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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  Great Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Sally Steiner - September 2 - 5:16 pm

  What a welcome change from the lumbering behemoths of Lincolns recent past. This car was really quick, fun to drive, good looking inside and had very good amenities for driver and passenger alike. White Pearl finish was awesome. I wish Lincoln would have simply kept working on upgrading the car instead of discontinuing it. Could have been a classic.

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  A Great Automobile - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By dharris - August 31 - 10:23 pm

  I have spent over 45,000 trouble free miles in this car. During this time the car has not failed to start or act up in any other way. Dealer has replaced interior door handles and headlights (due to leaking).

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  Bring back the LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By 2005 lincoln ls - August 24 - 7:20 am

  This is the car Id like to be driving forever. I could care less if sales slowed down. I bought one, and when Lincoln decides to bring this vehicle back to the lineup, I will replace mine with a brand new LS

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  fisherprice or ford, lego or lincoln - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By brian hughes - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Luxury car with a toy engine.I do tend to have the best looking car on the side of the road and the flasher are the best working part on it.My car now has oil leaking around the oring gaskets onto the spark plugs.This oil causes the plugs to foul out making my car cut out.The dealer could not find this problem that makes the cab of t he car smell like burnt oil until the warrant was over then they wanted to charge me for it.The transmision jerks hard when you first put it in gear.The dual climate control get stuck turning the heat on full blast on the driver side.Pass.side heated seat dont work.Both power rear window regulators have broke.

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  Love my LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By ccarl1 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Congrats to Lincoln on a great attempt to compete w/ the Germans. This car is fun, looks great, and is very comfortable. Only serious gripes are with the V6, fake wood, vinyl for seatbacks and headrests, and a small paint match flop. My 3.0 V6 and Getrag Manual is underpowered for this 4000lb car. The manual makes up for some of the V6s shortcomings. This car has a clean interior thats easy to use and easy on the eyes. One ext flop, my body paint doesnt quite match the fascias. I have the Silver Birch and when the sun hits the side of the car, theres a difference in the amount of metallic in the body paint compared to fascia paint.

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  LS is great American car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By likeusluxury - August 9 - 3:16 pm

  I have had a 2004 Lincoln LS and now a 2002 Lincoln LS. Bought both used, and hav out over 65,000 miles on the two. Great cars. Had 2 mchanical incidents in that time. Nothing major. Blast to drive. Safe. Would highly recommend.

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  2001 LS V8 Sport - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By mlv - August 7 - 6:40 pm

  Great car, fun to drive, great performance. Free routine maintenance for 3 years.

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  Sport is the word for Lincoln LS! - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By LS Sport - July 31 - 10:56 am

  I was all set to buy a new Lincoln Town Car, but once I stepped behind the wheel of my Lincoln LS Sport car, I was sold! My new Lincoln LS Sport drives like a Shelby Mustang, and shifts like a Ferrarri. The suspension truly gives it sports car road feel. The instrument cluster is not cluttered and easy to view. The leather wrapped steering wheel is nice to grasp and holds easy on the curve, noting that there is little sway on turns, especially at higher speeds. By combining sport features with luxury, Ford has another great product in this little Lincoln.

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  Never AGAIN!!!! - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Rocky - July 23 - 6:26 pm

  Big disappointment. 2 major transmission failures in 17,000 miles. Power rear windows work when they want to. Horrible gas mileage.

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  On my second one.... - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By bcgal29 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. This is my second LS. My first one was a 2001 Luxury model, this one is the Sport. Car handles as good as a BMW or Jag. I love my LS and plan to get a newer model soon. This ones up to 64,000 and the only major investments have been tires and front breaks.