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 best car I ever owned - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rodney Smith - July 31 - 1:56 am

  This is my first Lincoln after owning two Sables. What a difference in the performance. I have the LS V8 Sport and the power is outstanding and the vehicle is very quiet free of wind noise. Appearance and styling are very good and gets quite a few glances when I drive by. Interior is very nice and the leather seats are very soft and comfortable. Stereo system is fantastic with the radio and the CD player. Overall this vehicle is very well put together and I hope to keep it for quite a while. Handling is exceptional in the rain and on snow. Very nice car.

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  LS V8 SPORT - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By RDEVERTSEN - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I PICKED THIS CAR UP ON JUNE 1ST AND DROVE IT CROSS COUNTRY WITHIN ONE WEEK. WHAT A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. PLENTY OF POWER AND GREAT HANDLING TOO. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS SMOOTHLY AND HANDLES ALMOST LIKE A MANUAL STICK. I THINK THE MAINTENANCE COVERAGE THAT COMES WITH THIS VEHICLE IS SUPERB

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  My Lincoln LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Jane & Wes Breschini - July 23 - 5:26 am

  My experience with my Lincoln LS has been very satisfactory. I had driven a GM Buick Park Avenue for 7 years and also had a good experience except, I wanted a smaller car but with the same amenities and quality as my Buick. I love this car....it is smaller in size and I ride in great comfort. I purchased it off the lot.......I had a list of what I wanted and there it was, color and everything with some extra features. I am 70 years old.

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  Superb - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Octavio - June 24 - 7:30 pm

  I tested the $55,000 BMW and decided to save $15K, is not worth to spend that kind of cash for a very similar vehicle.

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  American Luxury - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Carrie61284 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  All that I have owned has been Lincolns except once I tried something new and got an Audi A4. It was the worst car I had ever owned, nothing but problems. Needless to say I now own another Lincoln!!!

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  Very satisfied with the Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By MF - June 2 - 3:43 pm

  We use this car for trips and Church mostly, no problems since weve had it. The pick and power are a joy from start to finish of the trip. One knock is the cheep center console Linciln used which cries every time you lean on it with your elbow. Other than that no complaints at all.

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  No Real Problems - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Ducsman - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had the LS since new almost two years and have had no problems. It in the V6, black (yes, it is a pain to keep clean) w/17 chrome wheels. I rarely go anywhere that someone does not comment about how good the car looks. I would purchase another one. It is just fun to drive.

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  My Pleasure - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By gtex - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Pleasure to drive. Comfort plus performance,

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  Get a Move On! ( The Lincoln Theme Song) - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Stan The Man - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Just took my 2003 LS home. I got home about one hour after I purchased it. Not because the dealer is far away, I just couldnt stop driving it! Much more fun and much better built than my 00 LS and I thought that one was great. I dont know why this car receives such lukewarm reviews. Could it be that those who give the reviews are BMW, CTS and Acura owners and dont want to admit you can get so much car at such a great price? Dont know dont care...Varoom!

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  2003 LincolnLS - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By msteinberg - March 25 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car to drive EXCEPT in the snow. The car will fish tail.