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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  Lincoln LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By sjsjsjsjsjsj - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had several electrical problems with this vehicle. When I step on it, the transition is VERY rough. It jerks into the next gear.

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  Not a bad luxury car. - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Mike Taylor - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Great handling car, lousy center console (cant even find a place to put sunglasses or even a pen). Plastic console construction squeeks terribly. Otherwise, besides the rear window mechanisms falling apart with the windows dropping into the doors (03 Ford has admitted design flaw and warranties window assemblies up to 50k miles). Overall, great car, fun to drive, kind of bland looking, but who cares. Resale value is surprisingly low, which if I was looking for a nice used luxury car, a 00 LS V8 with 50k miles is a steal at $16K.

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  Love my LS to death - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rich D - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I love the car so much it gives me the look of style and class and the performance is awsome, 2 thumbs up

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  Love at First Site - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Buffalo Springer - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Only had it a week, but the car struck me the first time I laid eyes on it. Smooth understated power, there when you need it. Very quiet cabin.

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  Quality at an affordable price - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By luckyjackg - September 24 - 7:10 am

  Having had similiar type automobiles, I was pleasantly surprised by the handling and pick up this Lincoln had. It handles like a car half its size. People have commented that I must be doing extremely well in life, as the car looks very expensive. It has been confused with a Jaguar (same platform).

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  LS Lincoln Review - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Ron Brush - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Great handling, acceleration & braking. Extremly comfortable

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  LS review - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By cactus - August 30 - 8:56 pm

  great look, great features, great comfort. sound system is magnificent, promoted as very quiet - and it really is- road noise is not an issue.

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  great car so far - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By circlea - August 12 - 2:00 am

  i love this car!! i traded in a 2000 Ls and boy what a difference in the two cars!!everything has been improved in my opinion. i love driving this car.i never seem to get tired of driving it. there is more storage, better sound system, more horsepower and lots more upgrades.

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  LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Wilma Renyer - July 19 - 10:00 am

  last car was a continental, loved it but feel our LS is a step up even though it is a bit smaller. Cannot tell any differance from the v-8 to a v-6 in driving performance

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  Best Car I ever drove - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By hmm - July 8 - 1:06 pm

  I have owned my 2001 LS (V8 Sport) for 7 months. A great handling / performance car. Compares well with BMW 5 series for a lot less money. The early bugs seemed to have been worked out. If you are considering a Lexus GS, BMW 5, Audi A6, Acura or Mercedes E, drive this car before buying. Then use the savings to buy your wife a new car so she will not take away your LS