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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  Lovin my affordable Jag - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By hhinnh - July 26 - 10:18 am

  Little known to the average consumer but the lincoln LS is on a jag base with a jaguar engine. That may explain some of the touchy behaviors and high repair track records. Just got my 2000 LS because it has bad valve gaskets/cooling system issues . Its fixed and now on the road. My husband is a mechanic so we were able to do it oursleves cheap. Its a tight squeeze in the engine compartment and requires a lot of special tools and lots of labor /time to do simple repairs (hence the costs) This has been a great car so far, though I am leery as I know the history with Jaguars reliability. So dont nock ford or Lincolns for this one, its the choice in engines and drivetrains thats the problem

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  Love It ! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Topcat55 - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Total strangers have told me what a nice lookin I have . It handles like a sports car , Ive had a few . The mid-range is quite strong & its just a great lookin " Vivid Red " beauty .

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  Everyone should drive this! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By eyerly - July 21 - 8:34 pm

  This is truly an amazing car! I have yet to discover a flaw. My LS V8 has everything I could ask for and so much more. Its never given me problems and always gets me plenty of compliments. The look of the car is so classy and elegant. This car is a blast to drive, its so quick and feels very sporty and luxurious. Why anyone would drive anything else baffles me. This car is perfect. Ive driven many luxury cars and nothing compares! This car impresses everyone that sees it. Since Ive had mine I have had at least 10 friends buy them because they envied mine. The Joness wish they could keep up with me!

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  4 wheel perfection - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Bilbo - July 20 - 10:26 pm

  Amazingly smooth, faster than the CTS I drove, better materials than the Mercedes 430S, better road tests/handling than a 540i and a LOT more reliable than my neighbors Lexus. (ZERO repairs in 100K miles and just did my first tune up and sealed coolant change as designed) AND for $36K off the lot! What an amazing car! (At track days we hit 139 mph on the 17 inch Michelins - do not tell me insurance agent plz!) and other than adding an upgraded ceramic brake pad the car performs like the Jaguar S type (engine/trans and chassis/brakes are the same) but is a sleeper in subtle but classy style. Beat Lexus for JD Powers delivery awards in 2005. PLEASE keep building them like this!

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  Love My Hot Rod Lincoln - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By DizWiz - July 16 - 7:03 am

  This car can get up and go! It is smooth to drive and handles like a dream. Three free years of oil changes and other normal mileage work helps too. The rear wheel drive gives great handling at all times. This car is my baby. I love my little black car. I hope to drive and enjoy this car for many years.

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  Nothing but problems - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By michelle - July 5 - 5:53 am

  This vehicle has been nothing but huge problems, electrical short blows out the tail lights, pieces of the interior just fall off (face plates, heater/ac vents), horn does not work, back fires from the manifold, doesnt start after the first am start, takes five cranks to get this thing running. This car should have been recalled it is a LEMON, nice to look at but not dependable at all! Poor job on this year/model Lincoln. Do not recommend unless you want to be nickel and dimed to death. Gas mileage was not even a concern it is just the odd mechanical problems this car has.

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  Unreliable piece.... - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By 2ndbest - July 3 - 4:06 am

  This was a nice ride, flashy & a sharp looking car. But thats all it has going for it. First the front lower ball joints needed replaced, they were recalled but the company wouldnt pay for mine. Then the alternator and battery needed replaced. Int and Ext lights went off outta nowhere! It overheats also. It continues to leak water from the windshield when it rains. One window regulator was replaced. The airbag light is stuck on. The sway bar still has a clunking noise. Drives terribly in the snow, get stuck every year. Love the style, just not dependable. Never again will I buy a lincoln/ford auto.

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  2002 Lincoln LS V8 (2nd review) - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By vkmaxima - June 22 - 6:17 am

  This is my second review of my LS. Ive owned it a little over a year now, and I still like it. The fuel economy is not the best, but then again it is a V8. I average anywhere from 13-15 mpg city, and 17-22 mpg highway on 91 octane fuel. In this past year Ive change all four tires, rear brakes and rotors, alternator, air filter, cabin filter, and a few bulbs. Now I have to fix both front upper control arms,spark and coil plugs,and clock-spring. I purchased this car with 167k miles, so obviously repairs were expected, but I now have 183k. Thats 16k miles in one year, I like to drive a lot. I use Pennzoil Synthetic Blend 5W-30 instead of 5W-20, it runs much smoother. Overall a good car.

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  Most Drive/Buy - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Dan Vital - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Exceptional!! Having been a Lincoln owner for 18 plus years, I personally think they got it right. We car searched and test-drove many cars above and below the LS class. I avoided the V8 because in my research I read that the LS was designed around the V6 for maximum performance and efficiency. Besides, what will 30 additional horses do, 0-60 in 6.7 vs. 6.9? I do not think there is a better dollar to performance/comfort ratio out there. Cannot say enough about how happy we are. :) Lincoln put the fun back into an auto line of sophisticated American luxury!

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  LS - More fun than I thought - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Jeffrey D Bryant - June 7 - 3:06 pm

  My daily round trip commute is about 100 miles. Accordingly, my main car, a 2004 Porsche 911, was not entirely practical for the commute - especially in stop and go traffic. The LS appealed to me as a mid-size sedan with a V8 - that was affordable (OK - if I had not already sprung for the Porsche - a BMW V8 would be in the garage - but I do have a marriage to maintain). It has delivered far more than expected 0 - 80 is fun - nice engine sound. Handling is also much better than expected. I was expecting a V8 Taurus with upscale trim so I am all around happier than I thought I would be. I arrive at work comfortable and relaxed. For the money, I do not think I could be more pleased.