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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  what a bmw in the dust? - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By EURO - July 14 - 10:00 am

  hell i had the 2002 and i thought it was amaizing after of course i added the much needed blower to that engine....i have no clue why a lot of ppl buyed the s-type jag when they could have had the same car in a LS. Whith a eaton charger, intake, and exhaust i was pushing 400hp crank and hell i loved pulling up to some kid in a coupe and showing him who the boss is. i added 18 by 9.5 on the back and 18 by 9 on front with pole position tires and put on eibach lowering spring (suspension is adjustable so no need to spend there) 2 strut bars and there you have it ladies and gents.

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  Better than expected & we expected a LOT - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By JohnBoy too - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a FUN, classy, solid, georgeous automobile!!!! NEVER would have looked at Lincoln but my 25 yr old daughter got one & my wife had to test drive! It is 2 problems though... 1)its my wifes car and I dont get to drive it NEARLY enough! But when I do - WOW! 2) Ours is 02 & 03 has 500+ improvements Just go test drive one!

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  Its A Great Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Dan Sullivan - July 5 - 1:53 pm

  its a great car, it goes very fast and i like it a lot the only thing is that it is not good in the snow but other than that i love it, it has a v8 and a very nice interior and a nice exterior look

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  Best Used Car Out There - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By JPF - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the best used car for the bucks out there. Only had a buzz in the radio but found a lose wire under the rear shelf. Besides that oil and gas are the only things this car needed to go 30K miles.

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  Farrell LincolnLS V8 - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Farrell D Hass - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Great Car for 35,000. I have loved my car for 2 years. I would buy another for the quality and price.

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  Love it! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By gd9704 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I leased my ivory parchment 02 LS in January of 2002. 24,000 miles later, I am still in love. This car is comfortable, quick, nimble and nice to look at. Pricey? Well, yes. But I believe that the LS is a better value than a comparable Lexus or BMW. Plus, I like the fact that its American Made and has had no problems since new!

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  Awesome Luxury Sedan - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Good Times - May 12 - 12:46 pm

  My brother owns a 00 LS and it is a BLAST to drive. It has that kick in the pants with agile handling. The acceleration is very responsive. As for the back window...he hasnt had any problems yet. The interior is luxurious without all the useless and confusing buttons found in the european cars. If you are looking for a comfortable sports car with room for 5 passengers, this baby is for you.

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  MM LS Shows Potential for Ford - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By MM LS in DC - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car with some flaws. I too have had problems with the rear passenger window not rolling up, heated seats went out. The paint job could have been better. Overall though I love my LS. Its Black with blacked out windows, high profile spoiler and beautiful rims. Handles like a dream. I do have a hesitation in shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Even with the select shift, the car will shift into 3rd at 3500 rpms and then drop back into 2nd for a split second. In addition there is a strong smell of gas when tank is completely full.

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  cps ls - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By cpkish - April 25 - 11:53 pm

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. I wanted to own this car since they first came out in 2000 but held off until now. With zero tolerances, now refined for the 280 hp v-8 it acts like a 350 hp car of the 60s. Very suprised that mpg delivers as advertised with such a powerful v-8. Every feature/option works as expected...no return yet to the dealer for any defect.

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  Licoln way to go! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Kevin Winter - April 24 - 7:53 am

  I purchased my lincoln LS right before Christmas last year...I love it! It is fun to drive and has many electrical ports for all you gadgets...I have not had any major problems with this car...I few steering concerns...easy fix...If you plan to buy one...do it! Lost of fun...great look...cool auto wipers, auto heat/cool seats, wood trim, and very sporty...