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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  Id buy another - wish the V8 had a 5 Sp - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Greg R-LSv6 - March 23 - 8:03 pm

  I am an ex race car owner/driver. I wanted a reasonably priced performance sedan. While I want the BMW M5, it is outrageously expensive. The Ls is very fun to drive, predictable, and honestly powerful enough for street driving. I look forward to every trip in that car. A key buying factor was the Gertrag 5-speed. I had to have a manual

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  03 LS - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Duff - March 16 - 12:36 am

  Never docile, and averages 20 mpg for mixed driving. Nice fit and finish inside as well as out. The perfect 50/50 front to rear balance almost makes you forget this is a rear wheel drive car, until you Shift to sport mode, and it becomes a GT Mustang! While rear leg room can get cramped, driver comfort is excellent. The heated and cooled front seats are nice. One of the best riding cars I have ever owned, and beats out the 5 series BMW I sold to get it.

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  The Drivers Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By jimb - March 14 - 12:50 am

  If this car had a better transmission and a little more power it would be nearly perfect. The V8 offers great passing acceleration and the handling is great. In addition, on an 800 mile I-70 trip I averaged 28 mpg!

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  Great road car, highly reliable - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Joe Glotz - March 13 - 9:53 pm

  Base V6, purchased new, June 2002. Trouble free since. Its a great long- distance road car, ok as daily driver. Great handling, great suspension, great brakes. Ok engine. Transmission has to think a lot; upshifts are ok, but it positively cringes at even the hint of a downshift. Over-the-road mileage is 22-23, commuting is about 19. Supposed to use 91 Octane gas.

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  2000 Lincoln LS - A Good Buy - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Lou Master - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I initially found out about this car when I received an article from Motor Trend in the mail. The article described how the car was developed. It truly caught my interest. Ended up leasing a V8 with the sport package for the 17" wheels) and the Alpine radio upgrade. Should have bought from the beginning. The first year had to have the car in the shop for several nusiance repairs (turn signal, radio hum, seat and body trim, exhaust heat shield, etc). Even though all this was covered by warranty ant they provided a loaner, it was annoying and inconvient. After this period,things have been ok.

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  The Mafia Mobile - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Thad Stovall - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a wonderful driving experience. It turns heads everywhere I go, even when Im in a drive through to get a burger. I call it the mafia mobile, for I had the LSEs windows tinted, and it has the mysterious, yet seductive look about it. The power is satisfactory. The exterior design is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. The interior is nice, too, but the glove compartment and inside storage leave much to be desired in size. I have driven a Jaguar S Type. Even though that is a prestigious, nice automobile, I cannot see how it is 10 K better.

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  Lincoln LS: There is no substitute... - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Ivan - February 14 - 12:20 pm

  The Lincoln LS is the ultimate driving machine. Affordability and extensive features makes this car attractive to any gadget man who likes toys (like the GPS) and the feeling of safety and power on the open road.

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  V8 Style is Peppy - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Gene - January 27 - 2:23 pm

  This was not my first Lincoln but it was the finest yet in a package that would fit in my small garage. I have experienced no mechanical problems at all (mileage is now at 66,000). Interior wood and leather trimming was done with great care and quality. Controls are clear. Driver 1 and driver 2 setting re-align steer, mirrors, seat, lighting and radio. The automatic headlamps and windshield wiper sensors are as good as most of the Lexus models. The instant response for power on highway access roads is impressive. The only negative is the small trunk space; on a par with the Jaguar XK series.

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  Great used luxury vehicle - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By cwo3usmcret - January 11 - 3:23 pm

  I have read the previous reviews on this car. I think this is one of the best looking cars that I have owned. The interior is very classy. I did need to have new valve covers put on, but that is normal. This is a quality car, very well built and fun to drive.

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  The 05 is even better then 02 - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Faithfull one - January 4 - 5:56 am

  This is my second Lincoln LS I loved my 02 but this one is even better. It has incredible power, handles wonderfully, and is so fun to drive.The even weight from rear to front keeps the car from nose diving when stopping fast.I was sold on it when we were doing 75mph and the truck in front of us lost his load and we had to stop suddenly. We never lost control and stopped with such ease.