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 GREAT LINCOLN - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By COBRAJ - May 4 - 1:53 pm

  I was looking for a mid-full size luxury car. Compared to BMW, Mercedes and Cadillac this was by far the best selection. Ten years later Im still overjoyed on my LS Sport. My friends who bought the Bimmer and MBs have already traded their cars in due to repair costs. Over the course of 10 years Ive only had $1200 in costs not associated with the normal wear and tear. Terrific handling, comfort and creature comforts make the LS a great buy. In fact Im looking for a 2006 Ultimate edition now! Great job FLM!

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  Wasted Dollars! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By CT - April 22 - 9:40 pm

  My first 2000 LS was horrible! The car went in the shop 13 times in less than nine months. I got a 2001 LS and it has been one problem after the other also. I have always been afraid to take a long trip in it for fear of being stranded beside the road- which has happened several times. As of now, there is no air conditioning and it doesnt want to go in reverse. The repairs are numerous and very expensive! Wish I had never bought the first one and despise the fact that I got rid of the first one for a second headache! I have paid dearly to put all the miles that I have on this car.

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  American Elegance - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By BarryP - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my car. It looks great, is sporty and fun to drive but still classy and elegant. To me, its the perfect combination of luxury and sporty. Read all the reviews of the entry level and mid-level luxory cars. Then look at the quality, features, and test drive them. Youll see that the Lincoln comes out on top and will save you thousands of dollars over similarly equipped and sized foreign luxory cars. A great value!

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  Love to Drive - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By NormC - April 19 - 10:00 am

  In the 1st month it had an oil leak which was a major repair (engineering defect). Since then no problems. It is very comfortable and love to drive. It is a V6 but plenty of get up and go. I have a 3 year lease but am going to lease another year.

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  This car has guts - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Razbo - April 18 - 7:00 pm

  Love this vehicle. Its a muscle car disguised as a sedan. Quiet, comfortable ride. The luxury youd expect from a Lincoln but this car moves. No major problems/repairs. Im passing this car down to my daughter soon and Im going to miss it.

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  Dont Trust the editor. Test firsthand - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By rbpharmd - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt believe the comments presented by some of the "experts" concerning the assembly and performance (power & handling) of the LS. While I nearly bought a new 2003 5-series BMW, the bottow line was that I got, in my opinion, the best performing and handling car for the money in the LS. The only edge I would give to the 5- series is the interior.

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  LS Sport - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall very satisfied. The prep by dealer prior to delivery could have been better.

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  Lincoln LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By LS lover - April 8 - 11:53 am

  The Lincoln LS is the absolute most fun vehicle I have owned. I love taking this car on long distance trips more than I do our Lexus GS430. The seats are the absolute most comfortable I have had the pleasure of sitting in. The styling is great, the interior is even better. This is the second LS I have owned. THe only downfall I see is repair costs when something needs to be replaced. Every part on this car seems to be more expensive than the average car...including oil changes. Nonetheless, I would buy a third LS!

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  Repeat Performance - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By LS Cruiser - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This past Saturday, I traded my 2001 LS for an 03 Premium Sport. As much as I liked my last car, I like the new one even more (much more!!). The car feels more solid, the interior materials feel (and look) much better and luxorious, the transmission shifts better (and faster), and the seats are much more supportive than those in my last car. This car is an absolute blast to drive!! Well Done, Lincoln!!

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  As good as my 5 series - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By mrjwk - March 31 - 3:13 am

  I have only owned this car for 2 weeks, so I cant judge reliability yet. However, after owning 2 BMW 5 series sedans, I can say that this car is their equal in terms of comfort and performance. This may relate to my driving style, which is not real aggressive, so I appreciate that the suspension on the LS is tuned a little softer. Car is a joy to drive, front seats are very comfortable, and reports from the back seat are that there is plenty of room. The wood grain interior accents get lots of compliments. Stereo sound is excellent (audiophile option). Gas mileage is not great, but I knew that going in (still, in mixed driving, I am averaging 18 mpg). I would recommend this car.