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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  Instr. Panel - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By John C - February 1 - 8:06 am

  I at times find that the speedodometer is very hard to see. It is subject not being bright enough to be seen with out a lot of strain. Other than this it is fine. You should not take your eyes off the road to read odometer.

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  World Class Sports Sedan - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By mr.t - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy driving this car. The engine is powerful yet the ride is very smooth. You really appreciate the effort that was placed in making the ride quiet. The LS handles like a fine tuned sports car. I like the exterior appearance. It is very nice without being overdone.... or "fadish."

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  World Class Sports Sedan - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Mr.T - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy driving this car. The engine is powerful yet the ride is very smooth. You really appreciate the effort that was placed in making the ride quiet. The LS handles like a fine tuned sports car. I like the exterior appearance. It is very nice without being overdone.... or "fadish."

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  Love it! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Rosi - January 23 - 8:43 am

  I bought this car in 2005 with 62k mls on it and since then it is really a good purchase. Never left me stranded or alone. Pleasure to drive, but tranny could be quicker to downshift. I had to change so far: sway bar bushings, brakes (75k mls), spark plugs, water pump hose, tranny fluid. Problem with fueling (still pending; evap hose broken or flap valve sticking). Otherwise regular maintenance, would buy again.

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  LS 2003 NEEDS WORK - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By HOWARD ROTHMAN - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have two major problems with my LS. 1. Car listed at 20/26 gas consumption. I get 15/26. Since most of my driving is city driving this is a problem. 2. I cannot see the dash in bright sun. Having a black dash is pretty but not a a smart thing. I spoke to the Lincoln consumer affairs people they made note of this and told me I wasnt the only one to complain. I consider this a safety problem.

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  Love it , Love it, Love it! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Rune47 - December 28 - 11:43 pm

  Yes, this car was built to compete with the European sport luxury sedans, and not only complete, they topped them! If not for the transmission it would have been top rated overall but slipped a bit as its not so great at low rpms. But it is one of the smoothest transmissions you will operate and on the highway it shines! Great power @ upper speeds too! This car is rated as one of the TOP 5 safest cars of ALL TIME! I love its understated elegance and the engineers put some work with the all aluminum fenders and hood and putting the battery in the trunk to acheive a 50-50 weight balance and is one of the reasons for the superior handling. The alum. J-8 eng. is sweet! The Jaguar platform too!

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  "Close " - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By chris culotta - December 14 - 1:53 am

  This is my second LS. I bought a 2000 new and the 2006 new. I call this review, "close" because just like Ford they almost get it and then drop the ball. Example, the front of the vehicle is spectacular, so is the side of the vehicle. The backend....boring. The back lights look like the were formed by the Keebler elves with a cookie cutter. Engine, wonderful. Transmission, has a mind of its own. Fit and finish ,more rattles than a maternity ward...Great comfort. The cas is a overall fun car that was overpriced by 10k.

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  V8 Sport - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By akirby - December 10 - 10:50 pm

  This car is pure driving pleasure. It handles great, has plenty of room (for four), has lots of amenities and truly comfortable seats. I find myself making excuses to drive to the store - its that much fun. V8 power is great although it launches a little slower than I would like. It plays the role of highway cruiser and hot rod equally well. Its hard to find a better value in this segment. Highly recommended.

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  Excellent in all ways. - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Glynn - November 26 - 5:00 am

  This is one the best cars I have had the pleasure to drive and own. After test driving this car I did not even want to look at any others. I used to long for a BMW or Mercedes, but no longer. I am now a loyal customer for many years to come.

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  American Icon For Pennies - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Springunner - November 25 - 6:46 pm

  $27,000 out the door with heated seats, sun roof and adj. pedals. Yes it looks like a Galant and a BMW at times. It is a steal and sure its not the greatest car on the road. However the Mercedes snobs best do a search on the Merc E350 and it is true that the Mercedes is the bomb when its not in the garage or on the side of the road. And who needs the $100 oil changes and the expense. The Lincoln takes care of you for the first 12mo/12K miles on maintenance. Yes I would like to have had more features on the inside- slightly wider seats in the front, better basic radio with less controls and a better dash layout. Sure Id like to have another 50 hp too. But Lincoln treats me like a star.