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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  Great Ride - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By CXO - January 14 - 5:10 pm

  Great ride, great styling! But, prepare for a VERY expensive car to maintain with NO room in the trunk or glove compartment.

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  New car bargain - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By garsarno - December 19 - 5:30 pm

  Bought this new 2004 base LS, with the only option being the Ceramic White Metallic paint, MSRP of $33,295 for $22,000, with $5,000 rebate, additional $1,000 rebate for trading a Buick Park Ave, plus $5,295 additional dealer discount. For $22,000 - great car. Had to return for transmission adjustment (2-3 upshift) during first week.

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  Good Job America - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By d1a1s1 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car a week ago, instantly fell in love with it. Has a good balance of performance and comfort. Great V8 and havent had any transmission gripes as of yet. Think woodtrim could be a little more realistic as do others. Door locks should unlock once cars placed in park if there going to automatically lock once cars in motion. All in all great car. Good job America.

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  Good sports car not a family car - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Bring back the LS - December 4 - 5:06 pm

  I have had the vehicle for a few years now. I have had just a few problems with it. the valve cover gaskets leaked, the chrome on the inside of the rims had oxidated and potted out. I recently had to purchase new rims for the vehicle 8(. Over all the car has been a good car gets okay fuel mileage for a V8. Only thing i wish it had more of is storage room in the trunk and room in the car with 2 kids it can be a tight fit on long trips.

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  THE BEST AMERICAN SPORTS SEDAN - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By LOUIE CABALLERO - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE NEW 02 LS MODEL.I TRADED A 00 LS V8 FOR THE LSE V8. I AM IMPRESSED WITH THE BETTER RIDE QUALITY AND MUCH BETTER ENGINE PERFORMANCE.I AM ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF THE 03 V8 MODEL WITH ALL THE CAR ISSUES ADDRESSED. MUCH NICER INTERIOR AND INCREASED HP AND TORQUE. OVERALL AN EXCELLENT AMERICAN MADE CAR THAT DESERVES A TEST DRIVE IF YOU ARE IN THE MARKET FOR A BENZ,AUDI, OR BMW. TRUST ME YOU WILL BE VERY IMPRESSED HOW MUCH 40,000 CAN GET YOU.

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  SCORE ! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By birdmanjones - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Lincoln did a great job in breaking the mid size sport sedan market. Bigger with comparable performance to the BMW 5 without the "biff" image. Also nice that its not produced in mass numbers where theyre on every corner.

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  I love my Lincoln LS - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By WJS - November 17 - 2:33 am

  I bought this car in 2004 and it had 20,000 miles on it. I have loved it since the day I bought it. It is sporty and is so pretty when it is all cleaned up. The V-8 makes for wonderful performance. Ive looked on the internet and find that some new 6 cylinders dont get the mpg that I do with this one. (19 in the city and 26 on the highway)

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  Nothing but problems... - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By I hate this car - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I hope that I can just save people from wasting their money of this car. It has been nothing but troubles since the beginning. By the second week that I had the car it was in the shop for almost a month. They then gave it back to us, still not working properly, and then went back in for repairs for another 3 weeks. I just cannot tell you all of the aggravation and stress that this car has caused me. It has been the WORST car that I have ever purchased. I cant wait to get rid of it - also, Lincoln has been miserable to deal with and very unhelpful!

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  My Lincoln Ride - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Robert W. Blackwood - October 25 - 8:13 am

  I really enjoy my Lincoln. It is the second L S I have Owned. My first was a 2002 LS. The power is great. it is real Quick. I tested a Chrysler 300 hemi It was quick, but did not have the luxury feel of a Lincoln. My choice was the LS.

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  Milwaukee Lincoln LS V8 - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Taruntaev - October 16 - 10:00 am

  1. Had a very poorly shifting transmission, I took six months of complaining to the dealer, to the Ford Company directly, and then finally to the Lemon Law process to get the transmission fixed. The transmission works well now. 2. Was plaged by electrical problems that made the Lincoln just quit while driving. Requiring a tow from the Lincoln sponsored service. (It took 2.5 hours to get to me) The dealer finally found "loose ground screws". That appears to have solved the problem. 3. Developed a very bad oil leak from the power steering assembly. the dealer fixed it by replacing a deffective "quick change coupling" 4. Misc. I would feel safer if the Lincoln had other tires that Firestone.