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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  Fun, but,... - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By SactoRed - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 5 speed used w/3k (company car). Only problems have been with rear window regulators (repalced 2x). Not much low end torque but a blast to drive once I switched tires and the engine seemed to loosen up. Fit and finish better than the town car it replaced, paint also holding up better. Drove a V8 loaner and loved the extra power - missed the shifter.

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  Best car I have owned - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By Steve Timm - October 27 - 5:00 pm

  Everything about this car shouts performance and quality. It is everything a BMW or Mercedes is, but better because it is AMERICAN! If there is anything I would change , I would give the back seats a little more leg space. At 63" I have to move the driver seat forward to provide enough leg room for anyone older than 10. My knees almost touch the dash which is not comfortable for any lenght of time. Otherwise a great car.

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  2006 Lincoln LS - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By C. Rose - October 25 - 6:36 pm

  I love this car! The ride is great! I cant believe that this car is being discontinued. This is the kind of car that Ford Motor Co should build around. American luxury that is amazing to drive no matter how you drive! This car is a keeper!

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  It brought me back to american cars - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Fl Driver - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned three foreign cars before this great car. When looking for a sedan i looked at the BMW 540 and Infiniti G35, and the LS blew them all away. From handling, look, and dealer the LS is great. Now i enjoy driving to work everyday. The ride it solid and the power from the V8 is great. Just a nice all around car to own.

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  LEMON! - 2005 Lincoln LS
  By buffmatt12 - October 15 - 4:10 pm

  This car is a problem machine! I bought my 2005 lincoln ls ultimate v8 a few years ago with 22k on it. I loved it for about a week because it looks nice,drives nice, and has every option you could ever want. As soon at the warrenty was at 50k the nightmare began! rear control arm went rims need to be replaced,air conditioning broke,colling system went, 3 wheel bearings,more cracks in the cooling system,7 coil packs, power window broke, electric parking brake switch went,advanced track needed service , leaking rear differential,driver seat moter, and now the power steering is acting up. all dealer repairs coasting over $6K .This really is the car from hell! DONT BUY!!!!!!

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  As Good AS My 3 and 7 Series - 2006 Lincoln LS
  By krscpa - October 15 - 5:40 am

  After two months this is the Ultimate Driving Machine. On par with my 1997 BMW 328ic and 1999 BMW 740i. Great balance in performance and luxury. Gas mileage was better than expected at average of 24 MPG. THX/NAV system sounds excellent and NAV system is user friendly. Interior very classic and comfortable.

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  B2B WARRANTY is an ABSOLUTE MUST - 2001 Lincoln LS
  By NoVaAgent - September 29 - 7:13 am

  I thought I had it rough until reading some of these reviews. Turns out my experience was average: bought at 45000, currently 72000. During that time: rear valve cover gasket, two window motors, cruise control, steering wheel stereo controls, memory seat, sunroof, AC, 100% COVERED BY AFTERMARKET WARRANTY. Service trips- fixed the 1st time maybe 50% of the time. **The key here is, the bang for the buck on this car when buying used is awesome. But as an owner, you soon realize the catch, lots of problems, some small, some large, lots of service trips, tons of time wasted. what I find most unnerving about these poor reviews- there seems to be little pattern in the problems- whats next?

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  Great Car - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Jackofms - September 28 - 1:03 am

  Even though it is a 6, this is the best driving car Ive had.

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  My second LS - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Manolakas - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second LS and I like the car. It has plenty of power and is very comfortable. I always have foriegn luxury car owners stare andcompliment my car. The only real problem is the stereo. My first LS came with a 12-speaker Alpine; it was the best stereo I ever heard. The latest LS has a 12-speaker Audiophile; it is terrible. If you get the car, upgrade to the THX system; it has to be better.

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  Lincoln LS Rules! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Mr Lincoln - September 14 - 10:00 am

  The Lincoln LS is a awesome machine hands down and if you dont think so it means you havent ever driven one... The handling is great, power is good from the V8, it looks great... Yes, of course there can be improvements - and we all know about the interior storage, cupholders, armrest, yes the trunk hinges get in the way - but overall a 9 out of 10...