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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  Kick butt LS - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By DUKE of DUKES - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Been looking at the LS for several years, finally bought one. I wished I would have bought one sooner, the car is a lux hot rod. So far it has lived up to its billing. Just wished Lincoln would get the word out on this vehicle.

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  Love this Hot Rod Lincoln - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By alfire - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive, that I look for places to go. The performance of the V8 is great, but the handling of this car is even better! I have added a K&N Filter and Magnaflow exhaust and just love the sound.

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  second lincoln LS - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By g.butler - April 30 - 2:00 am

  We really like the new LS we just bought,it is very fast and handles extremly well.The interior could be a little fancier but it is very acceptable.This one is much improved over the first one,although we didnt have any problems after the first month on that one[a 2000 Ls sport V6].The new one is an LS V8 sport 2003.

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  Better than ever! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Exit32 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2000 Lincoln LS V8 and loved that car. In fact, I bought a 2002 T- Bird for my wife mainly because the new T-Bird is based on the LS platform. When I heard about the improvements on the 2003 LS (e.g., more power, THX audio, GPS navigation system), I was first in line at my Lincoln dealer and ordered a new 2003 LS in October, 2002. I took delivery on New Years Eve and can confirm that my new LS is significantly better than my "old" LS. Responsiveness, steering precision, and ride comfort are all noticably improved. No "buyers remorse" here!

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  Good Vehicle - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By ucsader - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my LS for 4 months and I really like the vehicle. It is a great ride and much better than my previous Volvo S80 T-6. I do wish that there was a little more leg room for the back seat passengers. This is a good looking vehicle that attracts attention. The wood trim on the interior really dresses up the dash and I like the feel of the steering wheel.

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  good car - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By drvd1773 - April 21 - 9:33 am

  I traded my BMW 540I for a Lincoln and it has been great I am only 31 years old so I may not be your normal limcoln driver. The only problem is at around 70 mph the steering wheel has a vibration in it not something would expect in a car like this. It has done this sence the day I drove it off the lot but I guess not everything is perfect.

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  After all these years! - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Jerry Stratos - April 17 - 9:56 am

  After 3.5 years of owning a used Lincoln LS... Never again. :( Especially taking new dates on ventures where you smell smoke buring off the engine because of a valve cover gasket leak... As I go down the highway the sterring wheel shakes vigorously and I assure her everthing is safe. :O Last but not least... I refill my tires with air because I dont have the money to replace my corroding rims that are decaying from the inside out. This car has cost me more money than it was worth... I should kept my old 87 Honda Accord that I sold for 500 bucks! No wonder our beloved automakers are losing ground against the foreign competition...

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  I love it - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Lewis - April 8 - 5:36 am

  I love this car! great handling good power great sound system. I love this car best car i ever owned.i cant find 1 fault great job. keep up the good work lew

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  Great Car - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By RCC - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my Lincoln. The power is adequate and the comfort is exceptional. I am looking forward for an improved power version of this vehicle in the future (320 - 350 horse power).

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  Love / hate relationship - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Ronster7 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2001 LS V8 Sport with almost all of the options. I have had non-stop problems with this car. Anywhere from non-start conditions (still happening after many repair attempts), leaking oil, suspension problems, fuel filter problems, many computer updates, radio replacements, etc. Poor quality after 27k miles my suspension is fading way too much. I take care of this vehicle and it simply is poor quality. Lincoln customer service is terrible for the class of this vehicle.