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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  Great Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By marv - March 13 - 10:00 am

  LS is one of the best cars I have had in 25 years

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  nightmare experience with car and dealer - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By clp5285 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought car new in June of 2001. Has been in the shop 8 times. whining noise in engine,transmission slips, stalls, Engine revs, only likes to be driven in warm weather.Stereo has been replaced and the car paasenger side window fell into the door they let mechanic take my car home for the weekend I was called by the local police to be informed that the mechanic was out in my car at 9pm doing 60 in a 40 and that he had been drinking. When I got my car back on monday 457 miles had been put on it. Owner of dealership refused my phone calls. Another dealership finally stepped in and Ford has just agreed to take my car back on the lemon law.

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  Pretty to look at, but thats it! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By johnjohn - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car as a second vehicle to run around town in. Not too many problems the first few months, then the fuel tank dropped. (Apparently something that is common in these cars according to the service writer). Had it out and it began to snow.... not recomended for ANYTHING other than dry pavement. For only having a V-6, the requirement for having atleast 91 octane is rediculouis. $2.25 a gallon to fill this puppy up :-(

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  Great Value - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By derekzane - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I leased the v8 sport 2 years ago and it still feels like a new vehicle. This car has got to be one of the best luxury cars for the money on the street. I test drove the more expensive jag and mercedes sedans and did not find them noticeably better. I would strongly recommond this car to everyone. The only issues I have is the delay in acceleration and the fact I have had my rear windows worked on 3x.

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  owner - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Ed Vassar - February 20 - 8:46 am

  I havent found a lot I dont like about my LS. It has all the power I need and then some. I think its very sporty looking to be a four door. I like the way it handles

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  What a great automobile for the money - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By rwflorida - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I am just thrilled with this automobile. It a dream to drive. You do not hear a sound from the outside. I cannot say enough good things about this automobile. The service is also just the best. They cannot do enough for me. Plus, 3 year of service goes along with the sale. I have owned many cars in my lifetime and this one is by far the best I have ever driven.

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  Needs more power for the price - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By msmac500 - February 2 - 6:13 pm

  The car is beautiful to look at. It lacks power though. The 5-speed is pretty slow in my opinion and it makes a lot of noise without really going anywhere. When the lease comes up for renewal I may opt for the V-8 LS or go to another brand such as the Cadillac CTS which is a little less expensive for a little more car.

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  Great Compromise - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By MechEngineer - January 27 - 2:30 am

  The LS looks great in a classy understated way, and it is very comfortable on long highway runs - its a Lincoln. However, on our many 2-lane blacktop roads here in East Tennessee, its superior handling and powerful V-8 passing ability make this fine car a real pleasure.

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  Great car! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Eric - January 17 - 9:16 pm

  I bought my LS new in 2001. As of July 2008 I have 144,000 miles on it. Overall this has been a great car. Its a V6 with 5 speed manual trans. The only problems I have had are 2 window regulators (I see this is a common problem but you can replace them yourself its not that hard) and 2 ignition coils that failed. I am still on the original clutch and have only replaced tires and brakes once - at 75,000 miles. Ride and handling are great, power is adequate, and fuel economy is good. I get about 20-22 mpg in normal city driving, and have seen high 20s on freeway trips.

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  First-time Lincoln Owner - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By displacedtexan - January 14 - 6:36 pm

  Coming out of a 1995 Volvo 850; At 42 Im trying to bring the average age of Lincoln owners down. The LS is a nice balance between the Lexus ES330 (ride too floaty, styling too bland) and the Acura TL (ride too choppy, styling trying too hard). The ride is firm but comfortable; the car corners like its on rails. Styling is not exciting, but it should age well; given the performance its kind of stealth-like. Fit and finish are great, tho some materials and switchgear likely arent up to Lexus/Acura standards. Size is about perfect for city maneuvering. The 6 cyl. offers better acceleration than my Volvos 5 and I have to be careful not to get going too fast on the Interstate.