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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  My first Lincoln and not my last! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Vinoguy - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This was my first Lincoln, first LS and first 0% loan! Great sound system....it helps with the road noise. The 2004 LS seems to be more quiet. Im waiting for a major body change on the LS before I purchase another one. You can bet Ill get the premium sound system and the sports package. I have had no problems with my LS. I drive it hard and really use the brakes....which had to be replaced at 35K....which was covered under the warranty. Otherwise no repairs! It is every bit as good as a BMW, Lexus or Benz and not as much $$. My friends have these high dollar cars and the repair bills to go with them.

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  This car blows. - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By norminator - August 31 - 2:00 am

  It sucks. Its the B-team vehicle at the A-team price. Theres no interior storage room, its completely unreliable. It gets bad gas mileage. Its run out of gas on me twice indicating more than a third of a tank left. Shifting gears requires a 3 second wait time.

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  An opportunity Ford/Lincoln screwed up! Dont buy! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By totaljett - August 29 - 2:47 pm

  I purchased my Lincoln LS V6 with 67,000 Miles in 2003. I still have it today with 228,000 miles. The LS is like a beautiful lady, high maintenance and unpredictable. I will admit I cringe when looking at past repair bills but hey, whats done is done. My LS is still gorgeous and I intended to get my money back out of it. Yet Ive warned people who admire it that they had better not get one. Ive repaired things on this Ive never had to deal with before. My other car is a 2000 Infiniti Q45. Ive replaced the struts on it and egr valve.......thats it.

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  Fun car to own/head turner - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Mikewmp - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this automoble after seing a few around, after test driving several times i purchased the great automoble. Has been in the shop twice once for and accident that this vehicle held up very well during collision and those rear windows. I think other comsumers think every car they buy should be perfect and those that have problem with this vehicle can find that every vehicle is perfect in any fleet show me one. It all has to do with the dealership and the working realtionship. So far great automobile. Remember a human build it.

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  Power, Grace, Style - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By DWP22 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This car has good power, great handling, and nice luxury features. Ive only had it about a week, so I may not be qualified to rate it on reliability, but so far everything has been exactly what I expected. The buying experience was good, and the rebate and deal made this car several thousand less than the foreign competition. Travel well.

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  Mildly Disappointed - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Mildly Disappointed - August 11 - 9:06 am

  Ive owned my LS for nearly two years, having "stepped up" from a Grand Marquis. For a car prices in the upper 30s, Im not impressed. The front tires (Continentals) began severly cupping at 30,000 miles. Lincoln would only stand by a 50% replacement with Michelens. Gas mileage is signficantly less than advertised. There is no backseat room when the drivers seat is fully back. Trunk space is very"shallow, will accomodate only one large suitcase. On the plus side, the V6 does give plenty of power when passing, but sometimes lurches when backing up or starting forward. The front seat AC/Heat is a nice feature and overall the AC system cools well. I expected more from a Lincoln.

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  Ultra LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Neil Mitchell - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,handles like a Jag.Power when you need it-lots of it.Lux interior.Great sound system,easy to interpid loaded dash-everything where you need it.Sound ride,you know youre gripping the road!Id easly out performes anything in its class!

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  Never Ford again - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Poo - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This was the biggest waste of money I have ever spent on a auto. I have a 2000 with 60K miles and it is a piece of you know what. Paid $30K for it and I cant even get $9K for trade in. Please, please, dont make the same mistake as I did. No resale value at all. Brakes have been replaced at least 4 times and now it feels like the transmission is going out. Power window motors replaced twice. Windshield replaced three times due to cracks. NEVER AGAIN!!

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  Third LS 8 - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Arnholt - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This, as usual is a fine car, however, I think the system is off somewhere. When I turn the corner it jerks. It jerks quite often. None of our other cars have done this. It is not smooth on take-off (it acts like the old hydra- matic shift of the fifties Oldsmobile. I wonder if we have a lemon. No one really wants to believe me. I have loved the LS over any other car we have had. I have logged many, many miles since I was 15 and have driven almost all makes. I like the fact that when you hit the accelerator on the highway it immediately rises to the occasion. I am seventy (female) and do not drive like a woman.

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  what a bmw in the dust? - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By EURO - July 14 - 10:00 am

  hell i had the 2002 and i thought it was amaizing after of course i added the much needed blower to that engine....i have no clue why a lot of ppl buyed the s-type jag when they could have had the same car in a LS. Whith a eaton charger, intake, and exhaust i was pushing 400hp crank and hell i loved pulling up to some kid in a coupe and showing him who the boss is. i added 18 by 9.5 on the back and 18 by 9 on front with pole position tires and put on eibach lowering spring (suspension is adjustable so no need to spend there) 2 strut bars and there you have it ladies and gents.