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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  windows - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By anc - May 26 - 2:23 am

  the exact same thing happened to my rear windows as the previous review. The windows have been fixed 4 times-first it was a cable then the dealer said an electronic sending unit. No matter the building quality is still ford.

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  I hate my car. Ready to trade in - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By I HATE MY LS - April 29 - 11:13 pm

  I purchased the 02 LS V8 three years ago and have had nothing but problems and costly repairs. It is a nice car to look at but is not worth the hassle.. Every part including tires are pricey. I will never by a Ford/Lincoln again. Gas mileage is bad. If thinking about buying one, do not!

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  Lincoln LS one week - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By lincolndrvr - April 22 - 11:50 pm

  Recently bought used LS v8 Sport with 16K mi. Great deal at $19.5K. My previous car was older Bmw 740. I was surprised how stiff suspension was in the LS. Feels more like new Mustang GT than any Lincoln. Ride much firmer than BMW. Steering is very tight. Id prefer a slightly softer ride and a little less impact over bumps. LS is very quick, engine smooth and shifts are firm, but occasionally transmission seems to get confused. Seats are fairly comfortable, not too soft or firm. Interior quality is OK except dash looks a little rubbery. For the price, a used LS is a great car. While not quite on par with a BMW it looks good and provides great performance.

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  Love it - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Love It - April 19 - 12:16 am

  This car is everything! It has speed and european styling. Plus if youre buying used you can get a hell of a deal on them.

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  What a mistake!! - 2003 Lincoln LS
  By Ouch!! - March 31 - 3:50 pm

  I bought this car after testing Jaguar, BMW and the CTS. First luxury car - hoped for 100-200K luxury trouble free miles - what a piece of junk!! Two transmission jobs, hauled twice on a flatbed to the dealer as would not start, brake problems - emergency brake sticking, headliner kept falling down around the top roof braking light - one problem after another - very, very disappointing. Dealer finally gave me an extended warranty for 70k miles - the car has been in the shop for over 7 weeks altogether - I will never buy another Ford or Lincoln product!!

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  Sports Coupe in a Sedans Body - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By RazorUte - March 31 - 9:03 am

  I recently purchased this vehicle and really have enjoyed it. I swore that I would never buy a Ford. Well....this is the best Ford I have ever sat in. It is fun and has plenty of stock power. Handling is great. The radio and cruise controls on the steering wheel dont always function properly. A few other issues but overall this a great car.

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  Long Run with the LSV8 - 2004 Lincoln LS
  By Terry Gannon - March 30 - 12:16 pm

  Bought the LS Sport with V8 loaded when it was a year old from turned out to be disreputable Lincoln dealer in Gainsville,FL. After I got home noticed right front door slight different color shade than rest of car. Round and round with lying dealer, had to pay for repaint. Lincoln is the worst of dealers. In 4 times for door rattle, and never fixed. Door window failures, door lock replaced. Replaced 7 of 8 ignition coils, one at a time each visit, Lincoln would not fix all at once. Getting ready to trade it in with 97k, it has been a good friend. WILL NEVER BUY LINCOLN AGAIN. Looking at my FIRST import ever owned at age 62, Accura TL, cant fight the US made fight any longer, I surrender.

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  Fun Car, Stylish, not worth the Repairs - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By notsoavgcarguy - March 25 - 10:32 am

  Where to start? I bought this car used back in 2008 with about 70,000 miles on it. I loved it when I bought it - excellent power, quick, superb handling, beautiful car inside and out. Then it started to drain my account. Once it hit 90,000 miles it started to fall apart. I had to replace the front ball joints, $1,000. Because its a Jag with a Lincoln brand, youre paying for foreign parts along with extremely high labor due to its tight fit and weird part locations under the hood. You should know this up front. Coils and Valve Cover Gaskets ran me about $1,000. Air bag light was always on though I never bothered to have that checked out. I babied this car and it just took my money.

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  Beware Long-Term owners of the LS! - 2002 Lincoln LS
  By Michael Lawlor - March 12 - 7:46 pm

  The long term ownership experience of this vehicle falls of rapidly. This car is great for the first 2 years if you can put up with the lousy gas mileage. Beyond that, youre taking your chances because the cost of ownership goes through the roof due to intermittent but nagging repairs.

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  Too Much Maintanance - 2000 Lincoln LS
  By Esanchez4 - March 9 - 2:50 pm

  Too much maintenance. I purchased this vehicle with 75,000 miles but it started giving me a lot of costly problems at around 90,000 miles, mostly coming from the engine that averaged at least $1,000 each repair - 4 repairs-. Performance was poor in handling, it didnt hv good turning capability. A lot of little things kept breaking on the car sensors, switches, knobs, windows motor,etc. I would not recommend too anybody about purchasing this car. -Very Unsatisfied-