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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  LOVE This Car! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Deb - April 24 - 5:10 am

  Bought new, hitting 115,000 miles now, and still going strong. It is a beautiful car inside and out. I keep thinking its getting old and maybe I need to replace it, but I cant find a comparable car in size, quality, luxury features, comfort, performance, and "reasonable cost" anywhere. The seats are also extremely comfortable - even on very long rides. It also has the "get up and go" needed when youre entering highways, passing, etc. I have always kept it up, and I still get many compliments on its look/style. I really wish Lincoln would come out with this again.

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  Disappointing LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Brendan - April 19 - 7:56 pm

  I purchased my 05 LS V6 used with 19000 miles on it with high hopes. I planned on keeping it for many years and was happy with the deal I got on it ($18795). About 6 months after purchasing this vehicle I had to have the transmission serviced for a shifting problem. The following winter I had the car in service 3 times for various problems(burning oil smell which turned out to be silinoid rails, a cracked throttle body and a leaking transmission hose). I owned the car for almost two years and am now forced to part with it because the warranty is almost gone and I was not smart enough to purchase an extended one up front(current cost $4100). Be ready for a car with high maintenence..

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  I love it but needs more room - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By tailogan - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Well i have had this car since last year november and i have only had minor problems with it so far but over all it is a champion it does the job with a whole lot of power plus i have hooked up a little so that ir rides really good...but over all i think it is a great car

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  2002 LS SPORT - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Ringmaster - April 5 - 8:16 am

  We purchased our LS Sport in October after looking at BMWs etc. We are totally happy about the decision to do the LS. It is the best handeling highway/back road automobile I have ever driven. I really feel the LS is a sleeper, a BMW on steriods at a $15K -$20K savings. Maybe more considering it has the wheelbase of a 7 series. Ill give up that last 10th of performance and luxury and with the savings get off the road on weekends and go sailing with the money I saved.

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  Say No to Ls - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Chris - April 4 - 7:03 am

  This is a awsome vehicle when running. At 99k the engine threw a rod which Ford could not replace.the lower ball joints went out which cost big bucks.It has cost a lot of money to own.I do want to point out that if your ls miss fires check for oil around the spark plug because it will leak oil int that area.

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  2006 LS-last on the lot - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By J. Pasquale - April 3 - 6:20 pm

  I looked at a number of large sedans-- ES & GS Lexus-BMW 5 -M45 Infiniti--- even a Toyota Avalon-- I drove this one last and bought it the same day- silver w/a black leather interior-The LS was by far the best value for the dollar (by thousands): rear wheel drive and balanced suspension and almost 300hp for plenty of pickup-It has a premium interior design--plenty of headroom- hip and leg comfort for a over 6 foot frame--- options include air & heated seats-- moonroof, smart keys, etc..a complete package with the exception of navigation--but this was the last one on the lot.

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  2006 Lincoln LS....Great Car! - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By GML - March 31 - 12:20 am

  The 2006 LS is a great car that should not have been discontinued! The current MKZ lacks a V8 engine, and therefore, is not as fun to drive. My mother had an 02 LS and an 04 LS. The 06 is fun to drive and has great pick-up and power. The interior is comfortable and well-designed in my opinion. Like the Continental, which was also a great car, Lincoln no longer makes the car. However, if youre looking to buy a used car, then check out the LS!

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  Looks brand new - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Stacy - March 30 - 7:46 am

  I love the way this car looks and drives. No one ever believes that the car is 5 years old now. It looks good!

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  Lincoln LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Vaughn - March 20 - 7:03 pm

  All around its the best car Ive owned. My biggest complaint is the size and placement of the cup holders.

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  my first luxury sport car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By sassy954 - March 19 - 5:46 pm

  great car few problems that can be fixed by visiting dealer very reliable great passing power