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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  The Only Lincoln That Matters - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By ill drive - October 31 - 12:46 am

  I purchased the LS after having to put up with a company issued Taurus. I immediately got a feel for the road again. The LS is glued to the road. It felt secure on turns even high speed ones. I purchased the V6 so the pickup wasnt great, but it was respectable for a V6. I got it in Silver with Grey Leather. The wood trim really made the interior. I upgraded to larger wheels, which gave the exterior a sporty look. As far as maintenance, it was never a problem. I had it in for regular maintenance for the 40,000 miles I had it on the road.

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  My Lincoln The Lemon - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Craig2o - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Please be careful buying this car, there are several Electrical Problems and Ford does not care. REPEATED PROBLEMS: Car does not start sometimes, locks fail and work off and on, windows stop working, headlights fill with water, interior lights stop working.

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  Unreliable Product - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Peter - October 11 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Lincoln LS V8 Sport is a very unreliable vehicle. A few days after I took the car home from the dealer 11/2009, all coils had to be replaced. Obviously free of charge since the car was covered under the NY Lemon law. I drove it for almost a year up 10/2010 when the coils appear to have failed again: the car is at a garage right now. I did manage to get 26,000 miles out of the last replacement. Otherwise I have the following issues with this car: A) it was built for people approximately 5" tall: I get leg cramps driving long distance every day (I am 6" tall) and B) its road handling is really all over the place and dangerous in adverse weather (rain, snow).

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  Excellent car for anyone - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By sheri - October 11 - 6:00 am

  I bought this car new and have no problems whatsoever. It handles nice, very comfortable on long trips and even my 30 yr old daughter loves driving it. very nice interior, roomy trunk, and it has enough power for all driving speeds. It is even good on fuel economy. Stereo speakers very good quality. I have driven this car back and forth from California to Texas and back on a few occassions and the car has given me a most pleasurable trips. It handles very well for a midsize car. I feel that anyone who drives this car will enjoy the experience, the ride, comfort and all the little extras, I have. I have had nothing but compliments on my car.

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  greatgreat - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By ritz - October 7 - 2:00 am

  great car i love the way it looks and handles. it is a great car.i am very happy with it

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  a Great Car I Love it!!!!!!! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By lillian Auspitz - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Easy handling. Great appearance.Very comfortable. Great on gas on long trips.Loads of luggage space. Love the drivers seat which moves when you get in!!!!!!!!

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  I expected nothing less from Lincoln - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Michael - September 30 - 2:20 pm

  I really enjoy this vehicle and have had no major problem out of it. I only drive it on trips and the performance is outstanding. The gas mileage is great on the road but around town not the best. I want a Town Car, which will provide the room I want.

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  A nice car, not a great car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Mudbone - September 30 - 6:06 am

  I purchased my LS 3 months ago "previously owned" with 24k miles. Its a nice car, but not a great car. The ride is firm (depending on the tires) and solid. Its big but doesnt feel big on the road. Exceptional ride on the highway - city driving is unremarkable. In the 3 months I have owned it, we have been in the shop 3 times - transmission, engine knock and noises from the steering column were the causes. You hear too many noises for a car that costs this much. I know I didnt pay sticker, but thats probally the reason the LS is going out of production - its way overpriced. I got mine for less than half of sticker after only 18 months of use.

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  great sport sedan - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By jodyak - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I love the way this car handles. It is smalle enough to get into parking space easily but large enough to carry passengers with having the luxury of having a sports car feel. I love the way this vehicle handles curves and sticks to the road. Get for driving in the mountains or just down the highway. The interior doesnt leave a lot of leg room for taller people though.

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  What a machine!!!!!! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Steve D Henegar - September 12 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this new car has been awsome. Its hard to believe that this an american made automobile. The handling and performance is almost unbelievable. My last three cars have been BMW 5 series, and I hate to say it but after buying this 03 LS my BMW days are probably over.