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:

• 

  Luxury sedan - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Newsmellier - July 6 - 10:00 am

  a map guiding device should added in

• 

  Replaced SHO - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Scott - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 1998 SHO on the LS. Had 87,500 miles on the SHO. While I miss the SHO this is a fun car drive. Neighbor with a 99 BMW 525 was impressed with the LS. I prefer to compare to the SHO. Love it so far hope it is a good car. Considered the Lexus ES 300. Choose the LS based on additional power and handling.

• 

  I love my car! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By cyn - July 3 - 3:00 am

  We bought this car in 08, with 42000 original miles on it in immaculate condition. We went from a Chevy Blazer to the Lincoln LS. What a difference! We got the deal of the century, and couldnt be happier!

• 

  Never Ending Problems - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By VegasRob - June 29 - 2:33 am

  I wish This car was more reliable because it was comfortable and fun to drive. It got about 16 mpg, the headlights always fogged up, and the computer message center malfunctioned quite often. I had this car less than a year and it was in the shop for repairs four times and for a total of a month and a half. My extended warranty took care of my collasped driver side window, and my reconstructed transmission, but I forked over around $800 each for faulty t-stat and cracked radiator fluid tank, and shorted MAF sensor which fried my computer system in the car. The car was stolen about a week ago and the cops havent found it yet. Maybe its a blessing in disguise. Who knows.....

• 

  Lincoln LS: Disappointment - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By D Waters - June 28 - 5:13 pm

  When we first got the car, I was somewhat (not very) excited, but now Im just disappointed. There are several pros and cons. PRO: The seats are pretty comfortable in the front. CON: In the rear seats, I noticed that this strange mix of dust and dirt blows in when you open the vents. PRO: At times, when youre slowly inching along (around 30 mph), you can get 40 mpg( the average is 16 mpg). CON: the radio is awful. PRO: So far, this car seems to be quite reliable. CON: The rear seats are very uncomfortable. CON: It was way overpriced for what its worth. (another)CON: This car just cant seem to stay in competition with foreign automakers. Were soon going to switch to a Mercedes S65 AMG.

• 

  I love it - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By romaniv90 - June 25 - 2:46 am

  I bought my first LS in 2007 with 104K miles on it. Yesterday, Ive bought my second LS, and I love it. Yeah, I had some trouble with it, but its a used car with a lot miles on, so you should expect some repairs. The only problem Ive had with is it was overheating in traffic, so I went to many different mechanics, and they told me it might be a radiator, or a water pump. Eventually when I changed both of them myself, the motor on the fan broke, and that was the issue. So, I think its not the car, but some mechanics are just not educated enough.Otherwise, the car is amazing, Ive just got a black on black one with low miles, and I can tell you its something amazing for an 18 year old.

• 

  LS Review - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Robert User - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Have had a number of anoyances with electrical system. The transmisson had to be repaired the first month. Service has been poor.

• 

  good stuff - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By selvarajah - June 22 - 3:03 am

  my wife was looking to buy a slightly used BMW 740. We test drove the vehicle and found the LS to have more agility and extremely comfortable. The 740 with its sluggish performance and overly abundant seating was not practical for the extra 20K more for a USED Vehicle. Not to mention the horror stories one hears of with the electronics with German engineered cars.

• 

  Lincoln - Never Again - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By lincoln owner - June 15 - 3:16 pm

  I will NEVER own another Lincoln/Ford vehicle. I have had constant problems with it. Valves rattle CONSTANTLY with regular unleaded gas. Door handle broke off. Door/windshield leaked when it rained. AC has been a NIGHTMARE. One air vent will blow out cold air, and the other one will blow out hot. Ive spent MANY dollars on the AC, but it hasnt resolved the problem. Radio/clock display lights went off (probably a fuse). Poor gas mileage. I bought the car bc I loved how it looked. But believe me, thats the only thing it had going for it. I will never buy another Lincoln/Ford.

• 

  Lincoln LS-C V-8 Sport - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By TheHouse - June 15 - 1:13 am

  Absolutely wonderful to drive. Smooth shifting and marvelous feel on the road. Acceleration is great on the powerful V-8. Comfortable firm seats. A beauty to look at on road.