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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  Awesome Luxury Sedan - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Good Times - May 12 - 12:46 pm

  My brother owns a 00 LS and it is a BLAST to drive. It has that kick in the pants with agile handling. The acceleration is very responsive. As for the back window...he hasnt had any problems yet. The interior is luxurious without all the useless and confusing buttons found in the european cars. If you are looking for a comfortable sports car with room for 5 passengers, this baby is for you.

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  great road car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By jimboh55 - May 12 - 2:20 am

  Purchased new. Wifes Car now has 102000 miles and is 9years old. Car has been a joy to drive and reliable. Have only four fixes not under warrany two window hardware fixes - head gaskets leaked oil and a differential rebuild which was my fault as I missed a fluid replacement maintenance required at 50000 -the differential started whining at about 98000 miles and found it to be full of metal filings. Have had an electrical fix and leaky exhaust gaskets (both under warranty). The only driveability problem I have noticed is that if I am going very slow in second gear and really punch it, it will go into first and stay there up to 5000 rpm. Not a major problem for us.

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  Lincoln LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By moneal - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Great fun to drive car, handles well for size.

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  MM LS Shows Potential for Ford - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By MM LS in DC - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car with some flaws. I too have had problems with the rear passenger window not rolling up, heated seats went out. The paint job could have been better. Overall though I love my LS. Its Black with blacked out windows, high profile spoiler and beautiful rims. Handles like a dream. I do have a hesitation in shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Even with the select shift, the car will shift into 3rd at 3500 rpms and then drop back into 2nd for a split second. In addition there is a strong smell of gas when tank is completely full.

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  cps ls - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By cpkish - April 25 - 11:53 pm

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. I wanted to own this car since they first came out in 2000 but held off until now. With zero tolerances, now refined for the 280 hp v-8 it acts like a 350 hp car of the 60s. Very suprised that mpg delivers as advertised with such a powerful v-8. Every feature/option works as expected...no return yet to the dealer for any defect.

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  Licoln way to go! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Kevin Winter - April 24 - 7:53 am

  I purchased my lincoln LS right before Christmas last year...I love it! It is fun to drive and has many electrical ports for all you gadgets...I have not had any major problems with this car...I few steering concerns...easy fix...If you plan to buy one...do it! Lost of fun...great look...cool auto wipers, auto heat/cool seats, wood trim, and very sporty...

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  Lincoln LS is sleeper - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Eric A. - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The Lincoln LS Sport is a tremendous automobile for the money. The performance of a Euro at a much more affordable cost.

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  Fun but small - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Kevin - April 20 - 12:40 am

  I love the look and feel of this car. It handles and performs very well. I didnt buy it for the gas milage but it is less then I expected even driving mildly around town (14-15mpg). It is not a comfortable car for a man my size to drive very far, (63" 250) But it is quiet and fun. The standard sound system is average.

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  Best value for a used luxury car & FAST - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Chris - April 14 - 5:20 pm

  I do quite a bit of driving, and sometimes, unfortunately, some quick driving on 2 lane roads when Im running late to the courthouse (Im a lawyer.) This car is prestigious, inexpensive and an absolute blast to drive. I was just rear ended the other day and Im hopeful that my car isnt totalled--I really enjoy it. I suppose if it is, Ill look for another V8 LS.

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  Fabulous - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Priley - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Fund to drive - seems to be very stable on the road - very comfortable to sit and relax on the road. The cooling in the front seats are great. I love it.