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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  2002 lincoln LS v-8 - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By jeff7802 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  fit and finish on car is very poor. car has a number of rattles that the vehicle was delivered with. paint quality very poor. my local dealer takes numerous service attempts to do anything. then accomplishes nothing. if this is LINCOLNS new vehicle for my generation. car quality needs to be much better, and dealer support needs a lot of help. its no wonder ford is loosing market share.

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  American luxury at its best - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By golfnut - January 27 - 1:20 am

  Traded in my 02 LS for the 06 LS. What a shame that Lincoln has decided to table this car - it is simply fantastic. Compared this car to the BMW 5 series. The Lincoln has as many, if not more luxury features at a fraction of the price. Handles smoothly and has great looks. It is a real head turner. Lincoln finally corrected the lack of interior space and added 17 inch wheels. The gas mileage is not great, but it is not terrible either. It is comparable to other cars in this class. The LS is a blast to drive and it will not break the budget. My out the door price before the trade was $33,268.

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  Unless you make six figures...DONT BUY - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Procks55 - January 26 - 2:16 am

  I bought this when I was in my early twenties before I knew about researching a vehicle, now in my late twenties I know better. I understand vehicles come with some repairs however my list of repairs are ridiculous: Plugs, Coils and Valve cover gaskets replaced on both sides twice, new transmission, new alternator, two bad wheel bearings, bad ball joint, two window regulators (my fault) and my favorite feature is when it is super cold in our MN winters it doesnt like to start very much. What a joke, some of the things listed could pertain to my driving habits but not all of them. All in all unless you are a millionaire forget about it.

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  LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By rhahnke - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Defines excellence in every way, always an eye catcher where ever I go.

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  Happy and safe driving - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By john Steinbruck - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We are extremely pleased--especially with admiring comments.

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  Best Sleeper in its Class - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Todd - January 24 - 8:13 am

  This car is amazing. The perfomance and handling are a major surprise. I am extremely pleased with the smooth ride and handling characteristics at highway speed.

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  Never again - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By kirkyrt - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for 6 months and have already had to have 3 coils changed and the radiator fan. Not only has it been unreliable but the road noise is herendous. I can barely hear my self think. If Lincoln LS is considered to be a luxury sports car then they have a long way to go.

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  Everything I thiught it would be - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By RA Jensen - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. After 5000 miles, not a single problem or defect of any kind.

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  Sport Sedan Upgrade - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Percy Mack - January 14 - 7:36 am

  My used 2001 LS sold me on this model, so I purchased a 2004 LS in the summer of 2004. I was pleased then and am still pleased after 95000K. The handling is what sold me on this model Lincoln. On long trips using the cruise control net me about 400+ miles per tank. City driving is not so good. Lincoln need to bring this model back. Some factory warranties were still in effect after my regular warranty had expired. When the service department told me that it would be no cost, I was quite pleased. I have had no major problems and hope to drive this one until another one appear in the show windows.

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  2006 LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Mike - January 2 - 12:10 pm

  I had a 2000 and 2001 LS. With Lincolns unwise demise of the LS, I decided we needed the last of the breed. As my (2000) LS has over 100K miles and the 2001 had only 60K, we traded in the 2001. We got Dark Cherry with black interior. This car is light years ahead of my 2000. Granted, mine has the V6 and the 06 is the V8, but acceleration is quick and plentiful! Fit and finish is second to none. The car is very tight. It handles better than my 00. The interior is as a Lincoln should be. With the tilt/tele steering wheel and adjustable pedals, it is easy to get the correct position. The NAV is easy to use, and the directions are easily followed. The THX system is outstanding!