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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  Fine fun car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rick H - January 13 - 10:00 am

  fun all around car, touch up paint 1-10 is a 1- Poor. Service Department at Vista Woodland Hills, Ca. TOP RATED, their sales department 1 to 100 they get a one, the worst sales department you can imagine (I tried it twice and was practically spit on, and did buy elsewhere twice the next day (I had good credit).

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  Awesome vehicle - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By CallmeaLincMercfan - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is an excilerating auto that puts to shame the higher priced Lexus GS 300.

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  great - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By lauren banninger - January 2 - 10:00 am

  i think this is a great car. i think that lincoln is one of the best

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  goodness - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By car salesmen - December 13 - 10:00 am

  this is a very finely built vehicle.

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  FANTASTIC - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By LS1 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  BEST CAR IN ITS CLASS

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  ls review - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By gphd - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The body hides the hidden power in this vehicle, when you pounch on the accelerator it gives a little rumble sound like youre driving a nascar, great to have an american car with a suspension that when making turns at any speed will give you the control to compliment the power.

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  Lincolns little known wonder - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By jerrym3 - November 8 - 11:13 am

  I have a 2003 TBird, and the LS is my wifes car. Except for the TBird being an attention getter/convertible, Id rather drive the LS. Since they share engines/trans, straight line acceleration is the same, but once you start hitting road bumps and taking sharp turns, the LS is the easy winner. Anyone looking for a Sports Sedan that doesnt give this car a shot is being foolish. With the folding seats, plenty of trunk space (got three 17" wheels/tires in the car). Seats are comfortable, fit finish are great (ash tray is out of line, but Ill get that fixed by the dealer). Because of the TBird, I wasnt shocked by the way this car accelerates, but you may be. Styling will never get old.

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  LS#2 - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By bob metler - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Very good ride & handling.Great heated&cooled seats.Should have MXV4+ 235/55/17 tires and LED tail lites.Drive by wire could be a problem.Window up and down buttons are a pain and should be the same as the 2000 model.Excellent paint job.

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  LS V6 Sport w/ Manual Trans - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Storm33 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been very impressed with the LS. I have owned Japanese & German sports cars in the past, and wanted something sporty AND classy - so I decided to try some Detroit steel for a change. Couldnt afford a V8, so I opted for the V6 w/5-spd manual, which helps in the performance area. This car handles better than the VW GTI VR6 and the Nissan 300 I owned! The LS corners like its on rails, and the AdvanceTrac system is fantastic when you push it too far in a corner. I have driven a 530i since I owned my LS, and I definitely prefer the Lincoln. My next car will be the V8 Sport version, though.

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  Lincoln LS is a dream - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By P_Visser - October 17 - 10:00 am

  My Lincoln LS handles excellently, has a very comfortable cockpit and all the extras a person needs. Acceleration is outstanding as is cornering and braking. It is a bit light on the back end but a bag of sand in snow makes it very responsive with the independent traction option.