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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  Better than expected & we expected a LOT - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By JohnBoy too - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This is a FUN, classy, solid, georgeous automobile!!!! NEVER would have looked at Lincoln but my 25 yr old daughter got one & my wife had to test drive! It is 2 problems though... 1)its my wifes car and I dont get to drive it NEARLY enough! But when I do - WOW! 2) Ours is 02 & 03 has 500+ improvements Just go test drive one!

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  Its A Great Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Dan Sullivan - July 5 - 1:53 pm

  its a great car, it goes very fast and i like it a lot the only thing is that it is not good in the snow but other than that i love it, it has a v8 and a very nice interior and a nice exterior look

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  Best Used Car Out There - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By JPF - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the best used car for the bucks out there. Only had a buzz in the radio but found a lose wire under the rear shelf. Besides that oil and gas are the only things this car needed to go 30K miles.

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  I hate my Lincoln - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By I hate my car!! - June 27 - 9:30 am

  I bought my car 3 years ago and it has been nothing but a problem. I will never, ever buy another Ford/Lincoln again. Everything is very costly. My car needs repairs that cost well over 2000 dollars and the stupid car is only worth 1800! I do not recommend anyone purchasing this car.

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  Most Unreliable Car I ever Owned - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Joe - June 20 - 7:13 am

  I regret the purchase. Lincoln does not stand for quality or luxury. Its just a Ford with a different emblem. Its eaten two batteries in less than 9 months. Ford & the dealer are not standing behind this flawed product. The thing is assembled in Mexico where Ford has quality control issues. The interior finishings are sub-par for a "luxury" car, but fine if it was Ford branded. The touted 1 year maintenance plan is actually a downgrade from a 3 year plan that use to be inclusive. The only good thing about the car is the smooth ride. But that is because it has a Jaguar suspension. But it also has Jaguar electrical systems which are chronically flawed, hence its taste for batteries.

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  problems - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By jthib - June 20 - 2:00 am

  side impact airbag deployed just riding down the road, transmission failed at apx. 45,000mi, poor handling for its class. nice car but very overpriced and rides more like a sports car than a sedan

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  The most underrated car in its segment - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By andy1102 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I went with the LS V6 for price reasons, and my only dissapointment is that I couldnt get the 17" rims with the 6-cylinder. Ive driven previous models with the V6 and the improvements for 2003 are very evident. The throttle actuation is smooth and the power is sometimes surprising when accelerating from a stoplight. The engine gets a bit loud at higher RPMs, but is always smooth. The ride can feel a bit soft sometimes, but, never floaty, it always feels connected to the road. The suspension is well-damped and does a great job at dealing with bumps and imperfections. While its not a hard-core sports sedan, it always stays planted in the curves.

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  Worse than my 74 Fiat - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Mike Bauer - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car was a good idea by Ford, but a bad try, flawed in execution and design. Two transmissions replaced, several recalls, stranded us several times. Spent months at a time in the dealership garage. A real lemon. If you buy one of these used (I recommend you dont!) have them run your VIN Number and get a reapir history and make them throw in an extended warranty. Car looked good, handled well, decent performance, poor fuel economy.

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  Farrell LincolnLS V8 - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Farrell D Hass - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Great Car for 35,000. I have loved my car for 2 years. I would buy another for the quality and price.

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  Love it! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By gd9704 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I leased my ivory parchment 02 LS in January of 2002. 24,000 miles later, I am still in love. This car is comfortable, quick, nimble and nice to look at. Pricey? Well, yes. But I believe that the LS is a better value than a comparable Lexus or BMW. Plus, I like the fact that its American Made and has had no problems since new!