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:

• 

  The best car I ever owned - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Rodney Smith - July 31 - 1:56 am

  This is my first Lincoln after owning two Sables. What a difference in the performance. I have the LS V8 Sport and the power is outstanding and the vehicle is very quiet free of wind noise. Appearance and styling are very good and gets quite a few glances when I drive by. Interior is very nice and the leather seats are very soft and comfortable. Stereo system is fantastic with the radio and the CD player. Overall this vehicle is very well put together and I hope to keep it for quite a while. Handling is exceptional in the rain and on snow. Very nice car.

• 

  LS V8 SPORT - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By RDEVERTSEN - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I PICKED THIS CAR UP ON JUNE 1ST AND DROVE IT CROSS COUNTRY WITHIN ONE WEEK. WHAT A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. PLENTY OF POWER AND GREAT HANDLING TOO. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS SMOOTHLY AND HANDLES ALMOST LIKE A MANUAL STICK. I THINK THE MAINTENANCE COVERAGE THAT COMES WITH THIS VEHICLE IS SUPERB

• 

  My Lincoln LS - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Jane & Wes Breschini - July 23 - 5:26 am

  My experience with my Lincoln LS has been very satisfactory. I had driven a GM Buick Park Avenue for 7 years and also had a good experience except, I wanted a smaller car but with the same amenities and quality as my Buick. I love this car....it is smaller in size and I ride in great comfort. I purchased it off the lot.......I had a list of what I wanted and there it was, color and everything with some extra features. I am 70 years old.

• 

  A "10" in the curves - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Tino - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Car owned: 2000 LS V8 w/Sport Suspension package. This is one of the BEST HANDLING sport sedans on the market; end of story. I am a driving enthusiast and will say that I push this car hard in the corners every chance I get. The LS responds by carving like a pair of giant slalom skis on packed snow. Torque is a bit low as this affects off- the-line acceleration. The car has muscular, yet sexy body lines. It is a dream to drive an own. Unfortunately, the wife steals it out of the garage before I can get my hands on the keys... Such is life.

• 

  Lincoln Quality Not! - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By W - July 13 - 10:20 pm

  Headlights kept filling with water when it rained, the rear windows failed open on a ski trip, the light in the stereo last about a week. They replaced the headlights three times with headlights that filled with water, told me I didnt know how to operate the stereo four times until they finally replaced the whole unit. Repair the windows twice. Then the plastic imitation chrome started flaking off the interior panels and the sun roofed leaked. The car started to idle like a D-10 CAT in a coal mine. Called in quits after a year and a whopping 8,000 miles, lemon lawed it and gave it a new home in the dealers junk yard. That was the same year Ford was "At Ford, quality is job one".

• 

  Good but could be great - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By maferwin - July 7 - 10:00 am

  This LS with a V8 is a powerful, well balanced car. However, the front is only comfortable if you are under 6 feet tall. The leg room in a long trip makes you wish you had walked there The front seats could have been made a little bit plusher and the design should allow for a bit more room on the "wings" that "hold" you in place. So when one gets in the leather is not scratched with your left back pocket. Other than that, the car is fairly well built. Of course is Ford made so you dont get the finished that you find on a comparable car of European descent or even Cadillac. Weve problem with all windows, fogged- up headlight & noise Would I buy another one? No

• 

  Time to let her go - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By Ollie - June 27 - 7:26 am

  I purchased this car for my wife and for the first 3 years of owning the car it was great. Slowly things started going wrong which I guess is normal. CD quit working, passeger door lock quit opening, gas door stopped opening, that kind of thing. at 89k it developed a spudder when you stepped on the gas. After some research I realized it was either one of two fuel pumps or a coil. Pumps were $300 bucks a piece, coils were $50 a piece. I have replaced one coil already and I liken it to performing surgery, not fun to work on this car at all. Its a great car when it runs well but a nightmare to work on and very expensive to maintain when things start going bad. Trade in value is horrible.

• 

  2000 Lincoln LS - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Jack - June 25 - 2:40 am

  Ride is great! Some items that have failed are not things I would have expected from a Lincoln. Headlamps, trunk leak, 3 window regulators so far, moonroof control button and seat back are main items that have failed. Brakes and tires wear quickly. Sorry to see it end its production. Hope new MKS will be just as exciting a ride. Lincoln needs a good Hot Rod.

• 

  Superb - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Octavio - June 24 - 7:30 pm

  I tested the $55,000 BMW and decided to save $15K, is not worth to spend that kind of cash for a very similar vehicle.

• 

  American Luxury - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Carrie61284 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  All that I have owned has been Lincolns except once I tried something new and got an Audi A4. It was the worst car I had ever owned, nothing but problems. Needless to say I now own another Lincoln!!!