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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  Near Perfect - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By OSCN - September 26 - 12:00 am

  A pleasure to drive, quick when needed and handles like a sports car. Comfortabe on long trips, reasonable mileage (25 mpg hwy) for engine (V8) and performance. Only "problem," I have had to replace plug/coil assemblies. I question some of the negative comments above/below and cannot help but wonder if regular maintenance and reasonable care had been taken. My opinion, best car from Detroit in years!

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  HUGE leaps in build quality - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By dt1963 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  The 03 LS represents major improvements in build quality. The interior materials are VASTLY better. The increased HP in the V8 is quite apparent. I traded in my 02 so was able to compare the new model back-to- back with the old. Quite impressive!

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  Great 5 speed - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By user - September 21 - 1:23 am

  Great 5 speed

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  Great Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By likeusluxury - September 19 - 4:58 am

  My 2nd LS. I had a 2004 LS. I bought a 2002 LS for my daughter. Bought both used. Highly recommend. My daughter loves her car. Fun to drive. Highly reliable. Safe. Between the 2 cars have over 100,000 miles with only one issue at all. If you can get one, get it. You will not be sorry.

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  I still love my Lincoln - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By mlabeau - September 17 - 3:53 am

  I bought my LS just over two years ago with just under 25k miles. Now it has over 75k miles and it still drives like new. I did replace the brake pads with carbon/ceramic pads about 30K ago and replaced the tires. Other than oil changes, thats it. This is an amazing car. I cant tell you how much love this car.

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  LS all the way - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Joe Pelligreeno - September 8 - 10:00 am

  it is a blast to drive and own.

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  Endless pleasure - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By DS - September 7 - 7:03 am

  I look forward to every trip, great power whenever you want it, comfortable, quiet good visibility awful fuel consumption.

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  Luv my Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By ThadRN - August 18 - 10:16 pm

  Lincoln did a wonderful job when developing the LS. It is a shame it will be discontinued by the end of 2006.

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  Excellent Ride! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By JNE - August 16 - 10:20 pm

  I purchased this car used 2 yrs. ago with 34000 miles on it, it now has 62000 miles on it and I have never had a single problem with it. I have a V8 that is so fast and smooth whenever I need it to be, I love it. I wish they were still making them so I could get a newer version.

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  Good ride - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Socalteddy - August 11 - 10:43 am

  This is a good car for the money. I enjoy the ride and overall comfort. My next car will be the BMW 525. I will spend the extra money to get the higher level of quality found and performance in the BMW products. The LS was purchased because of the price point and ride quality.