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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  LS is Best Kept Secret - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By live214 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car that many peple just dont now about , better than BMW 530i. I bought mine at Kronon L M in Chicago they gave me the best price compare to five other dealers, I saved thousands.

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  My 2005 Lincoln LS (Sport) V-8 - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Doris - November 14 - 10:30 pm

  I have owned this car just a little over 4 years, and have had no problems with it. It had 21,000 miles on it when I purchased it. I am religious about maintenance on my vehicles, and thats all Ive had to do. Nothing replaced, everything is still working well at 81,000 miles. I love the way it handles, rides, and the excellent acceleration! Good enough on gas for me (20 around town; 25-26 or so highway). Since it is beautifully styled, you feel beautiful driving it. It turns heads! If Lincoln ever re- introduces it, I will definitely rebuy.

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  rinias baby - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By rinia cruz - November 14 - 10:00 am

  If you own one you will get another.

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  Americam muscle in Luxury - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By sdempsey - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Car performs as if it were born for the purpose of making deiving fun again!And yes, it does just that. Cara appearemce is of an auyomobile with a purpose. The handling is on par with Japans and Germanys best. I know, Ive been fortunate to have been an auotmobile salesman for an Audi dealer. We sold a high line used car. Imports from Audi to Lexus and all points in between. The Lincoln LSV8 doesnt have to bow to any of them!

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  Nothing but trouble... - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Igo - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I leased my LS V-8 in June 2001. Ive experienced constant problems for the first two years ranging from interior material quality to wind noise,constant steering vibration, brake problems etc. Trips to Service Department were multiple and constant due to the very low quality of work performed. Misdiagnosting the problems and ordering wrong parts were of frequent nature. Vehicle was constantly returned to me in a messy and dirty conditions.Make sure that you know if you get this Vehicle you will pay premium price but you will not get a Lexus-type service.

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  Lincoln Fun - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By viv - November 12 - 10:00 am

  I love the looks of the Lincoln LS and it is fun to drive.

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  2004 LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By MJFetner - November 11 - 5:33 am

  No complaints. Delivered with all the bells and whistles working. The perfect size for me.

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  2004 LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By MJFetner - November 11 - 5:16 am

  No complaints. Delivered with all the bells and whistles working. The perfect size for me.

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  My Lincoln LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By 4 door v6 sedan lx - November 10 - 1:40 am

  I do not like the way the front seat safety belts fasten. They are too hard since they are so close to the console.The transmission seems to jerk sometime while changing. I have advised the dealersip of this twice and they cannot find any reason it would do this and while test driving , it does not do it. The time and temp. are hard to read in the daytime.

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  Nice to look at, but VERY poor quality - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By BAR - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Very simply, constantly in the shop from the second day of ownership. Heated seat never worked, power window stopped working, lights went out, wipers went out, trim falls off, thermostat went out, seatbelt incorrectly installed, power locks went out, and on and on. I tried to be a patriot and got really badly burned. This is NOT a luxury automobile.