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:

• 

  LS Review - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Tim - November 20 - 11:13 am

  The car is sweet on the highway, at 70 mph i can get 28 mpg, at 60 i get 29 mpg, at 45 i get 32 mpg. In the city i get 19-22 depending on stop lights and traffic. I wish the display showed instantaneous MPG readings, instead it just shows average. the radio plays CDs but not MP3s. Stereo Rocks, nice sound. The trunk does not always "pop" open when i hit the button, i have to lift it (really no big deal) Brakes squeak, i dont know if it would get better if i stuck different pads on it, i have not tried, but i asked about it. I should have gotten the GPS built in, but cash was an issue.

• 

  Finally, Sporty American Luxury - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By phantom - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great looking car that does not disappoint when you drive it. I have the V-6 and dont feel like Im missing any power. Its just as smooth at 100mph as it is at 50mph. Very quiet ride that is a joy to drive. The only downside I can find is the lack of rear leg room. Makes you proud to be an American.

• 

  Excellent Value - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Happy in Ohio - November 16 - 2:33 am

  My last two cars were Jags (XJ and S- Type). I thought the LS was a poor copy of the S-type, but huge rebates lured me to take a test drive . I was shocked. The 2006 LS corners and handles better than my S-Type with less wind and engine noise. The 3.9 V8 has a sportier feel than my Jags 4.0. The interior is less "euro," but still clean and luxurious, with a few nice touches my Jags didnt have. When I learned Id get an extended 6-year drivetrain warranty AND $14,000 reduction off the $43K sticker ($29,000 !!!), it was -- "duh"-- impossible to pass on such an excellent value! If you can live without a European nameplate, buy this car while they last and bank your money.

• 

  The Most Fun Car Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By vipbrettp - November 15 - 10:00 am

  In 2001 I got out of a Ford Taurus SHO and into a 2000 LS. I have to say that despite the signifigant drop in horsepower, and increase in weight (the LS weighs over 4000 lbs) the LS is still more fun to drive. I only say this as I have the 5 spd manual tranny. The engine is too weak for the automatic, which I think feels very underpowered (though newer models have steadly increased horsepower). The rear wheel drive and surperb balance make cornering a dream. Have had several interior trim issues as have been noted elsewhere. All window regulators have been replaced. I do have oil in the spark plug wells, causing the car to missfire. Now the break l

• 

  love my car - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By HELEN - November 10 - 10:00 am

  like the ride.love to drive as well as fun.Will keep this car for couple years. Then will buy a new one.with more goodies and up to date always.

• 

  It stole my heart! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Sweet-C-Phil - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Im a small business owner and expect the most value for every dollar I spend. After the minor problems I had with my first LS (2000), I swore Id never buy another though over all, the car isnt that bad. Well lookie lookie! Here I am driving another one and I must say, Ive been swept off my feet! Everything about this car is great. I feel safe and secure in this vehicle and it turns a lot of heads too! I call mine "Black Beauty!" Im glad I picked Lincoln again! I swear I can see and feel all 500 improvements on this car! My husband gets nervous when I drive "His" car. Not because he thinks Ill damage it, he thinks I may NEVER come home!

• 

  Awesome - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Fingerd - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my LS in March, 02 about 120 miles from home. Incredibly fun to drive. On a recent trip in the mountains, my 3 passengers were hanging on for life, but the LS hugged the curves as if at home. Im still breaking it in, but get >26 mpg on the interstate. Each time my wife rides in it, she comments on the smooth ride.

• 

  2005 LS V6 - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By 2005ls1 - October 11 - 11:34 pm

  Im the not so proud owner of a 05 LS V6. This car has been a royal pain since I bought it. Its got 130K kms on it now. I cant keep coils or catalytic converters on it to save my a_ _. I contacted Ford 3 times and all I got was lip service from there complaint desk. Ive been stranded so many times and spent so much money on this piece of garbage in repairs its ridiculous. I was planning on buying a MKS but after all this pain its not going to happen.

• 

  I Love This Car!!!! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Lolaj42 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  While being totally practical with room for 4 adults AND a Child safety seat, this car is an EXCELLENT sports sedan. The handling is phenomenal, and the Select Shift Transmission is great for negotiating twisting mountian roads. Power is more than adequate with passing power in abundance. Ive had absolutely no trouble in over 2.5 years of ownership and the build quality is as good as Ive ever had (15 years of prior Asian brands). This car is an absolute joy to drive hard!

• 

  Lincoln LS Luxury with attitude - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Doug - October 6 - 4:30 am

  Prior to buying this vehicle the only concern I had was fuel economy. Turns out this car does well on long trips. Just did a drive from British Columbia to Yuma return. On the average I got approx. 26 MPG. If you use the power you pay the price. Hold it under 70 MPH and youll be happy. I bought this vehicle as a lease return I cannot find anything wrong with the car, however I took it in for some minor repairs and was pleased with my treatment from Ford. I have owned about 15 new Fords over the past 30 years. I am not the least disappointed in this car. It is a treat to drive & gets lots of compliments. Handles well in snow.