. Slick NAV. VERY easy, nice ‘birds-eye’ view split-screen, voice prompts and voice commands. Impressive sound system. Quiet cabin. High winds don’t affect the car at all, at any speed. Excellent steering ‘feel’. You sense the road texture, but no harshness or vibration gets thru. Fingertip-light at parking lot speeds (a big thing for my wife, who has arthritis), but nicely firmer at speed. Seating position very comfortable. Im 6, but had plenty of headroom, even with the moonroof, and with the seat adjusted high. Clean, elegant lines will age well.

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  Love It! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By YARNELLF - April 17 - 7:33 pm

  I purchased this car because I like luxury cars and I always wanted one! Beautiful car for drivers who are not rough drivers and know when and how to take care of a luxury automobile. You cannot take care of this car the same way you take care of a car like a Saturn, Pontiac or Kia.

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  Love my car but it is breaking me! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By csmorgan - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Where oh where do I begin? I bought this car in 2008 with 70k miles on it from the Ford dealership. I have replaced 4 coils, 4 plugs, 1 valve cover gasket seal, one headlight assembly due to a bad seal, clock spring due to airbag light (that worked for about a year now the airbag light is back on), front brake pads, and now the power steering pump is leaking fluid somewhere.

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  Noise and Brake Hell - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By C. Murias - April 7 - 8:50 pm

  Since I bought the car I had to have the front brake pads replaced, transmission fixed, back window fixed and recently the front hub barring, with only 35K miles. Before I had the brakes replaced they squealed and after the brakes were replaced they squealed and continue to squeal. My brake pedal itself makes a rubbery squeaky noise, which the dealer has told me there is nothing wrong. After taking it in about 5 times, they tell me that this is a common problem and known defect and there is nothing they can do about it. I would not recommend this car, especially if you do not want to have a car in the shop all the time. It is nice to have maintenance free car, but come on.

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  I Love this Car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By mixls00 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic car. This is also my second LS. My first was a 2000; now I own a 2003. I find that the car is reliable, responsive, and a real joy to drive. It is not the greatest car on gas, but you know what they say, "You have to pay the cost to be the boss." The sheer look and feel of elegance while driving this car totally outweighs everything else.

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  AMERICAN EXCITEMENT - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By FLOYD TURLEY - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE DRIVING THIS CAR. IT SIMPLY MAKES ME FEEL GOOD WHEN IM BEHIND THE WHEEL. THE STYLE IS NICE, THE EXHAUST NOTE IS SWEET, THE HANDLING IS GREAT.THE DOWN SHIFTS ARE A LITTLE SLOW HOWEVER. ALL AND ALL IT IS A GREAT CAR. IF I WAS TO DO IT OVER AGAIN I WOULD SAVE UP THE EXTRA FUNDS TO BUY THE V8 MODEL. THE V6 IS STILL GREAT FOR MY BUDGET.

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  Lincoln LS V-8 Sport: Plenty OK! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Bigfoot - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This ties with my Taurus SHOs as the best all-around car I have ever owned. And, I have owned Model T, MG TC, Triumph TR-2, Mazda RX-2, Ferrari Dino 246GT, 3 Taurus SHOs and many other fun cars.

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  the car is great - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By pg021400 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car after working for a lincoln dealership and it was everyt hing i had hoped for. i read all of the other reviews and people are rating this car bad because of the dealership and that has nothing to do with the actual car. if you want to down the dealership call lincoln division and let them know dont down a great car

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  The best car ever! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By TimK - February 13 - 12:10 am

  Ive driven a lot of different cars in my lifetime and this by far is the most comfortable, exciting and fun to drive car Ive ever owned. Took a road trip this summer to Vegas and didnt feel like Id just drive 500 miles. Extremely comfortable. Very nimble too, handles like a premium German automobile (Mercedes M-Class, BMW 5- series). Too bad this car is going the way of the dinosaurs in a couple of years (after the 06 model year I believe). I think the boys at Lincoln need to rethink their stand on that and continue to produce this premium luxury sports car. Id love to buy another Lincoln luxury sports car. Hope I dont have to settle for a Caddy CTS on my next car purchase.

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  Never buy again - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By VALENCIA EPPS - February 7 - 3:53 pm

  I also made the mistake of buying this car and had continuous problems from the brakes to the a/c unit. My car stayed in the shop, and I was told it would be replaced because of so many problems. The car was never replaced. So I was stuck with some problems never being fixed and some additional problems later. Parts coming loose was devastating. I will never buy another Ford or Lincoln from this experience. My automatic lights are not working properly at this time among some other things.