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 Car - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By lovemylincoln - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive never had a problem with this car. It has great power and acceleration, easy to use controls, and is very comfortable. My only complaint is that the heated seats cycle off and the front leg room is a little short.

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  Wow! What an improvement! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By chicago ls owner - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 LS V8 for the new Premium Sport V8. Even though I loved my old LS, the new one blows it away! There is more room up front, it is much quieter, and I love the new heated and cooled seats. Interior finish is much nicer. So many little changes add up to a much better car. I even test drove a BMW 5 series, and like the LS for what you get for the money. I give it a big thumbs up...

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  LS v8 - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Frank - January 2 - 12:23 pm

  Bottom line great car. Very pleased. It is comparable to ANY luxury car. This is a rare occassion since its american. But this has class and sophistication along with power. This is comparable to any bmw or mercedes. Take my word for it

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  My New Baby! - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By Mr_Ken - December 11 - 9:10 am

  I finally got the car Ive wanted for 4 yrs! Traded in my Avalon, for a sporty and more comfortable car. Ive tried BMWs (3,5,7) and the 3&5 were painful to sit in, the 7 was maybe equal but a few k more... The Lexus, Toyotas, Nissan, Acura, Honda, Infiniti never had the right mix and most had too much lumbar support that couldnt be backed off enough (my Avalon had front bench seat). I dont expect to get the high miles Ive gotten with my Toyota, but I sure am going to have a lot more fun and comfort when trying to get there! I know I irritated lots of salemen with 30+ test drives, but I put on the miles and I dont want to sacrifice if I dont have too and I dont!

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  Lincoln LS review - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Robert L - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The cars performance and handling is terrific..it has been a fun to drive car.

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  Never buy first model year - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By jerryb - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is great while under warranty 5 yr/48K miles. While the engine and power train perform well, the car was thrown together without much concern for maintenance. The climate control never works correctly, and $800 to fix, the themostat sticks $400 to repair as its under the engine(happened twice). The valve covers leak oil and it $400 to replace gaskets as all sorts of stuff has to be removed to get at it. The window regulators are cheap plastic and break($200 to fix). Heated seats broke twice. Back of seat panel falls off, Great looking car, just sell it or get an extended warranty before it runs out.

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  This vehicle is pretty amazing - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By McLovin - December 2 - 8:56 pm

  I have always liked the design of the Lincoln LS. Its smooth lines and luxurious interior give a lot of imports a reason for concern. The lines look very similar to that of the Mercedes Benz E-Class of recent years. Though at this point you will only find it used, buying one will be all but disappointing. I found a 2006 with 7900 miles on it and its incredible. The V8 power kicks when you need it, the interior has every amenity you can possibly need and the overall appearance of the LS is solid. Rumor has it that Lincoln will introduce an MKS in mid 2008 (They have the MKZ and the MKX now). Is it reintroduction if the LS? Well have to wait and see.

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  Wow - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By lumby - November 19 - 5:45 am

  Recently picked up a 2000 ls v8 with sport package. The car is as clean as a whistle. Ive owned bmw, mercedes, jaguar, saab, acura, infinitis, dodges, fords, chevys.....this is in my top 5 of cars... Beautiful looking, and that slight growl of the v8 under the hood hits a perfect note. The seats are comfortable yet supproting, the stereo is amazing, the cockpit feel is amazing.In fact my last bmw was a 2000 540i and believe the acceleration on the lincoln is peppier and more refined. I would never buy one new, but for a mere $2300 for this car, you really cannot go wrong. If you want some fun, refinement, and not look like too pretentious this is the ride. You must make sure its clean!

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  Dont waste your money!!!! - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By cgoodwin - November 10 - 9:43 pm

  A headache is all you will get from this car! So far, the transmission, 3 window motors, air conditioning valves, 2 thermostats, water container, and center control console have all been replaced. The chrome around the door handles are peeling off, control buttons are falling off....the car is the most expensive piece of crap Ive ever owned. I had a rental car for the entire 03 summer because they couldnt fix the problem. Ford has terrible customer service!! They do not stand behind there product at all. When the thermostat was replaced 2 months in a row, Ford quickly claimed, "Ford does not warranty the parts. It is preventative maintenance."

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  2002 Lincoln LSE...American Advantage - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By ronniepoh - October 29 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT vehicle. Powerful, smooth V8 power. EXCELLENT Chassis. (aluminum suspension really makes the car nimble and well balanced). Overall, it performs on par, if not better, than a BMW 5 series. Reliability has been excellent. A highly under rated vehicle. I highly suggest driving one before purchasing any other sedan.