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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  Lincoln LS is a dream - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By P_Visser - October 17 - 10:00 am

  My Lincoln LS handles excellently, has a very comfortable cockpit and all the extras a person needs. Acceleration is outstanding as is cornering and braking. It is a bit light on the back end but a bag of sand in snow makes it very responsive with the independent traction option.

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  Lots of minor but expensive problems - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By lee tallent - October 11 - 4:36 pm

  This is a great looking car which is fun to drive and handles great. I bought mine used in 02 and it has been in the shop 12-15 times in the last 2 1/2 years. The extended warranty ran out 5,000 miles ago and since then I have had to replace 2 coils, Approx 180.00 each time and a third is now in need of replacement along with leaky gaskets ect (another 580.00 to repair) This is affordable luxury which I just cant afford. I am ready to trade because I wonder what is going to happen next.

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  2006 Lincoln ls v8 sport - premium - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Mark - September 27 - 11:40 am

  I just purchased a 2006 Lincoln ls v8 sport. 78k miles for $13,000. First off I cannot believe that a car that went for $45,000 just 3 years ago was this cheap! I just got out of an 06 GTO with 400 hp so I was a little skeptical of the 280 hp v8. Premium interior, sound system, power moonroof, advancetrac, heated/cooled seats, are all excellent features. Especially the surround sound . Roomy, comfortable ride! Throttle lags a bit especially in low gears, (compared to gto) very stiff sporty suspension handles nice and most other performance is as advertised.

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  Keep Duct Tape Handy - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By John from Cincinnati - September 16 - 9:53 pm

  Most of the time, I have truely enjoyed this vehicle. It was 3 years old when I purchased it, but only had 4,500 miles, so was almost like new. It is a very quiet car and comfortable. My major "beef" is with the window regulators. I have needed to have all four rebuilt! You can be driving along when a window simply falls down, off the track. I keep duct tape handy so I can tape the glass back up until the dealer repairs it again. Lincoln will not admitted that they have a serious design flaw. Very disappointing. No more Lincolns for me!

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  My Coach (Turned Into) A Pumpkin!!! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Cinderella - September 11 - 10:00 am

  What a difference a few months makes. Until very recently, I was very happy with my Lincoln LS Sport V8. All of a sudden, Im having all these problems; electrical, sliping trans, and the other day, the darn thing just wouldnt start. If its doing this at just under 13,000 miles, whats it going to do at 130,000? Im glad my LS isnt my beloved husband of 20 years or we would be gettin un-hitched!!!

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  Good Used Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By HipHop - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I was between the LS and the Lexus ES300, got a better deal on the LS so went for it - Decent power and awesome handling - There were a bunch of problems with the 00 LSs so I would recommend a newer one if funds allow, otherwise buy the extended warranty and you should be ok - I also think the car is very safe

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  i love my lincoln - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By jlvmk - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Since Ive had this car, I have absolutely loved it! The ride and the feel of it is great!

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  dont have BMW coin???? - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By bigbribri - August 13 - 10:00 am

  the car has great get up and go. But the quality can be lacking in key areas for example wtih cars computer went up in under 10k!!!!!!

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  Might have been good when new. - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By David E - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my LS in June of 2009 for $7,000. I am going to give it to the local vo-tech because it has almost no trade in value and I cant imagine what private individual this car would be good for. Almost every month I have owned this car, I have had to repair something electronic. There are more $500 - $1000 gizmos on this thing than you can imagine. I had hoped that I was getting them all repaired and wouldnt have any more problems but I am starting to replace some things a second time. This car is extremely complex. Some of the parts are designed by Jaguar. When luxury features fail, you dont just lose the feature, you lose basic functions.

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  2003 Base 6 Cyl - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By StanG - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Best Sedan of any type that I have driven. Very good power from a small 6 cylinder. Handling is better than my race ready 65 Mustang. Gas milage is really good, ~ 27mpg on the hiway.