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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  Car of the Year? - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By IF6WERE9 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Was I mistaken or was this a "Motor Trend Car of the Year"? If so, you have to wonder who paid off who. Im sorry, but I would expect more from a "car of the year". It has 63,000 miles on it and in the year Ive had it, Ive had to replace both motors in the rear electric windows, ball joints, and a T- valve for the AC (the passenger side blew hot while the drivers side blew cold). The dealer tells me I should really have the front end aligned every 5-6K miles or the tires wear out prematurely. If you have a phone in the console, youre out of storage space. Come on Ford, wheres your quality control!!

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  So Far, So Good! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By KHoffman - December 9 - 9:36 am

  Ive had my Lincoln LS for one year now and have had no problems whatsoever. The 252 HP V8 delivers very good acceleration and passing other cars is a breeze. Fuel economy is the cars one weak spot. The transmission is smooth shifting (nearly as smooth as my old Buick Regal) and throttle input is good. I bought the LSE trim which has a firmer suspension than the standard LS, so road imperfections are more noticable, but the ride is by no means harsh. The trunk is large enough, but fairly shallow. Even though the design is conservative, it still gets attention from onlookers because there are so few on the road. The LS is everything a luxury car should be.

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  ls review - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By ljbrac - December 5 - 2:00 am

  i love my lincoln LS is is fun to drive and very confortable. the h eated seats are the best.

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  Great Car but........ - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By BANKS FAMILY - December 5 - 2:00 am

  First and foremost, this is a great baby lincoln. It was perfect for my adorable wife to drive to work in and I loved seeing her in it. That being said, the build quality was shabby. It is in the shop alot for buttons falling off or power windows or headlights. Really fun to drive when on the road.

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  Josies LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By josieb - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2000 Lincoln LS V8, Ivory Parchment color with taupe interior. After driving this car for 3 years, the performance is still excellent. I get great gas mileage and have had no mechanical problems. This is a "classy" vehicle & it has proven to be very durable. I found three negative aspects about this vehicle. One, the "blind spot" between the front and rear windows; two, the cup holders will only fit a regular sized container; three, the front passenger seat does not adjust beneath the knees. I love MY LS, this is a lease vehicle and my lease. I have not found another vehicle that I like more and will either purchase this one or lease a new one.

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  60000 Miles and going strong!! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By BROKERNOK - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive not had any problems with my LS, love the ride and looks. The stereo could be a little better and come on Lincoln, put it together better. I cant wait for the LSE, 360HP and a 6 speed!!

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  First but not my last Lincoln - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Steve G - November 9 - 7:23 am

  I purchased my Lincoln LS just a few weeks ago and so far Im very impressed. The interior is not flashy, Ford calls it understated, and I appreciate the visual smoothness. Power and driving experience are exceptional and make the car fun to drive. The interior is comfortable for a 61 driver, with plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustments. Im getting tons of honest compliments on the car and as many requests to take it for a drive. Its too new for me to comment on gas mileage but if I can get 20 MPG average with this smooth and fast V8, Im more than happy. The Audiophile sound system is awesome as are the chrome 17 inch wheels. The leather is stiff but I hope it softens with time.

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  Really Great Automobile - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By dhoening - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems since new. With 36,000 miles now, still a blast to drive, and my wife wont let me even think about replacing it anytime soon. Lincoln has a hit on their hands and should leave this one alone!

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  disappointed - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By JR - November 2 - 12:53 am

  I still like the look of this car and it is fun to drive when it works. Seem to have constant problems with it and nothing is ever inexpensive to fix. Just spent over three weeks going between a mechanic and Ford trying to figure out what was wrong (it would miss while idling). We think it is finally fixed after replacing all the boots and coils. I am not trusting that we wont have more problems soon. Our regular mechanic wont touch it. We tried to sell it and no one wants it even though the interior and exterior is in excellent condition. I thought I was getting a high end, high quality car. I have owned several Fords before. I am now questioning if I want to every buy another Ford.

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  Nice Looks, Poor Quality - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By 2000 LS Owner - October 22 - 2:00 am

  The car looks great and has many nice interior features and conveniences. From that perspective, I cant complain. However, I have spent way too much time taking this car to the dealership for repairs. The transmission was replaced at 22K miles. The new one is not much better. 4 Engine coils rusted out and were replaced. The build quality and materials used are definitely sub- standard. There are many rattles and vibrations and noises from the dashboard and the cabin in general. Many of them were fixed only to reappear. The car is an overall dissapointment. Last Lincoln I will buy!