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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  My LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By My Lincoln LS - June 5 - 7:23 pm

  I purchased this Lincoln LS after owning Mercury Grand Marquis for 20 years. At first when I got into this car I felt a little awkward - it was smaller. Oh But just a few test drives and it caught me, with the beauty, the go, the style and one thing that I have always like and that was rear wheel drive. When I was looking to purchase I had looked and test drove the Grand Marquis, Ford 500, Mercury Montego and the Buick LaCross - non made me feel as comfortable in it like this one did.

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  Love My Lincoln LS! - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By hynqween - May 30 - 5:50 am

  I LOVE my Lincoln LS and will purchase another after this one. EXCELLENT Lincoln customer service no matter where I go... and moved from Southern California to Missouri. My first four door car and I wouldnt settle! Very beautiful car.

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  Road car heaven - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Ian - May 24 - 2:56 am

  This is the car I have been looking for. In a world of front wheel drive sedans the rear wheel LS is a breath of fresh air. I had the fortunate experience of driving my new LS back to back wih my brother in laws BMW 535 IX. The BMW was a little faster, a little quieter and a little more agile - but not by much. Certainly not enough to justify the huge price difference. The LS handles well and looks good. I had the pleasure of driving a 2003 V6 model on a solo road trip from Florida to Michigan a few years ago and never tired of getting back in after a long days drive. A great drivers car. My 2006 V8 is even better and I like it more each time I drive it.

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  1 Week into 2002 V8 LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By RonW - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the LS this week and had the following problems pior to delivery. 1.Top of the line stereo dead from the factory...no power so I am not sure how it sounds. Was this car tested ? 2.Water inside the right front light housing, keep in mind car not even serviced yet. 3.Opps factory forgot to put floor mats in this baby..Come on Lincoln ! 4.While test driving the LS sounds as if someone left a set of keys inside the drivers door..Great rattles Lincoln ! Still not delivered. 5.While test driving the LS computer screaming at me to change A/C filter and 0% oil life left on the test drive. LS still in service for repairs and have not even taken delivery yet.

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  Still Fun to Drive - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By markl - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the V8 LS in the first model year. Other than a couple of minor (i.e. < 1/2 day) warranty repairs, its been a great vehicle to own and maintain. Ive put 56,000 miles on it so far and Im having as much fun driving it today as I did the day I bought it. The handling is just superb and the ride is great.

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  GAS GOBBLER - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By billy d - May 6 - 12:33 am

  I just bought a Lincoln LS 2003 V8 and man does it drink da gas. Im using 93 octane and can only afford to drive around da block. I want to put 20" inch wheels on it but I dont even know if I am going to have it this long cause I cant afford da gas. Please tell me if any one is having the same problems. Ive drove V8s before but this is a bit crazy over 3 days I spent almost 100 bucks in gas and only went around the corner. Yea its nice inside but the sits are not right for me I am 64 and it seems like it was built for 58 person.

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  They STILL Dont Believe Its A Lincoln - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Stan The Man - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Its been almost 2 years since I got my LS Sport (V8). Even now, people still ask me what kind of car it is because of the way it looks and performs. Its the best car Ive ever owned or driven. This (rear wheel drive) car is very sure-footed. Grips the road even when you add a little water. The handling is just superb! Love that Advance Trac. The Select Shift too! For around forty grand, this vehicle is a work of art!!!

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  "Warning" Prospective Lincoln Owner - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Rosie - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Lincoln new. 3 months after the manufacturers warranty expired and only 46,500 miles driven, I started experiencing problems; first the ignition coils($600 aftermarket), the air conditioner($400), parking brakes, brake rotors, pvc tube, etc. I wrote Ford-Lincoln numerous times, but they have refused to take responsibility. Dont be deceived, after more research, Others have experienced the same problems. These are common problems with the Lincoln models, I dont understand why there have not been a recall?

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  Not your fathers lincoln - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By LSGrin - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Benchmarked to the BMW 530. Luxo performance drivers car. Very balanced. Bring on the twisties for the "LS grin." For good information, see the Lincoln LS Owners Club on line (30 days free membership). Definitely not your fathters Lincoln. More like, "How Rod Lincoln" by Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen. Much improved over the earlier iterations (before 2003)in all respects -- the NY Times review on line is out of date and does not do it justice.

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  Review - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By MB1 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable and attractive, but with build quality that Ford should be ashamed of. Have owned Lexus in the past and BMW currently, dealer has no clue how to sell or treat the customer base that they are trying to attract. Dealer does not live up to any commitments made during the sales process.