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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  outrages repairs!! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By sweetpea18 - November 6 - 2:31 am

  I bought this car in 2009 i have put already a new transmission new selinoid new power control module my healight to replace 75.00 3 new coils and now I need to replace the other 3 the spark plugs ac line and it has a oil leak gasket this total cost has benn over $3,000.

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  Smooth and still Sporty! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Brady - November 5 - 12:43 am

  I owned an Audi A4TQ and loved the quattro but was growing weary of the maintenance. I was looking for a more comfortable ride without compromising sportiness, and a vehicle easier to maintain. The LS has fit the bill perfectly. I love the v8 power, and fuel economy has not been that bad. I also really like the interior comfort of this car, and the seats are great. The trunk could be a bit bigger. The real test came driving across central Wisconsin in a blizzard. I was cautious, but amazed at how well the rear-wheel drive and traction control handled the terrible road conditions (original Michelin Pilot with 30k miles). The LS has so-far proven to be very reliable, fun and easy!

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  lincoln ls - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By marvlus - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I like to ride of the vehicle but those bridgestone tires does not work well in rain or snow. They cause the car to hydroplane. On the interior there is very little storage space for things like CD cases and a place to set your purse.

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  Great buy, nice car - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By michaelait - October 16 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased this LS more or less blind. I went to the dealership looking at Fusions. The salesman showed this to me. I drove it and was impressed. A doctor had owned it, it is loaded, he left it very clean. I love the power of the v8 and the rear drive. The tranny is very smooth as is the acceleration. Seats, although flat, are comfortable. They are heated and cooled which is nice. The handling is exceptional, it has a very tight turning radius. It cruises very well at 85 and 90. I averaged 25.5 miles on a trip to Texas, which I thought was darned good for a v8. I have two complaints: the AM radio reception is weak, and I do experience some valve chatter during hard acceleration.

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  I love my LS! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By I LOVE MY LS! - October 5 - 2:56 am

  Bought my LS about 5 years ago and have had absolutely NO problems at all and I love it..Handles well, excellent gas mileage (24-27 MPG) and is very comfortable and fun to drive. Would recommend it! Have had several FORD/LINCOLN products and they have all been excellent cars/trucks! No Problems!

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  Oil LeakI - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By hughege - September 28 - 9:20 pm

  I took my LS to dealership regarding an oil leak problem on driveway at my home. I have 44500 miles now and still covered by warranty. The service advisor determined a recall item (hose) need replacement. Before driving off the lot, I saw a oil leak again. returned to service advisor pointing it out. He described it as a run off,after other fluids levels had been topped. I was not convinced and told him. He said drive it a few days if oil continues to leak to dealership. One week later oil puddle still on my driveway.

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  Under rated Lincoln - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By My Lincoln - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Lincoln LSE Sport is one of the most fun to drive automatic transmissions Ive come across. The car hugs the road and increases speed without any hesitation whatsoever. This Lincoln performs like a sports car. I love it. You can keep those overpriced over hyped German cars. Give me a Lincoln and an open road any day.

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  Great car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Lincolnmcluke - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, I love most everything about it. Great handling, smooth ride. Better than european buys.

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  First LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By MSWheel - September 7 - 8:23 am

  This is my first luxury sedan. Ive owned many sports cars and had trucks as my daily drivers. The latest sedan that I have owned is a 2006 Grand Prix, so my comparison will be based on that car. The LS is a very fun car and as it is used, it only has 4500 miles on it. The power level from the small V8 pushing 4K pounds is very substantial and smooth. The ride quality is very good and allows quick response during any situation and speed. As far as the interior goes I will have to agree that there should have been more effort from the designers in allowing more/better adjustments for the drivers seat, it just seems a little flat compared to the other vehicles I have had, inc the trucks.

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  ls - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By johnny boy - September 6 - 2:00 am

  overall, i am pleased. there are few concerns i have. there is not much interior space for storing things (cds, maps, etc. the ride is not as smooth as i thought, but then again, this is a sport car and not the lincoln town car